Certification status changes | IHC

Änderungen des Zertifizierungsstatus

Certification status changes

How IHC maintains, suspends, withdraws, terminates and reinstates Halal certification for certified clients.

Based on SOP-23 · Revision 02 · 28 October 2026

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International Halal Center (IHC) — Informationsblatt Based on SOP-23 · Revision 02 · 28 October 2026

A Halal certificate stays valid only while the client keeps meeting the certification requirements. IHC checks this continuously and acts when Halal integrity is at risk. Decisions are documented, taken independently of the audit team, and Sharia-related questions are decided by the Sharia committee.

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MAINTAINED

Valid

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MAINTAINED

Surveillance at least every 12 months confirms continued compliance.

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SUSPENDED

Temporarily invalid

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SUSPENDED

Up to 6 months. No Halal mark or Halal claim for the suspended scope.

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WITHDRAWN

Permanently revoked

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WITHDRAWN

Certificate and right to use the mark end. A new application is needed.

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TERMINATED

Ended

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TERMINATED

At the client's request, or by expiry without renewal.

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Summary of certification statuses

Each status has defined reasons, consequences for the Halal mark and a clear way to end the status.

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Schritt 1 — Zertifizierungsstatus wählen

Maintained

Details für Maintained

Typische Gründe

Satisfactory surveillance, recertification, or evaluation of changes

Halal-Zeichen & Angaben

Allowed for the certified scope

Status shown by QR code and website

Valid

Wie der Status endet

–

How a decision is made

Five steps, from the first information to the public record.

1

Evaluation

Technical department and certification reviewer assess the facts, the risk and the impact on Halal integrity (audit result, complaint, change notified by the client, misuse, unpaid fees). The Sharia committee is consulted where needed.

Non-conformities and observations: major, minor, observation

IHC classifies every finding by its effect on Halal status, extent, intention, consumer exposure and recurrence. When in doubt, the more severe class applies until clarified.

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Schritt 1 — Klassifizierungsstufe wählen

Directly endangering Halal integrity

Haram or Najis ingredient in a certified product Uncontrolled cross-contamination Slaughter not meeting Halal requirements Falsified records or fraud Area's access refused without justified reasons or lines concealed Misleading use of the mark

Closure of a non-conformity always requires correction, root-cause analysis and evidence of an effective corrective action. A major non-conformity that results from a deliberate act leads to withdrawal.

What certified clients must do

At all times

  • Keep meeting the Halal requirements and allow surveillance and special audits, including unannounced ones.
  • Use the Halal mark and certificate only for the certified scope and while certification is valid.
  • Implement corrections and corrective actions within the given deadlines.
  • Respond to IHC requests for records.

Tell IHC about changes – before they happen

  • Product, composition, raw materials, additives, suppliers, packaging or labelling.
  • Process, production lines, premises or site, Halal management system.
  • Key personnel, such as the Halal controller or committee.
  • Legal status, ownership or name; new regulatory requirements of target markets.

If suspended

  • Stop using the mark, certificate and any Halal claim for the suspended scope (packaging, labels, advertising, website, invoices).
  • Agree with IHC how stock and products on the market are handled.
  • Keep allowing follow-up audits and submit evidence within the period.

If withdrawn or terminated

  • Stop using the mark immediately; return or destroy certificates and copies.
  • Remove references to the certification from all media.
  • Inform customers as required by IHC. Outstanding fees remain due.

Misuse of the mark – e.g. use on a non-certified product, after expiry, beyond the scope, with a wrong logo, or during suspension – is corrected immediately and can lead to suspension, withdrawal, publication and legal action.

Lifting a suspension

A suspension ends only when the reasons no longer exist.

1

Evidence

The client submits corrections and effective corrective actions within the suspension period.

2

Verification

Document review or, depending on the risk, an on-site follow-up audit.

3

Decision and notice

The certification decision committee (with the Sharia committee where relevant) decides; the client is notified and the status shown by the QR code and on the website is updated at once.

Reinstatement does not extend the validity of the certificate. If the reasons are not removed within 6 months, the certification is withdrawn.

Appeals and complaints

Einsprüche zertifizierter Kunden

Clients may appeal any decision of suspension or withdrawal and complain about how the procedure was applied. Appeals are handled by the complaints / appeals committee, whose members did not take part in the decision; IHC acknowledges the appeal, keeps the client informed and gives the result in writing. An appeal does not automatically suspend the effect of the decision, unless the general manager or the committee decides otherwise.

Missbrauch melden & Beschwerden

Anyone may report a concern about a certified client or a misuse of the IHC Halal mark. IHC reviews each report and, where credible, carries out a special audit. Use the contact details on the IHC website.

Frequently asked questions

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How long can a certificate stay suspended?

A maximum of 6 months. A longer period requires a documented decision of the certification decision committee for justified reasons.