The local halal industry is expanding, with more than 8,000 certificates issued by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) last year, up from about 7,200 in 2006.

The green, circular logo is vital for companies hoping to move into overseas markets.

At the Singapore International Halal Showcase yesterday, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim said that the halal industry had expanded beyond food.

He said that halal-certified products here include health supplements, cleansing agents and traditional Chinese medicine.

For example, Science Arts, a maker of traditional Chinese medicine, obtained halal certification from Muis for 19 of its products, such as lingzhi and bilberry capsules.

Muis started certifying non-food products in late 2004.

Ms Dewi Suratty, head of the Halal Certification Strategic Unit at Muis, said that the sector's growth is linked to the rising global demand for halal products.

Goods must be certified halal before they can be consumed by Muslims. A product is non-halal if, for example, it contains certain animal parts, or if alcohol is used during production.

Dr Yaacob said: 'Halal certification not only widens companies' market share locally, but it also extends their reach to bigger markets overseas.'

One example is home-grown company Thong Siek Food Industry, which distributes halal-certified seafood to nine countries including Australia, Brunei and South Africa.

Local companies are also expanding to the Middle East following a decision by the United Arab Emirates to recognise halal products from Singapore.

Hosted by the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the halal showcase will be open to the public tomorrow and on Sunday.

To highlight the Asian halal industry, one of its main features will be a booth that displays more than 200 halal products from China, India, the Middle East and Asean countries.

leepq@sph.com.sg