Halal Certification (Halal) Certification

Halal certification shows that a product and its production process conform to Islamic rules. Its scope is not just the raw material: the slaughter method, the source of additives, cross-contamination on the production line, cleaning agents and storage conditions are also assessed. In Turkey, the Halal Accreditation Agency (HAK) accredits halal conformity-assessment bodies; OIC/SMIIC standards are the reference.

• Meat and meat-product manufacturers
• Food-additive and flavouring manufacturers
• Cosmetics and pharmaceutical manufacturers
• Firms exporting to markets with a large Muslim population
• Those supplying retail chains that require halal

Not legally mandatory; however, some importing countries (especially Gulf states, Malaysia, Indonesia) require a halal certificate for meat and food imports. The accepted certification body varies by importing country; the body recognised by the target country must be confirmed before obtaining a certificate.

• Source verification of raw materials and additives
• The halal conformity of animal-derived ingredients (gelatine, enzymes, glycerine)
• The slaughter method and slaughter-personnel requirements (for meat products)
• Prevention of the use of alcohol and haram substances
• Segregation on the production line and prevention of cross-contamination
• The conformity of cleaning and disinfection agents
• Segregation in storage and transport
• Traceability and supplier certificates
• Labelling and use of the halal logo

1. 1Application and Product DescriptionThe product family, model list, technical specifications and target market are determined. The applicable standard and certification route become clear at this step.
2. 2Technical File ReviewDesign documents, the bill of materials, critical-component certificates and the instructions for use are examined.
3. 3Product TestingThe tests the relevant standard requires are carried out. The test report is the fundamental basis for the certification decision.
4. 4Factory AuditIf the scheme requires it, the continuity of manufacturing and factory production control (FPC) are verified on site.
5. 5Issuing the Certificate and MarkingOnce conformity is verified, the certificate is issued; the marking rules for the product and packaging are applied.
6. 6Follow-up AuditsDepending on the scheme, periodic factory audits and/or follow-up testing on samples taken from the market are carried out.

The validity period varies by scheme: some product certificates are indefinite and rely on periodic factory audits, while some schemes (e.g. country market marks) require annual or per-shipment renewal. Every design change to the product requires the certificate to be reviewed.

• The list of product models and variants
• Technical drawings, diagrams and the bill of materials
• Certificates for critical components
• The instructions for use and a sample label
• Existing test reports, if any
• Production-site details

There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.

• The number of models and variants in the product family
• The test scope the applicable standard requires
• Whether a factory audit is required
• The number of target markets and whether each requires separate testing
• Whether existing test reports can be accepted

Product certification is carried out under ISO/IEC 17065; The tests that form the basis for certification are carried out in laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. The two scopes are separate. Recognition between accreditation bodies is provided through IAF and ILAC agreements.

The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.

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