The Indian government is making it easier and safer to sell meat to other countries. On February 9, 2026, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) announced an important development regarding Halal certification by adding 20 countries to its special list. According to this, anyone who wants to send meat products to these countries from India must comply with the Halal certification requirements. This is to maintain the quality of meat products and meet the needs of consumers who require specific quality or religious standards.
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New Countries on the List
The Indian government recently updated an older 2024 rule to help the meat industry. They added 20 new countries to a special list that requires a formal Halal certificate. These countries include:
- Azerbaijan
- Uzbekistan
- Kazakhstan
- Tajikistan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Egypt
- Algeria
- Syria
- Lebanon
- Senegal
- Maldives
- Brunei
- Libya
- Tunisia
- Turkmenistan
- Yemen
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
- Kenya
- Morocco
By adding these nations, India wants to show the world that its meat products are of high quality. This new rule follows the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. It makes the whole Halal Certification Process more organized. When every exporter follows the same steps, it builds trust with international buyers.
Rules and Deadlines for Exporters
Exporters must use the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS) for their certificates. This system ensures that the meat is prepared correctly. There are two different timelines for these changes:
- Most Countries: In 19 countries, the rules start just 2 weeks after the notice.
- Egypt: This country is a big buyer of Indian meat. To give everyone time to get ready, the government is giving them six months. This extra time helps certification centers set up their systems.
Bodies approved by the NABCB must issue all certificates. This means only experts who are officially recognized can check the meat.
Why This Matters for India
This move helps India Meat Export grow bigger and better. By using the i-CAS Halal framework, India stays competitive in the global market. It removes confusion because the rules are now clear for everyone. Exporters need to make sure they follow the NABCB-accredited guidelines and the specific rules of the country receiving the meat.
This change protects the reputation of Indian products. It ensures that meat from India is welcomed in kitchens all around the world.
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