All Lankan producers will no longer carry the Halal logo on their products unless requested by their foreign consumer, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce said a short while ago. Meanwhile it was stated that for export purposes companies could obtain the Halal certification free of charge from the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU).

In a press release the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce(CCC) added that it had wide ranging consultations with members of the Buddhist clergy and the ACJU and consequently came to the above decisions.

The CCC added that the suggestion of having two sets of the same product (i.e. one Halal and one non-Halal) in the market is not feasible due to the enormous complexities it entails in sourcing, manufacturing and distributing two sets of products. ‘Besides, two products of the same brand looking identical other than for the presence or absence of the Halal logo, will result in creating confusion among consumers,’ the CCC claimed.

Hence in its decision the CCC stated that henceforth, ‘Products sold in the Sri Lankan market are not required to display the Halal logo. However companies may continue to obtain the Halal certification for their products on a voluntary basis to facilitate exports etc; which will be issued free of charge by the ACJU.’

The CCC maintained that, ‘Specialised outlets in Sri Lanka catering to foreigners may also sell products carrying the Halal logo at such outlets.’

‘As all manufacturers carry substantial stocks of finished products and packaging material displaying the Halal logo, running down these stocks will require a considerable amount of time. As such, until all finished products and packaging material stocks displaying the Halal logo are exhausted, the market will have products with the Halal logo.’ The CCC added.

However the CCC said that Manufacturers will begin the process of changing the packaging immediately to ensure products without the Halal logo are available in the market.