A draft standard for the global regulation of the Halal industry which will include the implementation of Halal cosmetics is expected to be available for public comment in June 2010.
Halal is an Islamic term meaning “legal” or “lawful” and restricts activities or the ingesting of substances considered “haraam” (illegal or harmful) under Islamic law. Forbidden substances include: pork, blood, any animal not slaughtered in the prescribed method, alcohol. According to current estimates, up to 70% of Muslims adhere to Halal food standards and the worldwide market for Halal products is thought to be US$580 billion. The standard is being developed by the Malaysia-based organisation, International Halal Integrity Alliance with the module concerning cosmetics being devised in collaboration with the Cosmetic Toiletries and Fragrance Association (CTFA) of Malaysia. The issue of Halal cosmetics has previously been dealt with at regional level. The new draft standard is the first attempt at global regulation and opens up a great deal of potential for cosmetic products in the Muslim market.
