Date of issue: 1 October 2024

Date of effect: 1 October 2024

Reference Number: MAA 2024-43

Attention

• Industry bodies – Dairy Australia, Infant Nutrition Council, Dairy Export Industry Consultative Committee, Australian Food and Grocery Council
• Dairy Export Establishments
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Central and Regional offices

Purpose

This Market Access Advice informs stakeholders of a new halal certification portal for the export of food and beverages to Saudi Arabia.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) understands a new halal portal has been introduced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia effective from 1 October 2024. Limited information has been received to date, although the department understands Saudi Arabia will require all halal certificates (including facility and shipment certificates) to be issued via the Saudi Halal Centre platform.

The department is working to clarify requirements of the new portal and will keep exporters updated via market access advices.

The department encourages all exporters to work with their importer and Halal Certifying Body to ensure that product meets importing country requirements, including halal certification. Should exporters encounter an issue with clearance of consignments, they should contact the department at exportstandards@aff.gov.au. 

Micor

The Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) will be updated to reflect this market access advice. The department encourages users of Micor to subscribe to the Micor update service for a commodity-specific email that lists changes that have been made the preceding week.

Further information

Contact exportstandards@aff.gov.au if you have any queries.

Please note that depending on your email settings, you may need to download pictures in this email. This can be done by selecting the 'Click here to download pictures' or 'Display images' prompt at the top of this email.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.