,On April 6, 2026, the Government of Vietnam issued Decree No. 127/2026/ND-CP, introducing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the quality management and development of halal products and services. The decree will enter into force on June 1, 2026.
The decree applies to organizations and individuals engaged in the production, import, export, and trading of halal products and services, as well as halal testing and certification bodies and relevant state authorities. Products serving national defence and security purposes are excluded from its scope.
Under the decree, all products and services marketed as halal must comply with applicable Vietnamese legislation as well as recognized national, international, or Islamic standards. Halal products are required to be free from haram (forbidden) and Najis (impure) substances. In addition, labelling and traceability requirements must be fulfilled to ensure transparency and integrity across the supply chain.
The regulation affects a wide range of sectors, including:
a)Food products, such as meat, poultry, dairy, beverages, and processed foods labelled as halal
b)Food ingredients and additives used in halal production
c)Non-food products where halal claims are made, including cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
d)Halal-related services, such as food service operations, slaughtering, logistics, storage, and transportation
The decree establishes that halal testing and certification must be conducted by licensed and registered organizations. Certification may be mandatory or voluntary depending on applicable legal requirements. Certification bodies are required to maintain appropriate management systems and demonstrate technical competence in line with national or international standards.
To support sector development, the government introduces measures such as trade promotion programs, market development initiatives, and targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Notably, the Ministry of Science and Technology will establish a national halal database to provide enterprises with access to regulatory and market information.
Compliance will be monitored through inspections conducted under the Law on Product and Goods Quality. Violations of the decree will be subject to enforcement actions and penalties in accordance with Vietnamese law.
The decree also includes appendices providing standardized forms for halal certification registration, amendments, and reissuance or revocation procedures.
Overall, Decree No. 127/2026/ND-CP represents a significant step in formalizing Vietnams halal regulatory system, with broad implications for domestic stakeholders and international exporters seeking access to the Vietnamese halal market.
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