SFDA Expands Partnership with Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency

On the sidelines of the third Makkah Halal Forum, held February 14–16 at the Makkah Chamber Exhibitions and Events Center, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) signed an addendum to their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing ceremony was held in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Dr. Saad bin Nasser Al-Shathri, Advisor at the Royal Court and Member of the Council of Senior Scholars; H.E. Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi, Minister of Commerce; H.E. Dr. Saad bin Othman Al-Kasabi, Governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology & Quality Organization (SASO); H.E. Dr. Hisham bin Saad Aljadhey, CEO of the SFDA and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Halal Center; and Mr. Abdullah Saleh Kamel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development. The MoU was signed by Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Rashoudi, CEO of the Saudi Halal Center, and Dr. Ahmad Haikal Hasan, Head of the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH). This addendum aims to unify halal certification procedures by developing a digital halal system, establishing mutual recognition of the global halal mark, and leveraging QR codes for product and certificate verification. Furthermore, the partnership will enhance cooperation through the Halal Academy regarding capacity building and knowledge exchange. This cooperation extends the Saudi Halal Center's efforts to establish the Halal Mark as a globally trusted standard. It also expands the international reach of the Halal Academy to train professionals and build capacity, thereby strengthening global confidence in halal products. This step reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting the halal sector and enhancing its global competitiveness. It capitalizes on the growing demand for halal products, helping to expand their reach both regionally and internationally.