Notification No. 59/2025-26, Dated 09-02-2026
1. DGFT Expands Country List for Mandatory Halal Certification of Meat Exports
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a notification amending the list of countries eligible for export of specified Meat and Meat Products under mandatory Halal certification.
The amendment expands the country list notified under Notification No. 34/2024–25 dated 01 October 2024, for applicability of the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (I-CAS) – Halal framework.
2. Addition of Twenty New Countries under I-CAS–Halal
The notification adds the following twenty countries to the eligible list for exports under the I-CAS–Halal framework:
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Azerbaijan
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Uzbekistan
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Kazakhstan
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Tajikistan
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Kyrgyzstan
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Egypt
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Algeria
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Syria
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Lebanon
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Senegal
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Maldives
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Brunei
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Libya
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Tunisia
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Turkmenistan
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Yemen
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Mauritius
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Seychelles
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Kenya
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Morocco
Exports of specified Meat and Meat Products to these countries will now be governed by the mandatory Halal certification requirements under I-CAS.
3. Transition Period for Compliance
DGFT has prescribed a transition period for the applicability of the I-CAS–Halal compliance requirements:
3.1 For All Newly Added Countries (Except Egypt)
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The I-CAS–Halal requirements shall apply after two weeks from the date of issuance of the notification.
3.2 Special Provision for Egypt
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For Egypt, the compliance requirements shall apply after six months from the date of issuance of the notification.
This differentiated timeline is intended to allow exporters adequate time to align with country-specific requirements.
4. Continuity of Existing Policy Conditions
DGFT has clarified that all other existing policy conditions remain unchanged, including:
- Mandatory Halal certification by NABCB-accredited certification bodies
(National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies) - Compliance with importing country regulations
- Adherence to all conditions prescribed under Notification No. 34/2024–25
The amendment is limited to expansion of the eligible country list and does not alter the underlying certification framework.
5. Regulatory Objective
The amendment seeks to:
- Expand market access for Indian exporters of Meat and Meat Products
- Ensure uniform and credible Halal certification through the I-CAS framework
- Maintain alignment with importing country regulatory expectations
- Provide a smooth transition for exporters through phased implementation
6. Key Takeaway
Exporters of Meat and Meat Products must note the expanded country coverage under I-CAS–Halal, adhere to the two-week/six-month transition timelines, and continue compliance with NABCB-accredited certification and importing country requirements as per the existing policy framework.
