Purpose
This policy establishes that HCC certification is a continuing obligation, not a credential earned once and left untouched. It explains how HCC keeps a certificate true throughout its term and how certification is renewed at the end of a cycle.
Scope
This policy applies to every valid HCC certificate, across all schemes, for the full period from issuance through renewal, suspension, or withdrawal.
Ongoing Halal compliance commitment
A certificate reflects conformity at the moment it is granted and is maintained only while that conformity continues. The certified operator commits to keeping ingredients, suppliers, processes, and controls consistent with the approved scope for the life of the certificate.
Surveillance activities
HCC conducts a surveillance audit once every twelve months during the certification cycle to verify ongoing conformity. This annual surveillance is complemented by documentation review and by interim verification — including unannounced checks — where a change, a complaint, or a market concern warrants it.
Surveillance examines whether the conditions on which the certificate was granted still hold: that controls are operating, that segregation is maintained, and that no unreported change has affected Halal status.
Client responsibilities during certification
The certified operator must promptly report any operational change that could affect Halal status — to formulation, suppliers, process, site, or ownership — and must do so before that change reaches certified output. The operator must also grant access for surveillance and provide records on request.
Changes are handled under the Changes to Scope and Product Addition policies, which determine whether reassessment or a scope extension is needed.
Renewal of certification
Toward the end of the certification cycle, HCC reviews the certificate for renewal. Renewal confirms that the operation continues to conform and may involve a renewal audit. A certificate that is not renewed lapses on its expiry date, and the public record is updated accordingly.
Failure to maintain compliance
Where surveillance shows that conformity is no longer maintained, HCC escalates proportionately — from additional audits and corrective action to suspension or termination of the certificate under the Suspension, Withdrawal & Termination Policy.
Review & continuous improvement
This policy is reviewed at least annually. HCC uses what it learns from surveillance to strengthen scheme criteria and audit practice. Questions may be sent to HCC at info@halalcc.org.
Questions about this policy?
Our team can clarify any point or direct your question to the right people at HCC.