Meat exports to Egypt: DGFT extends the i-CAS-Halal transition from nine to twelve months
TaxByKK · Compliance News · taxbykk.com9 Nov 2026
In short
DGFT has extended, by three months, the transition period for mandatory India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS)-Halal certification of specified meat and meat products exported to Egypt. The period is now twelve months from the date of Notification 59/2025-26 (9 February 2026), instead of nine. DGFT says the extra time is to complete the onboarding and accreditation of the Egyptian halal certification bodies. All other provisions of Notification 59/2025-26 are unchanged.
- Authority
- Directorate General of Foreign Trade
- Notification
- No. 48/2026-27
- Date
- 9 November 2026
- Type
- Export policy notification
- Amends
- Notification No. 59/2025-26 dated 9 February 2026, as amended by Notification No. 28/2026-27 dated 5 August 2026 (second point under Para 3)
- Scheme
- India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS)-Halal
- Country
- Egypt
- New period
- Twelve months from the date of Notification 59/2025-26
What changed
| Item | Before | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Start of mandatory i-CAS-Halal certification for specified meat and meat products to Egypt | Nine months from the date of Notification 59/2025-26 | Twelve months from the date of Notification 59/2025-26, to allow readiness and accreditation of certification bodies |
The notification gives the period in months, not as a calendar date. Counting twelve months from 9 February 2026 points to about 9 February 2027, but the notification itself does not state that date. The list of specified products sits in Notification 59/2025-26 and is not repeated here.
Who it applies to
- Exporters of buffalo meat and other specified meat products to Egypt
- Halal certification bodies and accreditation agencies
- Customs brokers and freight forwarders
- CAs and trade lawyers
What to do
- Plan Egypt-bound shipments against the new twelve-month period.
- Check the product list in Notification 59/2025-26 to see whether your goods are specified.
- Confirm with your certification body when it will be accredited under i-CAS-Halal for Egypt.
Reference
DGFT Notification No. 48/2026-27 dated 9 November 2026, Streamlining of Halal Certification Process for Meat and Meat Products (amending Notification No. 59/2025-26 dated 9 February 2026, as amended by Notification No. 28/2026-27 dated 5 August 2026).
Read the official PDF: DGFT Notification 48/2026-27Written by TaxByKK from the official notification. Check the official text before you act on it.
Frequently asked questions
What has DGFT extended?
The transition period before i-CAS-Halal certification becomes mandatory for specified meat and meat products to Egypt, from nine to twelve months.
From which date are the twelve months counted?
From the date of Notification 59/2025-26, which is 9 February 2026.
Why was it extended?
To complete the onboarding and accreditation of the Egyptian halal certification bodies.