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Diagnosing a Halal Certification System for Cosmetics: The Viable System Model Approach
Journal
Systemic Practice And Action Research
Date Issued
2023
Author(s)
Khairul Akmaliah Adham
Nur Sa’adah Muhamad
Adlin Masood
DOI
10.1007/s11213-023-09647-x
Abstract
The global halal cosmetics industry is a lucrative market worth US$ 27.31 billion in 2021,
and its value is expected to grow to US$ 54 billion by 2027. However, the overall cosmetics industry is monopolized by multinational companies, and many products have no
halal certification, an assurance system for certifying a particular product as permissible
and good for Muslims to use. Among Muslim consumers, the level of awareness about
halal cosmetics is low in comparison to their awareness of halal food. These low levels
of uptake by cosmetics manufacturers and consumer awareness must be addressed, especially since cosmetics are utilized in everyday Muslim life. In addressing these issues, a
comprehensive understanding is needed of the halal ecosystem for cosmetics. An initial
step in this direction would be to study the system of halal certification for cosmetics.
Utilizing the Viable System Model (VSM) as the framework, this study diagnosed the
halal certification system for cosmetics in Malaysia. This study gathered data from interviews with representatives from institutions and departments directly involved in the halal
certification system. The halal certification system for cosmetics in Malaysia was found
to already have established some elements of viability. However, there is neither a dedicated policy for the development of halal cosmetics nor a comprehensive legal framework
governing the development of halal cosmetics and its usage. There are also some missing
links related to the monitoring function and among the operating units. This understanding
paves the way for developing a viable certification system for halal cosmetics in Malaysia
and worldwide
and its value is expected to grow to US$ 54 billion by 2027. However, the overall cosmetics industry is monopolized by multinational companies, and many products have no
halal certification, an assurance system for certifying a particular product as permissible
and good for Muslims to use. Among Muslim consumers, the level of awareness about
halal cosmetics is low in comparison to their awareness of halal food. These low levels
of uptake by cosmetics manufacturers and consumer awareness must be addressed, especially since cosmetics are utilized in everyday Muslim life. In addressing these issues, a
comprehensive understanding is needed of the halal ecosystem for cosmetics. An initial
step in this direction would be to study the system of halal certification for cosmetics.
Utilizing the Viable System Model (VSM) as the framework, this study diagnosed the
halal certification system for cosmetics in Malaysia. This study gathered data from interviews with representatives from institutions and departments directly involved in the halal
certification system. The halal certification system for cosmetics in Malaysia was found
to already have established some elements of viability. However, there is neither a dedicated policy for the development of halal cosmetics nor a comprehensive legal framework
governing the development of halal cosmetics and its usage. There are also some missing
links related to the monitoring function and among the operating units. This understanding
paves the way for developing a viable certification system for halal cosmetics in Malaysia
and worldwide
Subjects