Certification status changes | IHC

Certification status changes

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

Overview
International Halal Center (IHC) — information sheet 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

Surveillance at least every 12 months confirms continued compliance.

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MAINTAINED

Valid

Surveillance at least every 12 months confirms continued compliance.

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SUSPENDED

Temporarily invalid

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

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SUSPENDED

Temporarily invalid

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

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WITHDRAWN

Permanently revoked

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

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WITHDRAWN

Permanently revoked

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

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TERMINATED

Ended

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

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TERMINATED

Ended

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

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Summary of certification statuses

Tap one of the four status buttons below — details update instantly

Step 1 — choose a certification status

Maintained (valid)

Details for Maintained (valid)

Typical reasons

Ongoing compliance; surveillance completed satisfactorily

Halal mark & claims

Allowed for certified scope

QR / website

Valid

How the status ends

Ends if requirements are no longer met, certificate expires without renewal, or client requests termination

How a decision is made

Select a step — only the active step is shown below

1

Evaluation

The Technical department and the assigned certification reviewer assess the facts, evidence and effect on Halal integrity. The Sharia committee is consulted where Sharia-related matters are involved.

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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Step 1 — choose a classification level

Typical examples

Haram or Najis ingredient Uncontrolled cross-contamination Slaughter not meeting Halal requirements Falsified records or fraud Refused access to audit Misleading use of the Halal mark

What certified clients must do

At all times

  • Meet all applicable Halal requirements for the certified scope
  • Allow IHC audits and provide access to relevant areas and records
  • Use the Halal mark and certificate only as approved
  • Respond promptly to requests for records and information

Tell IHC about changes — before they happen

  • Product composition or recipes
  • Production lines or sites
  • Key personnel (Halal controller / Halal committee)
  • Legal status or ownership affecting the certified organisation

If suspended

  • Stop using the Halal mark and Halal claims for the affected scope immediately
  • Agree with IHC how existing stock and materials are handled
  • Allow follow-up audits and provide evidence of correction

If withdrawn or terminated

  • Stop using the mark immediately and remove references from packaging and media
  • Inform customers and distributors as appropriate
  • Do not imply ongoing IHC certification
Misuse of the mark

Unauthorized or misleading use of the IHC Halal mark, logo or certificate references is not permitted and may lead to suspension, withdrawal and legal action.

Lifting a suspension

A suspension ends only when the reasons no longer exist.

1

Evidence

The client submits corrections and objective evidence within the suspension period.

2

Verification

IHC verifies implementation through document review and/or an on-site follow-up audit.

3

Decision and notice

The certification decision committee (and Sharia committee where relevant) decides on reinstatement. Status on the QR code and website is updated without undue delay.

Reinstatement after suspension does not extend the original certificate validity period. Suspension cannot exceed 6 months unless the certification decision committee decides otherwise for documented reasons.

Appeals and complaints

Certified client appeals

A certified client may appeal against a certification decision affecting status, scope or validity within the period stated in the notification. Appeals are handled by the complaints and appeals committee independently of the original decision-makers.

Reporting misuse & complaints

Anyone may report suspected misuse of the IHC Halal mark or false Halal claims. IHC investigates substantiated reports and takes appropriate certification and legal measures.

Frequently asked questions

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How long can a certificate stay suspended?

A maximum of 6 months. A longer suspension requires a documented decision by the certification decision committee.