The workshop titled “Halal Standards and Opportunities for Vietnam’s Processed Food Industry” was held on April 1, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in HCMC. The event was jointly organized by Quality Assurance and Testing Center 3 (QUATEST 3), the Association of Testing Laboratories of HCMC (Vinatest) and Informa Markets.
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Vietnam has officially introduced a comprehensive legal framework for the Halal sector through Decree No. 127/2026/ND-CP (issued on April 6, 2026). This milestone regulation strengthens quality management, conformity assessment and market development for Halal products and services, aligning Vietnam with international standards and practices.
Effective from June 1, 2026, organizations and individuals intending to label their products or services as Halal must declare applicable Halal standards prior to market circulation. The Decree sets out detailed provisions on quality requirements, labeling, traceability, testing, certification, inspection and enforcement, while also introducing policies to support the development of the Halal market in Vietnam.
The regulation applies to (1) producers, importers, exporters and businesses; (2) testing laboratories and certification bodies and (3) relevant regulatory authorities, excluding products for national defense and security purposes. Notably, Articles 5 and 6 require the declaration of applicable standards in full compliance with laws on product quality, standards and technical regulations.
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The Commission for the Standards, Metrology and Quality of Vietnam (STAMEQ) delegation conducted a study visit to Malaysia in December 2023
Chapter III further defines the framework for conformity assessment, covering the principles for Halal testing (Article 9) and certification (Article 10), requirements for Halal certification bodies (Article 11), and application dossiers for registration of certification activities (Article 12), the procedures for granting certification registration (Article 13), revocation of certification registration (Article 14), the use of the Halal certification mark (Article 15) and the recognition of Halal certification results issued by foreign organizations (Article 16).
In particular, Article 11 requires Halal certification bodies (1) to be legally established (2) operate a management system in accordance with TCVN 13888 or equivalent recognized standards and (3) employ at least two qualified Muslim auditors with appropriate academic qualifications, professional certifications and relevant auditing experience.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Tran Quoc Dung, Director of QUATEST 3, highlighted that Halal has evolved from a religious practice into a global economic sector valued at approximately USD 3 to 5 trillion. Notably, leading Halal exporters include non-Muslim-majority countries such as Brazil, while Southeast Asia is emerging as a dynamic hub, with Thailand among the key players.
Although Vietnam entered the Halal sector relatively late, its development has accelerated rapidly. To date, seven national standards (TCVN) have been issued, covering key stages of the supply chain, from animal feed and good agricultural practices to slaughtering and food processing, along with standards for Muslim-friendly tourism, Halal kitchens and certification bodies. The establishment of the Vietnam Halal Certification Authority (HALCERT) further strengthens institutional capacity.
Although Vietnam entered the Halal sector relatively late, its development has accelerated rapidly. To date, seven national standards (TCVN) have been issued, covering key stages of the supply chain, from animal feed and good agricultural practices to slaughtering and food processing, along with standards for Muslim-friendly tourism, Halal kitchens and certification bodies. The establishment of the Vietnam Halal Certification Authority (HALCERT) further strengthens institutional capacity.
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Cong Hoang from Institute for South Asian, West Asian and African Studies (ISAWAAS) - Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) described Halal as an “overlooked market” with vast potential across industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fashion and services such as tourism, logistics and finance. He emphasized the importance of a supply chain based management approach and expressed expectations for dedicated Halal industrial zones in Vietnam, particularly in HCMC.
Despite having a relatively small Muslim population (less than 50,000), Vietnam holds strong potential in the global Halal economy, supported by its agricultural export capacity, strategic geographic location and positive relations with Muslim countries. Many Vietnamese facilities have already achieved Halal or Muslim-friendly certifications in line with international conformity assessment standards.
Despite having a relatively small Muslim population (less than 50,000), Vietnam holds strong potential in the global Halal economy, supported by its agricultural export capacity, strategic geographic location and positive relations with Muslim countries. Many Vietnamese facilities have already achieved Halal or Muslim-friendly certifications in line with international conformity assessment standards.
Mr. Lu Van Trong from HALCERT shared insights at the workshop
and strong participation from businesses exploring opportunities in this growing market
The issuance of Decree No. 127/2026/ND-CP is expected to create a transparent legal corridor, boost exports and enhance international confidence in Vietnamese Halal products. Developed in alignment with global standards and Sharia principles, the Decree aims to strengthen trust among the global Muslim community.
As a technical partner, QUATEST 3 currently provides advanced DNA testing services to detect pork traces in food products, supporting Halal compliance and certification. With a solid legal foundation now in place, organizations like QUATEST 3 will continue to play a key role in ensuring quality and enhancing the global reputation of Vietnam’s Halal products.
IT&Promotion Dept.
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