Trade Connect » Halal Meat Export – Regulations & Guidelines

Halal Meat Export to the UAE – Key Requirements & Procedures

Halal Meat Export to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a process that requires compliance with strict norms and regulations. As a country with a predominantly Muslim population, the UAE mandates that imported meat must meet the highest Halal standards, adhering to Islamic guidelines regarding slaughter, processing, and transportation. In this article, we outline the key export requirements, transportation methods, and necessary documentation.

Halal Standards in the UAE

For meat to be exported to the UAE, it must meet strict Halal requirements, including: Halal Slaughter – the animal must be slaughtered in accordance with Islamic principles by a qualified Muslim butcher. The process must involve cutting the trachea, esophagus, and both jugular veins while reciting the prayer.

No Contact with Haram Products – the meat must not come into contact with substances prohibited in Islam, such as pork or alcohol.

Halal Certification – processing plants and slaughterhouses must hold the appropriate certifications confirming compliance with Halal standards, issued by accredited organizations recognized in the UAE.

Compliance with Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) Standards – all meat products imported into the UAE must meet the standards set by ESMA, including Halal labeling and packaging in both Arabic and English

Transport of Halal Meat to the UAE

Transport mięsa do ZEA jest procesem wymagającym przestrzegania surowych norm, które zapewniają bezpieczeństwo, wysoką jakość oraz zgodność z wymaganiami Halal. Oto szczegółowe zasady, które muszą być przestrzegane podczas transportu mięsa Halal:

1. Cooling and Freezing

Meat must be transported under appropriate temperature conditions to ensure its freshness and safety. There are different methods of transport depending on the type of meat:

Fresh meat – should be transported in refrigerated containers, with temperature maintained at the proper level (usually between 0°C and 4°C), to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage.
Frozen meat – must be transported in special freezing conditions, at temperatures below -18°C, to maintain the quality, texture, and nutritional values of the meat throughout the transport period.

2. Certified Transport

Halal meat transport to the UAE must be carried out by certified transport companies. These companies must meet strict requirements regarding Halal food storage and transport, ensuring that:

Transport is carried out in accordance with Halal requirements for storage, transport, and segregation of products.
Vehicles and warehouses must be properly adapted for Halal food transport, ensuring that no contact occurs with haram substances such as pork or alcohol.

3. Halal Documentation

Each batch of meat exported to the UAE must be properly documented. Required documentation includes:

Halal certificates – confirming that the meat has been obtained according to Islamic principles regarding slaughter and processing.
Transport documents – such as invoices, waybills, and veterinary health certificates, confirming compliance with international food safety standards.

4. Protection from Contact with Haram Substances

Halal meat must be transported in a way that ensures it does not come into contact with substances prohibited in Islam.

5. Transport Methods

Halal meat transport to the UAE can be done via three main methods: by sea, air, or land, depending on the requirements and characteristics of the transported goods.

Air Transport: Air transport is mainly used for the delivery of fresh meat that requires quick delivery, typically within 1-2 days. Products are transported in refrigerated or frozen containers, which maintain the proper temperature, ensuring freshness and quality throughout the transport process.

Sea Transport: Sea transport is the preferred method for frozen meat and large shipments. Frozen meat is transported in reefer containers, which maintain a temperature of -18°C or lower, ensuring food safety and preventing spoilage during long transit periods.

Land Transport: Land transport is mainly used for exports to neighboring countries of the UAE. Specialized refrigerated vehicles are used, meeting strict sanitary and veterinary standards. These vehicles must maintain the proper temperature throughout the transport and ensure the correct segregation of Halal products from other goods.

Summary: Transport of Halal meat to the UAE is a process requiring compliance with strict standards and ensuring that the meat arrives in perfect condition, in line with Halal requirements. Proper storage, transport certification, appropriate documentation, and care to avoid contact with haram substances are key to success in exporting to the UAE.

Trade Connect ensures full compliance with all necessary standards for Halal meat transport to the UAE. We adhere to strict temperature control requirements, certification processes, and Halal guidelines, ensuring that all meat products are handled, stored, and transported according to the highest quality and safety standards. With our certified transportation partners and expert logistics, we guarantee the safe and timely delivery of Halal meat, meeting all the legal and cultural requirements of the UAE market.