Frequently Asked Questions

Following is the list of questions we frequently receive from our overseas customers.
Be sure to contact us through contact form if you have more questions.

Basic information

Is MPJA a Japanese branch of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) or the Council of Indonesian Ulama (MUI)?
No. MPJA is an independent Halal certification body (HCB) officially recognized by JAKIM, MUI and the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT).
Does MPJA conduct an audit based on JAKIM or MUI standards?
Although MPJA is mutually recognized by JAKIM and MUI, it is still an independent body, so it does audit based on its own standard which heavily incorporates the JAKIM/MUI requirements. MPJA also has its own Fatwa committee which makes the final decision on Halal certification/verification.

On factory

Is Halal certification difficult without establishing a fully Halal premise?
In principle, yes, but depending on the on-site condition, it may be possible to obtain Halal certification based on production lines. Please inquire us for further information.
We use multiple factories to produce. Should each factory receive Halal certification and on-site audit?
Yes. Depending on the number of factories, there is a possibility of additional fees.
Do we need to hire Muslims to obtain Halal certification?
No. Some foreign HCBs require an employment of Muslims as a condition of Halal certification. However, acknowledging the difficulty of finding qualified Muslims in Japan, MPJA offers a special seminar to support and equip non-Muslim employees to be able to manage their Halal system in the absence of the employment of Muslims (this is only for factories. It does not apply to the slaughterhouse).
We have factories overseas. What should we do?
Please apply to the local HCBs based in the country where the factories are located. MPJA does not conduct an on-site audit of the factories overseas.

On ingredients

Can you make pork Halal?
No. According to the Islamic rules, pigs are considered unclean and any kind of consumption of pork is prohibited.
What is the definition of alcohol?
Based on Islamic law, we separately consider alcohol for consumption and alcohol for industrial use such as sanitization. Alcohol for industrial use is permitted as long as it is not to be consumed.
Is it allowed to use a declaration of non-pork/non-alcohol use?
No. Based on the MUI requirements, we consider such declarations to be insufficient to prove Halal-ness. Your company needs to provide actual documentation for the ingredients used in your product.

On mutual recognition

What are the details on MUI’s transition to BPJPH?
Based on the 2014 Law of Halal Certification, the Council of Indonesian Ulama (MUI) will transfer its authority of Halal certification to the government agency called Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH). This transition was originally planned to be completed by October 2019, but as of February 2021, it is still under the process.
Is there any possibility of other organizations labeling the products certified by MPJA to be “haram” (prohibited)?
MPJA conducts audits under the recognition of both JAKIM and MUI and we hire professional auditors capable of assessment from both scientific and sharia perspectives. So our certification will remain valid, even if such a scenario arises.

Others

Is it possible for the retailers to receive Halal certification?
If your company outsources all the production processes and do not involve in the production at all, we cannot issue a certification to your company. In this scenario, the outsourced factory needs to apply to our certification.
Is it possible to certify packaging?
No, as of February 2021. Currently, MPJA does not have standards to inspect packaging.
Is it possible to certify imported products?
No. For all products, certification won’t be completed without an on-site audit of the production facility. If the product is produced overseas, the product must be certified by the local HCBs.
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