Have you ever thought about how a halal-labeled food or cosmetic product can get into your hands with a guarantee that its halalness is maintained from start to finish? This is not just certification at the factory, you know. Behind it is a much more complex and important system called Halal Logistics.
Halal logistics is a series of processes in the supply chain specifically designed to maintain the halal integrity of a product. Starting from the raw materials are obtained, transported, stored, produced, until finally distributed to consumers. The goal is clear: to ensure that there is no contamination with non-halal ingredients (e.g. pork or alcohol) at every stage, in accordance with sharia principles. This is very important, especially for Muslim consumers who are very concerned about the halal aspects of the products they consume or use.
Why is Halal Logistics Important?
For most people, the concept of halal is often only focused on the raw materials or the production process in the factory. In fact, if a product has been guaranteed halal in the factory, but then transported by a truck that was previously used to transport pigs, or stored in a warehouse mixed with non-halal products without clear separation, then its halal status can be doubted.
This is why Halal Logistics is here. He guarantees:
- Product Integrity: Ensures the product remains pure and contamination-free.
- Consumer Trust: Provide a sense of security and trust for Muslim consumers.
- Shariah Compliance: Fulfilling religious principles in all business processes.
- Global Market Opportunities: The halal product market continues to grow rapidly around the world, and halal logistics is key to breaking into this market.
Standards in Halal Logistics
To ensure that halalness is maintained, there are some strict standards that must be met in Halal Logistics:
- Segregation: This is the most basic principle. Halal products must always be physically separated from non-halal products at every point in the supply chain. This applies in the warehouse, during transportation, even in the loading and unloading area. There are special areas clearly marked for halal products.
- Identification: Halal products must have clear identification (e.g. labels, color coding) so that they can be easily distinguished from non-halal products. This prevents mishandling.
- Cleanliness/Sanitation: Equipment, vehicles and storage facilities must always be clean and free from unclean or non-halal contamination. If any equipment has come into contact with non-halal materials, a special cleaning process called “sertu” or shari’i tanning must be carried out.
- Traceability: The system must be able to trace the origin and movement of halal products from start to finish. This facilitates investigation if there are doubts about halalness at any point.
- Human Resource Training: All personnel involved in handling halal products must be trained and understand the principles of halal logistics. They should know how to handle, store and transport products without compromising their halalness.
Implementation of Halal Logistics in Supply Chain
Implementing halal logistics means making adjustments in various aspects:
- Raw Material Procurement: Ensure that raw material suppliers also have halal certification and implement halal practices.
- Transportation: Using special vehicles for halal products, or if forced to use public transportation, it must be ensured that it has been cleaned shar’i. There is a special route for halal products.
- Warehousing: Have separate warehouses or clearly designated zones for halal products, with separate transport and handling equipment.
- Distribution: Ensuring that deliveries to stores or end-consumers are also done with maintained halal standards.
- Information System: Integrate halal information in the supply chain management system to facilitate tracking and verification.
While it may seem complicated, investing in halal logistics actually brings many benefits, especially for companies looking to tap into the large and growing Muslim market. It’s not just about compliance, but also about building trust and meeting the needs of consumers who are increasingly conscious of the halalness of products.
The halal logistics field requires professionals who not only understand general logistics principles, but also have a deep understanding of halal and sharia standards. Therefore, for those who are interested in developing a career in this promising industry, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Logistics Engineering can be a very appropriate step. The knowledge gained will be a valuable provision to design and implement a supply chain that is not only efficient, but also blessed.
Halal logistics is not just a trend, but a growing necessity, ensuring every product we use is safe and in accordance with the principles we believe in.
Tags : Teknik Logistik | S1 Teknik Logistik | S1 Teknik Logistik Telkom University | Telkom University