What is E1203?
E1203 is Polyvinyl alcohol, a food additive used as a glazing agent. A synthetic polymer used to coat tablets. Despite the name it is not drinking alcohol.
Also written as: INS 1203, E-1203, E 1203. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
What to do
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E1203 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E1203 (Polyvinyl alcohol) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Why we classify it this way
Halal A synthetic polymer used to coat tablets. Despite the name it is not drinking alcohol.
Basis: No concern found. Made from plants, minerals, fermentation or synthesis, or from a permitted animal product. Nothing in normal production raises a pork, alcohol, insect or slaughter question.
No external reference is listed for this record yet.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is E1203 halal?
E1203 (Polyvinyl alcohol) is halal. A synthetic polymer used to coat tablets. Despite the name it is not drinking alcohol.
What is E1203 made from?
Synthetic.
What is E1203 used for?
E1203 is used as a glazing agent, typically in sweets, chocolates, fruit coatings and tablets.
What should I do if a product contains E1203?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E1203 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E1203 (Polyvinyl alcohol) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.