AHDAA Halal Certification Process

Applicant Submission: Organizations seeking Halal certification submit an application form with required documentation (e.g., company details, product information, process flow, ingredient lists).
Preliminary Review: AHDAA conducts a preliminary review to ensure the completeness of the application and that the organization meets the basic eligibility criteria.

Detailed Document Review: AHDAA auditors review submitted documents against the requirements of OIC-SMIIC-2:2019, GSO 2055-2:2021, and UAE:GSO:2:2021 standards.
Initial Feedback: Feedback is provided to the applicant on any non-conformities or additional information required.

Audit Team Assignment: Qualified auditors are assigned based on the scope and complexity of the certification.
Audit Plan Development: An audit plan is developed, outlining the audit objectives, scope, criteria, and schedule.

Opening Meeting: An opening meeting is held with the applicant to explain the audit process and confirm the audit plan.
Facility Inspection: Physical inspection of facilities, equipment, storage areas, and production processes to verify compliance with Halal standards.
Process Verification: Observation and verification of critical control points, hygiene practices, and Halal integrity throughout the production process.
Employee Interviews: Interviews with key personnel to assess their understanding and implementation of Halal requirements.
Document Review: Examination of records, such as procurement documents, production logs, and quality control records.

Audit Findings: Preparation of an audit report summarizing findings, including any non-conformities and opportunities for improvement.
Non-Conformity Notification: Notification of non-conformities to the applicant, with a request for a corrective action plan.

Action Plan Submission: Applicant submits a corrective action plan addressing the identified non-conformities.
Implementation Verification: Verification of the implementation of corrective actions through follow-up audits or document reviews.

Review of Audit Report: The audit report and corrective actions are reviewed by the certification committee.
Certification Granting: If compliance is confirmed, a Halal certificate is granted.
Certification Refusal: If non-conformities are not adequately addressed, certification is refused, and the applicant is informed of the reasons.

Surveillance Audits: Regular surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance with Halal standards.
Continual Improvement: Encouragement of continual improvement practices within the certified organization.

Renewal Application: Certified organizations must apply for renewal before the expiration of their certificate.
Renewal Audit: Similar to the initial audit process, including a document review, on-site audit, and corrective actions.

Scope Expansion: Application for expanding the scope of certification to include additional products or processes.
Scope Reduction: Voluntary or enforced reduction of the scope if certain products or processes no longer comply with Halal standards.

Suspension: Certification may be suspended if significant non-conformities are identified, requiring immediate corrective actions.
Withdrawal: Certification is withdrawn if non-conformities are not corrected within the specified timeframe or if the organization violates Halal standards.
Restoration: Suspended certification can be restored after verification of corrective actions and re-audit if necessary.

Appeal Process: Organizations have the right to appeal certification decisions. An appeals committee reviews the appeal and makes a final decision.
Complaint Handling: Procedures for handling complaints from stakeholders regarding the certified organization’s Halal compliance.