Pakistan to establish halal FDA
Pakistan has announced it will soon be setting up a halal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) body, to regulate the manufacture, accreditation and distribution of halal products in the country, including cosmetics.
Speaking recently, the country’s federal minister for science and technology, Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that the bill has already been passed in parliament.
In establishing the regulatory body, Pakistan joins others across the APAC region in investing resources in the sector, which is tipped for strong upcoming development. The move comes at a time when Pakistan’s beauty and personal care industry is set to blossom, according to Euromonitor International.
“An increase in urbanisation has fuelled awareness among consumers which has resulted in favourable value and volume growth of beauty and personal care products,” the firm’s most recent report on the country explains.
Halal hot ticket
Pakistan is the just the latest in the region to turn its attention to the rising potential of the halal market, joining the Philippines, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand in building domestic output.
Pakistan’s beauty industry is still in the growing stage, according to market research firm Euromonitor.
Establishing the FDA now will mean that the correct halal accreditation will be in place early for the industry, allowing maximum efficiency in Pakistan’s halal sector’s development.
Urban consumers
Euromonitor's report states that it will be urban consumers driving the beauty and personal care industry upcoming growth in the country.
“Consumers in urban centres experience a lifestyle which encourages them to enhance their personality and look good,” researchers note.
The urban consumer group outstrips rural consumers in terms of their potential, Euromonitor states, suggesting that brands looking to profit from the upcoming industry development in the country should set their sights on city-based consumers.
“The urban consumer enjoys ease in spending and high disposable income which urges higher spending on personal care products. In contrast, rural consumers do not have such exposure and are still less aware of beauty and personal care.”