HALAL

HALAL certification assesses whether products and relevant processes meet applicable halal requirements. It is intended for organisations that make, handle or supply products where halal status matters to customers or buyers. AuditCert International works with organisations to understand their business, agree the assessment scope and explain the next steps.

What is HALAL?

HALAL means permissible under Islamic law. HALAL certification is an assessment of products and the processes involved in making or handling them against applicable halal requirements.

The assessment scope depends on the products and activities under review. It can include ingredients and their sources, production or processing steps, handling, storage and controls intended to prevent contact or mixing with materials that do not meet halal requirements. The specific requirements depend on the applicable certification criteria and the organisation’s operations.

Certification is based on assessment evidence, not simply on a product name or a written claim. The organisation needs to show how it identifies relevant materials, controls its processes and maintains records. AuditCert International provides HALAL certification for products and processes.

Who needs HALAL certification?

Organisations in Bangladesh and elsewhere may seek HALAL certification when they produce, process, pack, store or supply products for customers who require evidence of halal status. This can include food and beverage businesses, ingredient suppliers, manufacturers, processors and other organisations whose products or processes fall within the agreed assessment scope.

A buyer, distributor or supply-chain partner may request certification as part of its supplier approval or purchasing requirements. Customers may also look for certification when choosing products. Requirements vary by market and buyer, so organisations should confirm which certification criteria and certificate scope are accepted by the relevant customer or authority.

Regulatory and market requirements can differ between destinations and product categories. Certification should not be treated as a substitute for checking the legal requirements that apply to a product, its labelling or its sale in each market.

What are the practical benefits?

  • Provides assessed evidence about the halal status of the products and processes included in the certificate scope.
  • Helps an organisation respond to buyer or supply-chain requests for halal certification, where the buyer accepts the certification and scope.
  • Encourages clearer control of ingredients, suppliers and materials that are relevant to halal requirements.
  • Supports consistent production and handling by making responsibilities and process controls easier to identify.
  • Creates a basis for maintaining records and reviewing changes to materials, suppliers or processes.
  • Provides audit feedback that can help the organisation identify areas for improvement.

How does the certification process with AuditCert International work?

  1. Make an enquiry

    Contact us with a short description of your organisation, products or processes, and what you need. We will explain what is involved and the next step.

  2. Application and scope

    We learn about your business and agree the products, sites and activities to be included in the assessment. A clear scope helps establish what the certification will cover.

  3. Audit planning

    We plan the assessment with you, including the relevant arrangements and information needed to review the system against applicable requirements.

  4. Assessment

    The audit reviews relevant documented information and records, and checks how the controls are applied in practice. The auditor may examine materials, process controls and handling arrangements within the agreed scope.

  5. Review and certification decision

    Assessment findings are reviewed before a certification decision is made. Certification is granted only when the applicable requirements have been met; an outcome is not promised in advance.

  6. Certification and feedback

    If certification is approved, the certificate sets out its scope. Audit feedback can also identify matters for attention and continued improvement.

  7. Surveillance

    Certification is followed by surveillance activities to check that the certified system and controls continue to be maintained. The applicable arrangements are explained as part of the certification process.

What should you prepare?

Preparation depends on the products, processes and scope being assessed. The following information is commonly useful for an initial discussion and assessment:

  • A description of the organisation, its sites, products and relevant activities.
  • Product specifications, formulations or bills of materials, including information about ingredients and their sources where relevant.
  • Supplier details and available supporting information for ingredients, processing aids and other materials that may affect halal status.
  • Process descriptions or flow diagrams showing production, processing, packing, storage and handling steps within scope.
  • Procedures and records for receiving, identifying, storing and controlling relevant materials, including arrangements to prevent unintended mixing or contact where applicable.
  • Records that show the controls are followed, such as purchasing, production, cleaning, traceability and staff training records, where relevant to the operation.
  • Details of any changes to products, suppliers, materials, equipment or processes that may affect the assessment.
  • People who understand the products and day-to-day processes and can explain how the controls work. Relevant managers and staff may need to be available during the assessment.

The auditor will confirm what information is relevant to the agreed scope. Do not assume that a document alone demonstrates effective control; records and observations may also be considered.

How long does HALAL certification take, and what affects the time and cost?

The time and cost depend on the organisation and the agreed assessment scope. No fixed duration or price is stated here. Factors include the number and complexity of products and processes, the sites and activities included, the availability and completeness of relevant documents and records, and how readily the auditor can review the controls in practice.

Additional time may be needed if the scope is complex, information is incomplete, or assessment findings need to be addressed before a certification decision. Changes to products, suppliers or processes can also affect the work required. Contact AuditCert International with a short description of your organisation and needs; we can explain what is involved and discuss the next step.

Why choose AuditCert International?

AuditCert International is an accredited certification body offering product certification and services that include HALAL certification for products and processes. We work with organisations in Bangladesh and worldwide.

Our stated approach is to understand your business, agree the scope, plan the assessment with you and review your system against the applicable requirements. We provide feedback to support continued improvement. Contact us with a short description of your organisation and what you need, and we will explain the process and next step.

Certification decisions depend on assessment evidence and the applicable requirements. We do not promise certification or a particular outcome in advance.

Ready to talk about HALAL?

Describe your organization and the standard you are working toward. We will reply with the next step.

Contact us +8801718008488

Frequently asked questions

What does HALAL certification cover?

HALAL certification assesses products and relevant processes against applicable halal requirements. Depending on the agreed scope, the assessment may consider ingredients and their sources, production or processing, handling, storage and controls. The certificate scope identifies what has been assessed. Requirements can differ by product, market and buyer, so confirm that the scope and certification criteria meet the expectations relevant to your business.

Which products can be included in a HALAL certification assessment?

Products can be considered for assessment when they fall within the applicable certification criteria and the agreed scope. The assessment may also need to consider the processes and materials involved in making or handling them. Contact AuditCert International with a description of your products, sites and activities so the relevant scope and next steps can be discussed.

What do auditors check during a HALAL assessment?

Auditors review information and evidence relevant to the agreed scope. This may include product and ingredient information, supplier details, process controls, handling and storage arrangements, and records showing how procedures are followed. They may also speak with people responsible for the activities and observe processes. The specific evidence needed depends on the organisation’s products and operations.

Will HALAL certification be accepted by every buyer or market?

Not necessarily. Buyers and markets can have different requirements, and acceptance may depend on the certification criteria, certificate scope and other applicable rules. Before applying, check what the intended buyer or market requires, including whether it accepts the relevant certification and scope.

How do I start an enquiry with AuditCert International?

Send us a short description of your organisation, the products or processes you want assessed, and what you need. This helps us understand your business and discuss the likely scope and next step. You can contact AuditCert International through the service enquiry channels on this page or call +8801718008488.