India Extends i-CAS Halal Certification Transition Period for Meat Exports to Egypt
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a notification extending the transition period for the mandatory implementation of the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS)-Halal for specified meat and meat product exports to Egypt.
The amendment revises Notification No. 59/2025-26 dated 09 February 2026, allowing exporters and Halal certification bodies additional time to complete onboarding and accreditation under the i-CAS framework.
The extension aims to ensure a smoother implementation of the certification system while maintaining uninterrupted exports to Egypt.
What Has Changed?
Under the latest DGFT notification, the implementation timeline for mandatory i-CAS-Halal certification for exports of specified meat and meat products to Egypt has been extended.
Earlier Requirement
- Transition period: 6 months
- Effective implementation: After six months from 09 February 2026
Revised Requirement
- Transition period: 9 months
- Mandatory implementation will now take effect nine months from 09 February 2026.
This effectively provides exporters and certification bodies with an additional three months to prepare for compliance.
Why Has the Transition Period Been Extended?
The Government has extended the timeline to facilitate:
Completion of Certification Body Accreditation
Additional time has been provided for Halal certification bodies to complete their onboarding and accreditation under the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS)-Halal.
System Readiness
The extension allows authorities and certification agencies to complete technical integration and operational readiness before mandatory implementation.
Smooth Export Operations
The revised timeline minimizes the risk of disruptions in exports of meat and meat products destined for Egypt during the transition phase.
What is the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS)-Halal?
The India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS)-Halal is a government-backed conformity assessment framework introduced to standardize Halal certification for exports to countries requiring recognized Halal certification.
The scheme aims to:
- Standardize Halal certification processes
- Improve transparency and traceability
- Ensure recognition by importing countries
- Strengthen confidence in Indian export certification
- Facilitate international market access
Who Will Be Affected?
The notification is relevant for:
Meat Exporters
Exporters of specified meat and meat products to Egypt must ensure compliance with i-CAS-Halal requirements before the revised implementation deadline.
Halal Certification Bodies
Certification agencies intending to certify exports to Egypt must complete onboarding and accreditation under the i-CAS framework.
Export Compliance Teams
Businesses involved in export documentation and regulatory compliance should revise their implementation timelines in line with the extended transition period.
Key Compliance Timeline
| Particular | Earlier | Revised |
|---|---|---|
| Original Notification | 09 February 2026 | No Change |
| Transition Period | 6 Months | 9 Months |
| Additional Extension | — | 3 Months |
| Reason | — | System readiness and accreditation of Halal certification bodies |
Note:
The notification only extends the implementation timeline. All other provisions of Notification No. 59/2025-26 dated 09 February 2026 remain unchanged. Exporters should continue preparing for mandatory compliance within the revised nine-month transition period.
What Should Exporters Do Now?
Businesses exporting meat and meat products to Egypt should:
- Review the revised implementation timeline.
- Coordinate with approved Halal certification bodies.
- Monitor the accreditation status of certification agencies.
- Update internal export compliance procedures.
- Complete all necessary documentation before mandatory implementation.
Early preparation will help avoid delays once the revised transition period ends.
Conclusion
The DGFT’s decision to extend the transition period from six months to nine months provides practical relief for exporters and certification bodies working toward compliance with the i-CAS-Halal framework.
The additional three months are intended to facilitate system readiness and the accreditation of Halal certification bodies, ensuring a smoother transition without disrupting exports to Egypt. While the implementation date has been deferred, exporters should use this period to complete the necessary compliance preparations and remain aligned with the updated regulatory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What has changed under the latest DGFT notification?
The transition period for mandatory i-CAS-Halal certification for specified meat and meat product exports to Egypt has been extended from six months to nine months from 09 February 2026.
2. Why was the implementation timeline extended?
The extension provides additional time for onboarding and accreditation of Halal certification bodies under the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS)-Halal and to ensure system readiness.
3. Does the notification change any other export conditions?
No. All other provisions of Notification No. 59/2025-26 dated 09 February 2026 remain unchanged.
4. Who should comply with this notification?
Exporters of specified meat and meat products to Egypt and Halal certification bodies involved in the certification process.
5. What should exporters do during the extended transition period?
Exporters should coordinate with accredited certification bodies, review compliance requirements, and complete preparations before the mandatory implementation date.
Notification Reference:
DGFT
Notification No. 28/2026-27
05/08/2026