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Purpose
These guidelines explain how a certified operator adds new products, services, locations, or process changes to an existing HCC certificate. Adding to a certificate is not automatic — new items are certified only after they have been assessed and approved against the applicable Halal requirements.
Scope and applicability
These guidelines apply to any holder of a valid HCC certificate who wishes to extend its scope — whether by introducing a new product or variant, adding a production line or site, or making a process change that affects the certified output.
General principles
Certification applies only to the products, sites, and processes within the approved scope. New items may not carry the HCC mark or be presented as certified until the addition is approved. Operators must maintain segregation between certified and non-certified materials throughout, and give advance notice of any formulation, supplier, or process change.
Product addition procedure
The operator submits a pre-approval request using the Product Addition Application Form, with the supporting documentation for the new items: ingredient lists, process documentation, and supplier and raw-material Halal certificates.
HCC carries out a technical assessment of the submission and determines whether the addition can be approved on documentation, requires further information, or calls for an on-site audit of the new product, line, or site.
Addition scenarios and requirements
A new product or variant using already-approved ingredients and processes may be approved on documentation review. A product introducing new ingredients or suppliers requires verification of those materials. A new line, site, or significant process change requires an audit before the addition is approved. The requirements scale with the Halal risk the change introduces.
Additional inspections and audits
Where an addition warrants it, HCC conducts an additional inspection or audit before updating the certificate. This is in addition to the annual surveillance audit and does not replace it.
Certification validity and renewal
An HCC certificate is issued for a term of one year and is renewed through a mandatory annual surveillance audit; a longer term may be granted in certain cases. An approved addition takes on the validity of the existing certificate; it does not start a new term of its own.
Payment terms
An administrative fee applies to a product-addition request and is payable before the certificate scope is updated. Where an audit is required, the associated assessment fee also applies. Fees are quoted before work begins.
Submission process
Complete the Product Addition Application Form, attach the supporting documentation, and send it to HCC at info@halalcc.org. HCC confirms receipt, advises whether an audit is needed, and issues the updated certificate and scope once the addition is approved.
Compliance reminder
Presenting an unapproved product as certified, or applying the HCC mark to out-of-scope items, is a breach that can lead to suspension or withdrawal of the certificate under the Suspension, Withdrawal & Termination Policy. When in doubt, submit the addition and wait for approval before making any Halal claim.
Questions about this policy?
Our team can clarify any point or direct your question to the right people at HCC.