October 11, 2017•Update: October 13, 2017
By Emin Avundukluoglu
ANKARA
Turkey’s government on Wednesday submitted a draft law to parliament for establishing a halal accreditation agency.
The agency will have the sole authority for halal product certification and accreditation in Turkey. It will also be able to establish offices abroad.
It would also accredit Turkish and foreign institutions that grant certificates of halal compliance.
The agency, which would have a staff of 50, would be under the Ministry of Economy. It would also represent Turkey in the international arena and obtain membership in both regional and international accreditation unions.
Halal accreditation agencies enforce halal standards according to Islam in their countries and territories. They also aim to protect the growing number of halal consumers and facilitate international trade.
Global trade in halal products and services is valued around $3.9 trillion.
