MILESTONE FOR NIHA: From left are Muzzamil Nazier (operational manager), Faroek Nazier (CEO), Jameel Smith (technical adviser) and Muhammed Omar (theological manager) of NIHA. Photo Francoise Steynberg
MILESTONE FOR NIHA: From left are Muzzamil Nazier (operational manager), Faroek Nazier (CEO), Jameel Smith (technical adviser) and Muhammed Omar (theological manager) of NIHA. Photo Francoise Steynberg

Halaal association achieves international accreditation

Ellanie Smit
The Namibia Islamic Halaal Association (NIHA) has successfully achieved accreditation from the Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC), making NIHA the only halaal certification body in Namibia to receive this prestigious recognition.

Founded in 2001, NIHA is a non-profit organisation that represents the Muslim community in Namibia and beyond, with a focus on halaal food and products.

Registered with the World Halaal Council in 2005, NIHA adheres to international halaal standards and works closely with international organisations, particularly within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

NIHA's team has over 20 years of experience in Halaal certification and regularly consults both local and international Islamic advisors to ensure compliance with the latest halaal guidelines.

The organisation was established to ensure that products and services provided in Namibia meet the highest standards of halaal compliance.

"Over the years, we have gained the trust of both local and international markets by maintaining strict certification processes. As a respected organisation, NIHA continues to promote consumer confidence in halaal-certified products through the consistent application of Islamic principles," said CEO Faroek Nazier.

Export requirements

This follows the directive from the Namibian Poultry Industry to NIHA to make all necessary arrangements for exporting poultry meat to other countries, such as those in the European Union (EU) and the Middle East, the latter of which requires that the products and processes be halaal-certified by an accredited certification body.

NIHA, stands out as one of the few in Africa to achieve this distinction, reinforcing its position in the market against competitors.

“Namibia is one of six African countries and 59 of the intercontinental countries to have achieved this accreditation," Nazier said.

He said this accreditation is primarily recognised in the Middle East and the UAE, where EIAC plays a significant role in ensuring compliance with halaal standards.

“We extend our gratitude to the ministry of trade and industry for their unwavering support, and to the Namib Poultry Industry for allowing EIAC assessors to conduct their witness audit at their facility.”

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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