When a critical nonconformity with certification requirements is substantiated, either as a result of
surveillance or otherwise, the HFFIA shall consider and decide upon the appropriate action. Additionally, if a client refuses or fails to pay within the contractually agreed time, after sufficient reminders and efforts to bring this to the client’ s attention, HFFIA may take appropriate action accordingly.
Appropriate action can include the following:
a) continuation of certification under conditions specified by the certification body (e.g. increased surveillance);
b) reduction in the scope of certification to remove nonconforming product variants;
c) suspension of the certification pending remedial action by the client;
d) withdrawal of the certification.
When the appropriate action includes evaluation, review or a certification decision, the requirements of each respectively, shall be fulfilled. In case the certificate is suspended, the client will have to go through the approval process via the DC, in case the Halal certificate is withdrawn, the client will have to go through the complete certification process from start.
Additionally, when a critical nonconformity with Halal certification requirements is substantiated, the DC shall consider and decide upon the appropriate action, and inform formulate and communicate to the client all actions needed. These actions shall encompass at least the following points: If Halal certification is terminated (by request of the client), suspended or withdrawn and/or the scope of Halal certification reduced, HFFIA shall make all necessary modifications to formal certification documents, public information, authorizations for use of marks, etc., in order to ensure it provides no indication that the product continues to be Halal certified. Additionally if changes occur within HFFIA resulting in change of status of a Halal certificate, this change shall be communicated to the client by the HFFIA. Consequently, suitable actions will be taken regarding the use of the Halal Certificate and Logo’s by the client as contractually agreed. If certification is reinstated after suspension, the CB shall make all necessary modifications to formal certification documents, public information, authorizations for use of marks, etc., in order to ensure all appropriate indications exist that the product continues to be certified. If a decision to reduce the scope of certification is made as a condition of reinstatement, the CB shall make all necessary modifications to formal certification documents, public information, authorizations for use of marks, etc., in order to ensure the reduced scope of certification is clearly communicated to the client and clearly specified in certification documentation and public information
When a non-conformity with Halal certification is substantiated as a result of fraud by the client. HFFIA shall immediately withdraw the Halal certificate. The client shall discontinue its use of all advertising matter that contains any reference thereto and takes all required measures (e.g. the return of certification documents) with immediate effect. If the client provides copies of the certification documents to others, the documents shall be reproduced in their entirety and the client shall communicate to other parties that the certificate is withdrawn. In making reference to its product certification in communication media such as documents, brochures or advertising, the client shall withdraw all references with immediate effect. The client shall withdraw the use of marks of conformity, and on information related to the product with immediate effect. The client shall have a window of 3 days to complete all required actions, upon receiving the notification of Halal certificate withdrawal. The client shall keep records of all taken measures and shall make these records available to HFFIA at its latest on the third day after the notification of halal certificate withdrawal.