Saudi Accreditation Center Authorizes Halal Certifiers in Brazil, Australia

The Saudi Accreditation Center (SAC) today authorized two halal certification bodies, one in Brazil and one in Australia, following comprehensive on-site assessments to ensure compliance with the Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization’s GSO 2055-2 standards. This expansion, announced in Riyadh on July 30, 2024, via the Saudi Press Agency, extends SAC’s global network and reinforces the Kingdom’s leadership in halal certification, facilitating market access for international producers targeting the Saudi market.

Context and Background

SAC, the national accreditation body for Saudi Arabia, is responsible for ensuring that certification bodies meet the highest technical, administrative, and Sharia-based criteria. By authorizing certifiers in Brazil and Australia—two major agricultural and livestock exporters—SAC is aligning these key markets with the GSO 2055-2 standard, which sets unified halal requirements across the Gulf region. This move follows SAC’s ongoing strategy to expand its international footprint and enhance trust in the global halal supply chain.

Key Details

Through rigorous on-site assessments, SAC verified that the newly accredited bodies meet strict criteria covering every stage of the halal supply chain, from livestock production and slaughter to food processing, packaging, and logistics. The authorization ensures that products certified by these bodies will be recognized by Saudi authorities, simplifying import procedures and boosting consumer confidence. SAC emphasized its commitment to collaborating with domestic and global partners to drive the halal industry forward, as stated in the official release.

Implications and Impact

This authorization opens new opportunities for Brazilian and Australian businesses to export halal products to Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest halal markets. For Brazil, a leading beef exporter, and Australia, a key supplier of lamb and dairy, accreditation under GSO 2055-2 reduces trade barriers and enhances competitiveness. The move also strengthens Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub for halal standardization, promoting transparency and reliability in international trade. By expanding its accredited network, SAC helps protect consumers and supports the growth of the global halal economy, which is projected to reach trillions of dollars in the coming years.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This development directly supports Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global leader in the halal industry and diversify its economy beyond oil. By establishing rigorous accreditation standards and expanding international partnerships, SAC is building a robust halal ecosystem that attracts foreign investment, boosts non-oil exports, and enhances Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a trusted player in global trade. This accreditation milestone underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to quality, transparency, and innovation in line with Vision 2030’s economic and social ambitions.

20 Questions

Q1. What did the Saudi Accreditation Center announce on July 30, 2024?

A1. The Saudi Accreditation Center authorized two halal certification bodies, one in Brazil and one in Australia, following comprehensive on-site assessments to ensure compliance with GSO 2055-2 standards.

Q2. Which standard do the newly accredited bodies comply with?

A2. They comply with the GCC Standardization Organization’s GSO 2055-2, which sets unified halal requirements across the Gulf region for products and supply chains.

Q3. Why are Brazil and Australia important for halal certification?

A3. Both countries are major exporters of agricultural and livestock products, such as beef from Brazil and lamb from Australia, making them key suppliers to Saudi Arabia’s halal market.

Q4. How did SAC verify the new certification bodies?

A4. SAC conducted comprehensive on-site assessments to verify that the bodies meet the highest technical, administrative, and Sharia-based criteria for halal certification.

Q5. What stages of the supply chain did SAC evaluate?

A5. SAC evaluated every stage, including livestock production, slaughter, food processing, packaging, and logistics, to ensure full compliance with halal standards.

Q6. What is the purpose of SAC’s accreditation program?

A6. The program aims to ensure that halal certification bodies worldwide meet rigorous standards, boosting trust, transparency, and consumer confidence in the global halal market.

Q7. How does this authorization benefit Brazilian exporters?

A7. It simplifies import procedures into Saudi Arabia, as products certified by accredited bodies are recognized by Saudi authorities, reducing trade barriers and enhancing market access.

Q8. How does this affect Australian businesses?

A8. Australian businesses, especially in lamb and dairy, can now export halal products to Saudi Arabia more easily, improving their competitiveness in the Kingdom’s growing market.

Q9. What role does SAC play in Saudi Arabia?

A9. SAC is the national accreditation body responsible for ensuring that certification and inspection bodies meet international and national standards, including halal requirements.

Q10. How does this support Saudi Vision 2030?

A10. It aligns with Vision 2030 by positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the halal industry, diversifying the economy, and boosting non-oil exports through international partnerships.

Q11. What is GSO 2055-2?

A11. It is a Gulf Cooperation Council standard that defines uniform halal requirements for products, including processing, handling, and certification, ensuring consistency across member states.

Q12. Why is halal certification important for international trade?

A12. It ensures products comply with Islamic dietary laws, enabling access to Muslim-majority markets like Saudi Arabia, which has a large and growing demand for halal goods.

Q13. How does SAC ensure transparency in halal certification?

A13. SAC uses rigorous on-site assessments, clear criteria, and collaboration with international partners to maintain high standards and accountability in the certification process.

Q14. What is the global significance of Saudi Arabia’s halal leadership?

A14. Saudi Arabia’s leadership sets benchmarks for quality and trust, influencing halal standards worldwide and supporting the growth of the global halal economy, valued at trillions of dollars.

Q15. How might this impact consumers in Saudi Arabia?

A15. Consumers gain confidence that imported halal products meet strict Saudi standards, ensuring authenticity and safety, which enhances trust in the market.

Q16. Does SAC collaborate with other countries?

A16. Yes, SAC works with domestic and global partners to drive the halal industry forward, including certification bodies in various countries to expand its accredited network.

Q17. What are the benefits for Saudi Arabia’s economy?

A17. It attracts foreign investment, boosts non-oil trade, and strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a hub for halal commerce, supporting Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals.

Q18. How often does SAC update its accredited list?

A18. SAC regularly reviews and expands its accredited certifiers based on demand and strategic priorities, as seen with this authorization for Brazil and Australia.

Q19. What criteria must certifiers meet for SAC accreditation?

A19. They must meet technical, administrative, and Sharia-based criteria, including compliance with GSO 2055-2, and pass comprehensive on-site assessments by SAC experts.

Q20. How can businesses apply for halal certification through these bodies?

A20. Businesses in Brazil and Australia can contact the newly authorized certification bodies to undergo evaluation and certification, ensuring their products meet Saudi standards for import.

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