Joint statement by private sector chambers on Halal certification

Under the auspices of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), industry representatives met several times with a view to resolving the current issue with regard to Halal certified products.

The CCC had wide-ranging consultations with members of the Buddhist clergy and the All Ceylon Jamaiythul Ulama (ACJU).

Having considered the views of all parties, the following position and actions were agreed upon by the parties concerned and has been endorsed by the Chamber Of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL), Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCESL), and the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI):

1. The Halal certification procedures for manufactured Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) have never entailed any religious activities pre or post the manufacturing process. 2. The suggestion of having two sets of the same product (i.e. one Halal and one non-Halal) in the market is not feasible due to the enormous complexities it entails in sourcing, manufacturing and distributing two sets of products. Besides, two products of the same brand looking identical other than for the presence or absence of the Halal logo, will result in creating confusion among consumers.

3. Furthermore, given the limited space available on retail shelves, it will not be viable to display and sell both sets of products in a retail outlet.

4. Products sold in the Sri Lankan market are not required to display the Halal logo. However, companies may continue to obtain the Halal certification for their products on a voluntary basis to facilitate exports, etc., which will be issued free of charge by the ACJU.

5. Specialised outlets in Sri Lanka catering to foreigners may also sell products carrying the Halal logo at such outlets.

6. As all manufacturers carry substantial stocks of finished products and packaging material displaying the Halal logo, running down these stocks will require a considerable amount of time. As such, until all finished products and packaging material stocks displaying the Halal logo are exhausted, the market will have products with the Halal logo.

7. Manufacturers will begin the process of changing packaging immediately to ensure products without the Halal logo are available in the market.

As an industry we continue to be committed to serve the needs of all consumers by making available products that are safe and are of high quality that meet all statutory requirements of the country.