Once an organisation has successfully received certification from Australian Halal Development and Accreditation (AHDAA), there are certain obligations the certificate receiving organisation (licensee) must comply with. An adherence to these obligations will help facilitate a compliance to the AHDAA SOP as well as the SOP of the importing countries, along with provide the basis for a productive and prolonged working relationship. Those obligations are available below

1 – AUDITING

This is in accordance with the requirements of clause 9.2.3 of GSO 2055-2, clause 9.2.3 of UAE.S 2055- 2, and clause 9.2.3 of OIC/SMIIC 2.

• The licensee will help facilitate and allow AHDAA to observe their sites with regular scheduled auditing.
• The licensee will regularly update and organise their documentation in order to allow AHDAA to survey their documentation upon auditing.
• If any non-conformances or non-compliant findings are identified, the licensee is to rectify them in a swift manner, while providing proof of the said rectification to AHDAA.
• During the audit, the AHDAA auditors have freewill regarding where they want to observe and are independent in their choices.

2 – IMAGING AND THE USE OF THE AHDAA MARK, LOGO AND ISSUED HALAL CERTIFICATES

This is in accordance with the requirements of clause 4.1.3 of ISO 17065, and clause 8.4 of GSO 2055-2, clause 8.4 of UAE.S 2055- 2, and clause 8.4 of OIC/SMIIC 2.

• The licensee is to not use the AHDAA mark, logo or Halal Certificates unless authorised and only use it for its specified use and scope.
• The licensee is not allowed to outsource the AHDAA mark, logo or Halal certificates to any other 3rd party that is not mentioned in the certificate.
• If the Halal Certificate is expired, the licensee is not allowed to continue with functioning use or display of the certificate and return the expired documentation to AHDAA if requested.
• The licensee is not to tamper with the Halal Certificate of AHDAA.

The AHDAA Halal interim/transfer certificate is a very integral document regarding the safeguarding of Halal integrity, compliance and confidence of all parties involved. It is based  and aligns with the requirements of; the Australian Government Approved Halal Programme (AGAHP), importing countries and the AHDAA SOP.

The AHDAA Halal Interim/transfer certificate is provided to the clients with by legally binding terms and conditions that are accompanied by clear instructions on its use, and how to avoid misapplication.

If a client is to misuse or alter the AHDAA Interim/transfer Halal certificate without written approval from AHDAA, it is an illegal act. Such a violation can result in AHDAA acting to suspend, withdraw and/or cancel their Halal certificate without delay. Furthermore, AHDAA can take legal action against the client in mention.

AHDAA client site Halal certificates clearly states: “The certificate is valid for this address only”. Furthermore, also stating: “This certificate is not transferable and shall not be used in another premise”.

The site Halal certificates of AHDAA clients have QR codes for verification. When the QR code is scanned, if the page says the certificate is Valid & Current in green, the certificate can be accepted. However, if the QR code on the certificate cannot be read or says it is either expired, suspended, withdrawn or cancelled, you are required to contact compliance@ahdaa.com.au.

Therefore, the breach, misuse or violating the AHDAA Site Halal certificate, halal mark which is a trademark, and the agreement between AHDAA and its clients is prohibited. If a third party is to display AHDAA Halal certificates which are specific to clients and that explicitly state the address of the licensee without written approval from AHDAA, it will result in legal action being taken.

Any unauthorised entity displaying the AHDAA site Halal certificate or any other documents which contain the AHDAA Halal mark, AHDAA common seal stamp, AHDAA company Logo and AHDAA signatures belonging to AHDAA officials is unlawful and AHDAA has the right to take legal action. A law-suit for this misuse can result in AHDAA seeking compensation of $500,0000 (five hundred thousand Australian dollars) or more, depending on the breach and the damage that has been inflicted on AHDAA.

3 – FEE STRUCTURE

• The licensee and AHDAA will agree on a fee structure once AHDAA has deemed the applicant’s Halal operations to be compliant with the Halal requirements of the DAWE Halal program, importing countries and AHDAA Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Once the details are agreed upon, the licensee must uphold their obligation regarding providing payment, invoicing and any documentation that is related to fees on time.

4 – COMMUNICATION

• The licensee is to ensure regular communication with AHDAA regarding any queries, requests or observations.
• The licensee is to not disclose any AHDAA communication to a 3rd party, unless authorised.

5 – MAINTENANCE OF THE HALAL CERTIFICATE

• Any organisation that has been granted Halal certificate or the Licensee in order to maintain the Halal certificate, has to comply with the requirements set by AHDAA, DAWE and Importing countries without fail.

6 – AHDAA HALAL CERTIFCATE SUSPENSION OR CANCELLATION

This is in accordance with the requirements of clauses 9.6 & 9.1.3 of GSO 2055-2 along with clauses 9.6 and 9.1.3 of UAE.S 2055- 2. Also, clause 7.11 of ISO 17065 and clauses 3.8 and 9.6 of OIC/SMIIC 2.

In the event AHDAA has informed in writing a Licensee or organisation or applicant, the AHDAA Halal certificate is suspended or cancelled or reduced the scope, the licensee shall immediately do the followings:

• Stop the supply of all goods or services.
• Adopt appropriate measures to modify goods or services before supply to customers.
• Modify or destroy existing materials or goods.
• inform public about the Halal status of their products.
• Stop using the AHDAA Halal certificate/mark in their circulars and advertisements.
• Swiftly implement a goods recall procedure.
• Cease to use any promotional or advertising material showing it has AHDAA Halal certification including Halal mark or logo.

7- CHANGES TO HALAL SCOPE

This is in accordance with the requirements of clause 7.10.2 of ISO, clause 9.6 OIC/SMIIC 2, clause 9.6 of UAE.S 2055- 2, and clause 9.6 of GSO 2055-2.

• In the event that that a licensee has made a change to their AHDAA Halal scope, whether it be a reduction or addition, they must notify AHDAA in writing beforehand. Any changes that are made without the approval of AHDAA will be nulled, and AHDAA will begin corrective procedures.

Changes to details:

• If a licensee’s management or stakeholders have changed, they must inform AHDAA.
• If a licensee’s address, location, or contact details have changed, they must inform AHDAA.The below infographic outlines the 7 main obligations regarding a licensee, and a commitment of these will provide the basis for a long and fruitful certification.

Please fill out the below if you have any questions or would like us to contact you