Author: Rosyid Shidiq Hidayatulloh

TAIPEI — In a quiet corner of Taiwan’s capital last week, a group of specialists gathered to solve a high-stakes puzzle: how to keep Taiwan’s products moving into the wealthy markets of the Middle East.
For three days, the Taiwan Halal Integrity Development Association (THIDA) underwent a rigorous technical overhaul. Led by Dr. Azlan Oppier of Alif Global Consultancy, the sessions were designed to ensure THIDA’s team stays ahead of the increasingly strict rules set by the Gulf countries.
For THIDA, this wasn't just about learning new rules, it was about maintaining the global trust that allows Taiwanese businesses to compete on the world stage.

A Global Pedigree

This latest push for Gulf accreditation builds on THIDA’s already established reputation. The organization is no stranger to international scrutiny, having already earned recognition from the heavyweights of Southeast Asian Halal oversight: Indonesia’s BPJPH, Singapore’s MUIS, and Malaysia’s JAKIM.

By aligning with these major authorities, THIDA has already proven it can meet the highest standards of the Islamic economy. Now, it is setting its sights even further west.

Setting the Standard

The training began on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 with a focus on the basics of quality. While "ISO standards" might sound like dry paperwork, they are actually the global language of business.

Under Dr. Oppier’s guidance, the team reviewed ISO 9001 and ISO 19011. These are the rules that tell auditors how to gather evidence and make fair, consistent decisions. By mastering these, THIDA ensures that every audit they perform is professional and up to international benchmarks.

Meeting the Gulf’s Demands

On Thursday, the focus shifted to the Middle East. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has its own specific set of rules, known as the GSO 2055 series. The team spent the day studying two main areas:

• GSO 2055-2: The rules for the certification bodies themselves, ensuring that organizations like THIDA remain independent and unbiased.
• GSO 2055-1: The rules for the products, covering everything from ingredient sourcing to final packaging.

The Final Push: Safety and Success

The final day was the most intense. Starting early Friday morning, the team tackled the GSO FAD 12.0 Accreditation Supplement, a complex document that acts as a final checklist for any organization wanting to operate in the Gulf market.

In the afternoon, the training turned to ISO 22000, the international standard for food safety. Today, being "Halal" is about more than just religious rules; it is also about ensuring food is safe to eat. By learning how to spot safety risks on a factory floor, THIDA’s auditors provide a double layer of protection for consumers.

Why This Matters

The presence of THIDA’s top management throughout the 18-hour course shows how important this mission is. As the Gulf Accreditation Center (GAC) tightens its oversight, there is no room for error.

By completing this programme with Alif Global Consultancy, THIDA has sent a clear message: they are ready for the next round of global inspections. For Taiwanese exporters, this means the "Halal" stamp from THIDA remains a trusted golden ticket to markets worldwide.

Editor: Muhammad Riki Shindi P.