Oman
Advances National Halal System to Boost Export Competitiveness

Muscat,
17 Dec 2025 (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman’s National Halal System Task Force
convened for its third meeting to review progress on the development and launch
of the integrated framework, a key initiative aimed at enhancing the global
competitiveness of Omani products and ensuring their compliance with domestic
and international market standards.

The
meeting was chaired by Dr. Saleh bin Said Masan, Undersecretary of the Ministry
of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry.

Discussions
focused on the significant growth of the global halal economy, now valued at
over $7 trillion, with projections indicating it will reach approximately $10
trillion by 2030. This expansive market encompasses diverse sectors including
halal food, personal care and cosmetics, halal tourism, Islamic finance, modest
fashion, and pharmaceuticals.

The
task force reviewed progress from the previous phase, which included the
finalization of the draft national Halal System regulations and the
identification of the sectors to be governed by the framework. These are:
cosmetics, overseen by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment
Promotion; food and water, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Water Resources; and pharmaceuticals, supervised by the Ministry of Health.

The
meeting addressed administrative, technical, and financial updates to the
regulatory framework, including the approval process and proposed fee
structures. The ‘Oman Business Platform’ was formally designated as the
official portal for applications related to halal certification and the
registration of certifying bodies.

To
streamline market access, the task force reviewed a ‘Fast Track’ application
mechanism set for implementation at the start of the coming year (2025). This
system is designed to facilitate the entry of halal products into local and
international markets, bolster consumer confidence, and support Omani exporters
requiring halal certification.

The
importance of Omani representation at relevant regional and international halal
forums was emphasized, alongside plans for training and capacity-building for
officials and auditors. Updates on the “Appointment Regulations” were
discussed, including workshops held with public and private sector
stakeholders, the ongoing finalization of the draft, and key implementation
challenges.

The
meeting also considered Oman’s potential membership in the Standards and
Metrology Institute for the Islamic Countries (SMIIC) to benefit from expertise
in standardization, particularly for halal. Several proposals for a national
halal logo were also reviewed.

the
Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry underscored that unifying efforts and
fostering public-private partnerships are fundamental to a successful national
Halal System. He highlighted the importance of leveraging the experience of the
Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and affirmed the central role of
the Office of the Grand Mufti as the definitive Sharia authority for
interpreting halal requirements, ensuring the system’s alignment with Oman’s
established religious principles and regulatory coherence.

He
further stressed the necessity of establishing clear procedures for periodic
Sharia compliance audits of certified products and services. This will be
complemented by engaging technical experts to enhance supply chain oversight
and verify product integrity, thereby ensuring ongoing adherence to both
regulatory and religious standards.

—
Ends/Khalid