Korea Muslim Federation (KMF)

KMF is the Islamic foundation in South Korea that has been carrying halal certification since the year 1994. KMF is internationally recognised as a certification body, including by JAKIM in Malaysia, MUIS in Singapore, CICOT in Thailand as well as IFANCA in the US. The body is chaired by Dr Hussein Kim Ding Eok as the president and Mr Ahmad Cho Min Haeng as the Chairman.

Halal Certification Process:

Flowchart of halal certification process provided on KMF's website

Sample of halal certificate by KMF

Korea Halal Authority Corporation (KHA)

KHA was a market research and consultation team for the halal industry which was launched in 2014. In 2015, the body was equipped with a halal certification centre as well as an evaluation centre. Subsequently, KHA was registered as a certification body for halal in South Korea. The body then has successfully provided halal training and consultation in the next year of its formation.

Flowchart of halal certification process provided on KHA's website

Sample of halal certificate by KHA

Korea Halal Association (KOHAS)

KOHAS is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2012 when the awareness of the halal industry in the country was still lacking. The organization was approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and has since been active in providing halal services to the community, including market research, seminars, construction of halal industry and training.

Halal Certification Process:
(as provided on KOHAS's website)

1. Inquiry

• Applicants to provide information (either for manufacturing plant or service industry) to halal@kohas.or.kr
• Necessary information to be attached for manufacturing plant includes company name, company address, applying item(s), type of plant operation, number of employees, person in charge, phone number and email.
• Necessary information for service industry includes company name, type of business (restaurant, hotel, etc), company address, person in charge, phone number and email.

2. Receipt of application

• Applicants to fill out application forms and attached necessary documents.
• Different documents are required for different types of applications (depending on whether applicants applied for manufacturing plant and dining, hotel, logistics or tourism service section.
• KOHAS will then proceed with follow-up steps once all documents have been acquired.

3. Inspection Agreement

• Inspection Agreement(s) will be provided by KOHAS to the applicants.
• The agreement is required to govern the rights and duties of KOHAS and the applicants (including license of KOHAS certification mark, expiration date, etc).

4. Payment of Certification Fee

• Fees are calculated based on the type of application, size, number of products and workload and may vary.

Special rates are applicable for SME applicants.

Sample of halal certificate by KOHAS