1. European Certification Center for Halal (ECC Halal)

ECC Halal is an independent European certification center that is based in Rotterdam, Netherlands that provides for halal certification services for food production to other companies of all sizes. These services include inspection, auditing and certifying the integrity of halal food productions. ECC also continuously monitor developments within the halal market while serving new international markets by providing assistance to its partners.

Halal Certification Process

Halal Certificate by ECC

2. Halal Certification Europe (HCE)

HCE is an independent non-profit making organization that was established to formalize the investigation and halal certification of food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. The organization aims to assist manufacturers to set and maintain the highest standards of certification process and thus ensuring the products to be truly halal compliant.

Halal Certification Process

1. Halal Certification Application

• Apply online using ‘Online Halal Certification Form’
• Application form submitted
• Quotaton provided
• Certification Agreement to be signed
• All documents and applications to be sent

2. Evaluation Activities

• Detailed vetting of documents and additional information
• On-site audit to ensure compliance with Halal standards
• Laboratory testing of products when necessary

3. Halal Certification

• Halal certification status letter send after certification decision committee has evaluated application
• Halal Certificate issued for approved products only
• The overall certification period will last for three years
• Maintenance of certificate issuing will be subject to satisfactory surveillance audit, after the initial period
• Decisions for granting, maintaining, extending, reducing scope, suspending or withdrawal certification will be based on conformance to HCE Halal Standards

4. Suspension or Withdrawal of Certification

• HCE has the right to suspend or withdraw a Halal Certificate. Reasons for withdrawal include: improper use of reference to HCE or improper use of the halal logo; or failure to meet the requirements of halal standard; or failure to comply with the contractual agreement

Halal Certificate by HCE

3. Halal Certification Services (HCS)

HCS is a member of the World Halal Food Council and is officially recognized from renowned bodies from all around the world. HCS established the Halal Assurance System (HAS) to ensure its customers have access to halal products and services which are Shariah compliant.

Halal Certification Schemes

HCS offers six (6) types of halal certification schemes to suit the various categories of products and services as provided below:

1. Food Products

• Ingredients
• Products
• H1-Lubricants

2. Non-Food

• Water Filters
• Packaging
• Medicinal Product

3. Pharmasuiticals

• Ingredients
• Vaccines
• Packaging

4. Cosmetics

• Ingredients
• Finished Products

5. Animal Feed

• Ingredients
• Feed products

6. Financials

• Finance
• Logistique

Halal Certification Process

1. Application

• Pre-evaluation / information
• Application verification

2. Agreement

3. Document evaluation / assessment

• If required, pre-evaluation of the halal conformity shall be conducted

4. On-site audit

• If required, lab testing or re-verification visit will be conducted

5. Audit report compiling

6. Technical evaluation report

7. Legal opinion

8. Issuance of the halal certificate

Halal Certificate by HCS

4. Halal Food Council of Europe (HFCE)

HFCE is a registered non-profit organization established since 2010 in Brussels, Belgium, dedicated to halal certification of food, non-food and other materials. The certifications provided by HFCE meet the requirements of the halal standards for slaughter houses and different food and nutraceutical ingredients as well as products. The organization is also active in community services relevant to halal education, charity and food assistance to the needy in European countries.

Halal Certification Process

Halal Certificate by HFCE

5. The European Halal Certification Institute (EHZ)

EHZ is a non-profit organization sponsored by the Islamic Community Millî Görüş (IGMG). EHZ advises the food industry, checks their products and production systems and certified them. EHZ certifies food, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industry.

Halal Certification Process

1. In order to obtain Halal certification, the manufacturer or company submits an application to the EHZ.

2. The applicant self-assessment, application documents and initial information are sent to the applicant.

3. After the applicant's self-assessment has been completed and the required documents have been sent back to the EHZ, an appointment will be made for the initial meeting including a site inspection.

4. The inspection and inspection include:

• the review of the products that are to be Halal certified

• the review of the production facilities and lines

• the evaluation of the raw materials used

• if necessary, samples are taken to carry out a laboratory analysis

5. All information and documents that were collected before, during and after the site inspection are processed and analysed. The final assessment and approval is made by the EHZ's Academic Council.

6 Evaluation result:

• If everything is in order, approval is given and the Halal certificate is issued.

• If everything is not in order, the applicant will be informed of existing deficiencies and, if necessary, possible solutions will be sought together.

• As soon as all deficiencies have been rectified, approval is given and the Halal certificate is issued.

* The final Halal certification is preceded by the signing of a written Halal certification agreement. The Halal certificate is then issued. This is normally valid for one year.

7. After the Halal certificate has been issued, announced and unannounced audits are carried out at different intervals, depending on the company sector.

Halal Certificate by EHZ

References:

www.ecchalal.com

www.halalce.com/about/about-us

www.halalcs.org/en/

www.hfce.eu

eurohalal.eu

www.whfc-halal.com/members/europe