Halal Guide

Labels, Brand Names and the Halal Logo: Check Before You Print

A guide to artwork, product names, halal claims and the final approval process before packaging is printed.

Last reviewed 5 November 2026

ManaHalal note: Educational material for SME operators in Malaysia; not a verification, an application decision or advice that overrides JAKIM/JAIN/MAIN (the federal Islamic development department and the state Islamic religious departments and councils). Check the certificate scope against the holder, scheme type, factory address, product and validity period. Amendments after 5 November 2026 need to be checked before publishing or applying.

The Malaysian halal logo should not be added to artwork just because the manufacturer says the factory has a certificate. Use of the logo needs to follow the approval for the product and the relevant scope.

Four checks before printing

  1. Product: the name, flavour, size/variant and formula match the scope of the product approval.
  2. Identity: the details of the manufacturer, brand owner or distributor are exact, as required by legal labelling rules and the application documents.
  3. Logo/claims: use the Malaysian halal logo only after approval and according to the rules for its use; do not create a logo that could mislead.
  4. Food regulator: make sure the label complies with the relevant Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985 (for example the name of the food, ingredients, declarations and mandatory information by category).

Recommended artwork matrix

Version SKU Product halal status Label status Decision
A01 Curry Paste 180g Under review Logo shown Do not print
A02 Curry Paste 180g Approved, scope confirmed Information complete Check and approve the artwork
A03 Spicy Curry Paste 180g Variant not yet checked Same as A02 Do not assume it is covered

Label approval diagram

Label and logo approval before printingThe designer finishes the artwork, then the name, variant, ingredients and mandatory information are checked and matched against the scope of the product's SPHM (Sijil Pengesahan Halal Malaysia, the Malaysia Halal Certificate). If the product is not yet approved or it is unclear whether the logo is allowed, remove the logo and hold the logo print run. If approved, the brand owner, the OEM and the halal officer review it, the final version is approved in writing, and the label is printed with the version recorded and label stock controlled.No / not sureYes

Designer finishes the artwork

Check name, variant, ingredients and mandatory information

Match against the product's SPHM scope

Product approved and logo allowed?

Remove the logo; hold the print run with the logo

Review by brand owner + OEM + halal officer

Final version approved in writing

Print, record the version and control label stock
Label and logo approval before printing

Common mistakes

  • Using artwork with the logo before the product has received a certification decision.
  • Copying the factory's OEM certificate number or certificate image and presenting it as proof for the product.
  • Changing the flavour name or promotional wording without checking the effect on the application scope.
  • Keeping labels with the logo for leftover stock after changing manufacturer, without an assessment.

Actions

  • Keep pre-certification labels separate from approved halal artwork.
  • Record the version and final approval of every artwork.
  • Use en-templat-kelulusan-label.csv before issuing a print PO.

Official references