Morocco and Russia strengthen halal trade ties through new agreements

Morocco and Russia are forging stronger connections in the halal industry via new certification agreements, signaling a significant step in their bilateral trade relations. Tatarstan’s Committee for Halal Standards, part of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims, is seeking accreditation in Morocco to facilitate the export of halal products to the North African nation.

Abbas Shlyaposhnikov, chairman of Tatarstan’s committee, highlighted the scope of their ambitions, stating, “On all these countries we submitted applications,” referring to Morocco among others. He emphasized a commitment to progressive work throughout the year, expressing confidence in the direction of their efforts.

Morocco is actively expanding its presence in the global halal market. In June 2024, Abderrahim Taibi, director of the Moroccan Institute of Standardization (IMANOR), addressed the Halal Morocco Forum in Casablanca, underscoring the significant potential for Morocco and Africa to enhance their market share in a global halal industry projected to surpass $2 trillion.

At the same forum, IMANOR solidified its international partnerships by signing a recognition agreement for the “Halal Morocco” mark with Singapore’s Halal Authority. This move follows an earlier agreement in 2020 that enabled Morocco to export halal products to Russia, further diversifying its international collaborations in the halal sector.

In a related effort to tap into Asian markets, Jamale Chouaibi, Morocco's Ambassador to Vietnam, announced in January that Morocco is poised to support Vietnam in becoming a key hub for Islamic-certified goods within Southeast Asia.

Morocco's halal standards are notably rigorous, particularly concerning imported meat products. By November 2024, the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) had established a stringent control system requiring all imported red meat to conform to Islamic slaughter standards. Only countries that successfully pass ONSSA’s risk assessment can export to Morocco, with certifications from authorized religious bodies in exporting nations necessary to verify compliance with halal requirements.

For Tatarstan, securing accreditation in Morocco represents a gateway to new export opportunities. The region aims to enhance its halal exports to $15 million in 2025, a slight increase from $14 million the previous year. Currently, Tatarstan boasts 250 enterprises producing halal goods, with approximately 20 actively engaged in international exports. Last year, the Tatarstan Committee for Halal Standards achieved accreditation from the Gulf Accreditation Centre (GAC).

The burgeoning cooperation between Morocco and Russia in the halal sector reflects a broader trend, as both nations strive to establish themselves as significant players in the expanding market for halal-compliant products.