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Certification process

Four stages, seven steps, no surprises in the middle.

The four stages on our home page, broken into the seven steps behind them: what we ask you for, what happens at the audit, and what keeps a certificate alive afterwards.

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  1. Stage 1

    Scope & quote

  2. Apply for certification

    Start with the online application: tell us what you make, where you make it and where you sell it. We confirm whether the scope is certifiable, identify anything likely to block certification, and agree what the certificate will cover. Nothing is chargeable at this stage.
    Apply for certification

    You provide: Product list, site list, target markets Typical duration: 2–5 days

  3. Quotation and agreement

    We issue a fixed quotation stating the number of audit days, the fees and the certification cycle. Once signed, you receive the application pack and access to the document request list.

    You provide: Signed agreement and completed application Typical duration: 1 week
  4. Stage 2

    Technical review

  5. Technical review

    Every ingredient, processing aid, sanitation chemical and packaging material in scope is classified against the NAFAH standard: halal, not halal, or requires supporting evidence. Where evidence is needed, we tell you exactly which declaration to request from which supplier and give you a template to send them. This is the stage that determines the length of the whole project.

    You provide: Specifications, formulations, supplier declarations Typical duration: 2–6 weeks
  6. Stage 3

    On-site audit

  7. On-site audit

    A NAFAH auditor visits each facility in scope. The audit follows a published protocol: opening meeting, document and record review, full production walk-through, storage and sanitation inspection, traceability exercise, and a closing meeting where every finding is stated verbally before it is written.

    You provide: Site access, production running where possible, QA and production staff available Typical duration: 1–3 days on site

  8. Corrective action

    Findings are graded. Minor non-conformities are closed with documented evidence; major non-conformities may require a follow-up visit. You receive the written report within five working days of the audit, with a deadline attached to each finding.

    You provide: Corrective action evidence Typical duration: 2–4 weeks
  9. Stage 4

    Decision & listing

  10. Certification decision

    The Certification Committee reviews the file, application, technical review, audit report and closed findings, and makes the decision. The auditor presents but does not vote. On a grant decision the certificate is issued with its product annex, and the certificate record is created the same day.

    You provide: Nothing further Typical duration: 5–10 working days after the file is complete

  11. Surveillance and renewal

    Certification runs for twelve months. Within the cycle we carry out surveillance activity, which may be announced or unannounced, and we must be notified of any change to formulation, supplier, co-manufacturer or process. Renewal starts sixty days before expiry so the certificate does not lapse.

    You provide: Change notifications as they happen Typical duration: Ongoing
When things go wrong

Suspension, withdrawal and what they mean

These decisions are recorded against the certificate and communicated to the client. A certificate record that only shows good news is not worth checking.

Valid

The certificate is current. Product made within the scope and dates is covered.

Expired

The certificate reached its expiry date without renewal. Product made after that date is not covered. The record stays visible.

Suspended

A temporary stop, usually for unresolved major non-conformities or refused access. The mark may not be used at all during a suspension.

Withdrawn

Certification has ended, by our decision or at the client’s request. The certificate carries no halal status from the withdrawal date.

Any certified client may appeal a decision. Appeals are heard by people who were not involved in the original decision. The appeals procedure is issued with the application pack and summarised in our terms and conditions.

Ready to start?

Apply for halal certification

Tell us what you make and where you sell it. We come back with a scope, a timeline and a fixed quotation, usually within two working days. Nothing is chargeable until you sign.

  • One short form, no documents needed at this stage
  • A scoping call with an auditor who knows your sector
  • Fixed quotation: application and review, audit days, annual fee
Apply for certification Or ask a question first
Two people shaking hands over a signed agreement