Streamlining Halal Certification Process for Meat and Meat Products: New Countries Added to the Export List

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Dated: 13.02.2026

Streamlining Halal Certification Process for Meat and Meat Products: New Countries Added to the Export List

The Government of India has taken a significant step towards enhancing the export framework for meat and meat products by streamlining the Halal certification process. Through Notification No. 59/2025-26, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on February 9, 2026, the list of countries eligible for the export of specified meat and meat products under the “India Conformity Assessment Scheme (I-CAS)-Halal” has been expanded. This move is expected to bolster India’s trade relations and open new markets for Indian exporters.

Key Highlights of the Notification

Expansion of Export Destinations: The notification amends the list of countries provided in Notification No. 34/2024-25, dated October 1, 2024, by adding 20 new countries to the export list. These countries are:
- Azerbaijan
- Uzbekistan
- Kazakhstan
- Tajikistan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Egypt
- Algeria
- Syria
- Lebanon
- Senegal
- Maldives
- Brunei
- Libya
- Tunisia
- Turkmenistan
- Yemen
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
- Kenya
- Morocco

This expansion is expected to create new opportunities for Indian exporters in regions such as Central Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.

Compliance Requirements: The notification emphasizes compliance with the “India Conformity Assessment Scheme (I-CAS)-Halal” for the newly added countries. The timeline for implementation is as follows:
- For all countries except Egypt: The compliance requirements will come into effect after a transition period of two weeks from the date of the notification (February 23, 2026).
- For Egypt: A longer transition period of six months has been provided to ensure system readiness and onboarding of certification bodies. Compliance will be mandatory starting August 9, 2026.
Existing Policy Conditions: All other policy conditions outlined in Notification No. 34/2024-25 remain unchanged. This includes:
- Certification by NABCB-accredited bodies.
- Adherence to importing country regulations.

Impact of the Notification

The addition of 20 new countries to the export list is a strategic move to strengthen India’s position in the global meat export market. By ensuring compliance with the I-CAS Halal certification framework, India aims to meet international standards and cater to the growing demand for Halal-certified products in these regions.

The inclusion of countries such as Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco highlights India’s focus on expanding trade ties with North Africa and the Middle East, which are significant markets for Halal-certified meat products. Similarly, the addition of Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan opens up new avenues for trade in a region with increasing demand for high-quality meat products.

Transition Periods for Compliance 

The phased implementation of compliance requirements demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for exporters and certification bodies. The two-week transition period for most countries allows exporters to adapt quickly, while the six period for Egypt ensures adequate time for system readiness and onboarding processes.

Conclusion

This notification marks a pivotal moment for India’s meat export industry, as it expands its reach to 20 additional countries under the I-CAS Halal certification framework. By adhering to international standards and regulations, Indian exporters can tap into new markets, strengthen trade relations, and contribute to the growth of the country’s economy.

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Source: DGFT

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