FAMBRAS Halal Certificação Ltda. is Brazil’s largest and most recognized halal certification body, operating under the Islamic principles of food integrity, transparency, and ethical commerce. Headquartered in São Paulo, the organization has been at the forefront of certifying halal products for over four decades, facilitating Brazilian exports to more than 70 countries with Muslim-majority populations.
Organization History and Background
Established in 1979, FAMBRAS Halal is a division of the Federação das Associações Muçulmanas do Brasil (FAMBRAS), a nonprofit Islamic organization dedicated to community development and interfaith cooperation. Under the leadership of Dr. Mohamed Hussein El Zoghbi, the halal certification division has become an internationally accredited reference point for halal compliance in Latin America.
Core Services and Offerings
FAMBRAS Halal offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to manufacturers, exporters, and institutions seeking access to halal markets:
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Halal Certification Services:
- Food & Beverage: Meat, poultry, dairy, beverages, processed foods
- Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: Ingredients, production facilities, final products
- Chemical and Industrial Products: Additives, lubricants, and food-grade chemicals
- Logistics and Warehousing: Transportation systems and storage facilities
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Halal Training and Education:
- Halal Academy for certification preparation
- On-site workshops and corporate seminars on halal production standards
- Compliance with OIC/SMIIC, GSO, and JAKIM standards
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Halal Market Development:
- Participation in global halal forums and expos
- Publishing halal market insights and industry guides
- Supporting Brazilian companies in commercial entry into GCC, Southeast Asia, and North Africa
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
FAMBRAS Halal's strategic strengths include:
- International Recognition: Certified by the World Halal Council, GCC Accreditation Center (GAC), and approved by countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Malaysia, and Indonesia
- Scientific Rigor: Certification process includes Islamic inspection teams and technical experts in food technology, veterinary science, and production engineering
- Multisectoral Expertise: Covers over 15 industrial verticals from food to pharmaceuticals
- Leadership in Halal Diplomacy: Acts as an advisory body in Brazil’s trade relations with OIC member states
Financial and Operational Insights
Although FAMBRAS Halal operates as a nonprofit, its scale and operational breadth mirror that of a full-fledged international certifier:
- Annual Certifications Issued (Est.): Over 1,500 active certificates across various sectors
- Inspected Facilities: 300+ slaughterhouses, factories, and logistics centers across Brazil
- Human Resources: Over 100 auditors, theologians, and compliance professionals
- Operational Infrastructure: Regional branches in Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and Goiás
Export Facilitation and Market Access
Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of halal beef and chicken, and FAMBRAS Halal plays a pivotal role in enabling this market leadership:
- Halal Beef Exports (2023): Over 750,000 metric tons certified for MENA and Southeast Asia
- Halal Poultry Exports (2023): More than 1.7 million metric tons
- Top Export Destinations: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Algeria
- Certification Impact: Accounts for more than 50% of Brazil’s halal-certified food exports
Target Market
- Agro-Exporters: Seeking certification for access to Muslim-majority countries
- Food Processing Units: Needing compliance for value-added halal products
- Pharma and Cosmetics Manufacturers: Targeting certified ingredient claims
- Retail and Logistics Chains: Seeking full halal traceability from farm to shelf
Capabilities
- Technical Audit and Certification: Full-spectrum audit from raw material sourcing to packaging
- Regulatory Documentation: Arabic-language certificate issuance and pre-approval for port clearance
- Real-time Tracking: Digital systems for certificate validation and status updates
- Multilingual Customer Support: Arabic, Portuguese, English, and French services
Certifications and Global Accreditations
- GAC (Gulf Cooperation Council Accreditation Center)
- OIC/SMIIC Halal Guidelines
- JAKIM (Malaysia Halal Authority)
- MUIS (Singapore Islamic Council)
- Indonesian Halal Certification Board (BPJPH)
These certifications ensure FAMBRAS Halal’s acceptance in the world’s most stringent halal regulatory regimes.
Market Recognition and Thought Leadership
FAMBRAS Halal is a frequent contributor to halal industry white papers and an invited speaker at:
- MIHAS (Malaysia International Halal Showcase)
- Gulfood (Dubai)
- World Halal Forum
- APEX-Brasil Trade Missions
They are also featured in sectoral policy dialogues on Brazil's food export strategy to Islamic markets.
Major Achievements
- 40+ Years of Operation: Longest-operating halal certifier in Latin America
- Government Partnership: Recognized by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and ABPA
- Digital Halal Traceability Platform: Launched to streamline compliance for SMEs
- Educational Outreach: Established Halal Academy with industry curriculum
FAMBRAS Halal Certificação Ltda. remains an indispensable pillar in Brazil’s global food supply chain, acting as a trusted enabler for ethical trade and a cultural bridge between Brazil and the Muslim world.
