The stringent requirements have led to concerns among US industry players, says the report by the US trade representative.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s halal requirements are more prescriptive than international practices, according to a recently released report by a US agency.
For one, Malaysia requires that all imported meat, besides pork and animal-based products, including dairy products, obtain halal certification from an approved foreign halal certification body as a condition of entry.
Specifically, the report by the US trade representative, stated that Malaysia requires slaughter plants to maintain dedicated halal production facilities.
These plants must also segregate storage and transportation facilities for halal and non-halal products.
In contrast, relevant international practices allow for halal food to be prepared, processed, transported or stored using facilities that have been previously used for non-halal foods, provided that Islamic cleaning procedures have been observed.
“US industry has expressed concerns regarding the cost of creating new, segregated production facilities to access Malaysia’s market,” the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report, released on March 31, read.
The report went on to note that in addition to halal certification requirements, Malaysia requires that all meat, poultry and dairy facilities that export to the country be registered with the department of veterinary services (DVS).
“This process requires submission of an application with extensive supporting documentation for DVS review, which can take several months.”
Following the application review, meat and poultry products were subject to plant-by-plant on-site inspection by DVS and the Islamic development department, it said.
The US trade representative said updating the registration could involve additional delays of “weeks to months”.
US industry reports that the registration system is overly burdensome, creates significant delays and is unnecessary in light of the US’s long history of supplying safe animal products to Malaysia.
“Additionally, facilities that successfully complete the registration process with DVS continue to face challenges as a result of the extensive process.
“Minor differences between export certificate and facility details in the registration system can result in detained shipments that often take several days to weeks to clarify.”
