DGFT Extends Transition Period for Halal Certification of Meat Exports to Egypt

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Dated: 08.08.2026

DGFT Extends Transition Period for Halal Certification of Meat Exports to Egypt

The Government of India has announced a significant update regarding the export of meat and meat products to Egypt. Through Notification No. 28/2026-27, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on August 5, 2026, the transition period for implementing the mandatory India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS)-Halal certification has been extended. This article provides a detailed overview of the notification, its implications, and what exporters need to know.

Background: Halal Certification for Meat Exports

Halal certification is a critical requirement for exporting meat and meat products to several countries, including Egypt. The India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS)-Halal was introduced to standardize and streamline the certification process, ensuring that Indian meat exports meet the religious and regulatory requirements of importing countries.

Key Highlights of the Notification

Extension of Transition Period:
- The transition period for the mandatory implementation of i-CAS-Halal certification for exports to Egypt has been extended from six (6) months to nine (9) months from the date of the original notification (Notification No. 59/2025-26 dated 09.02.2026).
- This extension is designed to facilitate system readiness and allow sufficient time for the onboarding and accreditation of certification bodies under the i-CAS-Halal scheme.
Scope of the Notification:
- The amendment specifically applies to the export of specified meat and meat products to Egypt.
- All other provisions of the earlier notification remain unchanged.
Reason for Extension:
- The extension aims to ensure a smooth transition by providing additional time for Egyptian Halal certification bodies to complete the necessary onboarding and accreditation processes.

What Does This Mean for Exporters?

More Time for Compliance: Exporters now have a total of nine months from February 9, 2026, to comply with the new i-CAS-Halal certification requirements for shipments to Egypt.
System Readiness: The extension allows both Indian and Egyptian stakeholders to prepare for the new certification regime, minimizing disruptions in trade.
Accreditation of Certification Bodies: Certification bodies seeking to operate under the i-CAS-Halal scheme have additional time to complete their accreditation, ensuring a robust and credible certification process.

Example Scenario

Suppose an Indian meat exporter was concerned about meeting the original six-month deadline for i-CAS-Halal certification. With the extension, the exporter now has until November 9, 2026, to ensure all products destined for Egypt are certified under the new scheme. This reduces the risk of shipment delays or rejections due to non-compliance.

Conclusion

The extension of the transition period for i-CAS-Halal certification is a proactive step by the Indian government to support exporters and certification bodies. By providing additional time for system readiness and accreditation, the government aims to ensure uninterrupted trade with Egypt and uphold the quality and compliance of Indian meat exports.

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Source: DGFT

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