All Steps from Application to Certificate
Trust in the halal certification process begins with a systematic and transparent operation. The entire process is carried out in accordance with specific standards, national and international regulations, from the initial application to the delivery of the certificate. Each step is designed to eliminate any doubts in the minds of both the client and the end consumer, ensuring maximum clarity and traceability throughout the process.
1. Information and Pre-Application
When an organization applies for halal certification, comprehensive information and a requirement analysis are first provided. Prerequisites for the halal compliance of the service or product are shared in detail.
2. Document Submission and Preliminary Evaluation
The requested documents (procedures, raw materials, process flow, etc.) are submitted in full by the company and pre-checked by the expert team. Any deficiencies are promptly communicated.
3. On-site Audit Planning
The audit schedule is established in agreement with all parties. The scope of the audit and critical processes to be focused on are shared with the applicant.
4. On-site Audit and Sampling
Auditors examine production, logistics, storage, and distribution processes on site. Samples are taken from necessary points and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Compliance Assessment
All findings are evaluated according to relevant halal standards and accreditation rules.
Decision Process
The audit report prepared by the audit team is submitted to an independent approval committee. The final decision is made by this committee.
Certificate Delivery and Registration
The approved company receives the official halal certificate and digital verification tools.
Traceability at Every Step
All application and audit processes are recorded on an online platform between the applicant and the auditor and can be queried retrospectively.
Principle of Impartial Audit
In halal certification processes, the principle of impartiality and independence forms the backbone of the entire operation. Impartial auditing is not only a technical and legal requirement but also one of the most fundamental pillars of the institution's social reputation, reliability, and the value of the certificate. It is essential that audit teams act free from any commercial, familial, or political pressure to ensure the objectivity of audit results. All evaluations are conducted solely based on evidence, transparent observation, and documentation. In this way, a truly reliable certification is provided for both the applicant and the end consumer.
Within the corporate structure, a meticulous process is applied when assigning the audit team to prevent conflicts of interest. The independence of each expert assigned to the audit is cross-checked in the institution's internal database; if any potential conflict of interest is detected, the person is excluded from the process. In addition, care is taken to ensure that the same auditors are not repeatedly assigned to the same company's audits. Thus, the influence of personal relationships is minimized, and audit processes are cyclically distributed among different teams.
Auditor Rotation
By assigning different auditors in each certification cycle, internal bias and possible conflicts of interest within the institution are prevented. This practice ensures sustainable objectivity in the long run.
Independent Approval Committee
The decision after the audit is evaluated by a committee composed entirely of independent and expert individuals. In this way, subjective influence or internal pressure is eliminated from decision processes.
Objective Evaluation
Decision processes cannot be influenced by any commercial or political pressure. Findings are reported only based on impartial observation and official documents.
Conflict of Interest Monitoring
Potential conflicts of interest are recorded in the system and automatically excluded from the audit process. This preserves the trust of both the institution and the public.
Ethical Standards and Professional Responsibility
Auditors receive training and are regularly evaluated in accordance with professional ethics and international accreditation principles.
International Principle of Impartiality
Accreditation standards recognized worldwide (e.g., ISO/IEC 17065, OIC/SMIIC) require impartiality to be guaranteed at every step. Therefore, not only national but also global ethical rules are followed in audit processes.
"Without an impartial and independent audit, it is not possible to speak of real halal certification." - Industry Expert
Clear Explanation of Certification Criteria
The reliability of the certification process depends on criteria being defined in a clear, measurable, and accessible manner. Transparent communication of all requirements during the application phase ensures that the company can prepare adequately and that the audit is carried out efficiently.
Legal and Religious Standards
Mandatory criteriaIn halal certification, both religious rules and relevant national and international standards are specified completely.
Product and Process Requirements
Technical detailsAll technical requirements regarding product content, raw materials, production, and distribution chain are clearly shared.
Hygiene and Traceability
Additional standardsSpecial sections are allocated for details such as cleanliness, cross-contamination risk, and traceability.
Accessible Criteria for Every Company
All requirements are presented in digital format and in an easy-to-understand way before the application. This prevents misunderstandings and nonconformities.
| Criteria Group | Description | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Islamic Rules | All processes and contents must comply with Islamic rules. | Continuous control from production to distribution |
| Hygiene Standards | Ensuring cleanliness and health conditions is mandatory | Regular field and laboratory audits |
| Traceability | Record-keeping and documentation at every stage | QR code and online verification |
Continuous Communication and Information with Customer
The key to an effective halal certification process is the constant information of the applicant throughout the process and the establishment of open, mutual communication. This prevents misunderstandings and enables the business to participate more actively in the processes.
Digital Monitoring and Notifications
At every stage of the application, audit, report, and certification processes, continuous information flow is provided through automatic notifications and online tracking.
24/7 Support and Q&A
The applicant can ask questions to the institution's officials at every stage of the process and receive prompt feedback.
Feedback Mechanism
After each stage, customer satisfaction is measured and processes are improved accordingly.
Periodic Information Bulletin
Regular information is provided on issues such as certificate validity period, audit recurrence, and regulatory changes.
Transparent Reporting After Audit
Comprehensive and transparent reports prepared after the completion of the audit process are one of the most important assurance steps of the certification system. The audit report is not just a list of nonconformities or an approval certificate; it also includes detailed observations, measurements, collected samples, laboratory analysis results, and suggested improvement actions throughout the process.
At the beginning of each report, the scope of the audit, the standards used, and information about the audit team are detailed. Then, the findings are systematically categorized: nonconformities, observations, opportunities for improvement, and positive practices. Thanks to transparent reporting, the applicant company can clearly see not only the current situation but also areas for future development.
Detailed Findings and Evidence
The audit report is prepared based on objective observations of the auditors and supported by photos, laboratory analysis reports, cross-checks, and sample records at each stage.
Clear and Explicit Results
For each finding, the current status, risk assessment, compliance with requirements, and, if necessary, corrective actions and suggested timeframes are specified.
Digital Reporting and Instant Access
All reports are published in a secure digital environment; authorized persons can access the report at any time, print it, or share it with upper authorities.
Traceability and Archiving
All audit reports are stored in the corporate memory. Thus, they can be quickly referenced in repeat audits or when regulations change.
Suggestions for Improvement and Development
The report not only includes findings but also corrective and preventive suggestions. Thus, the company sees not only the deficiencies but also areas where it can stand out in the competition.
| Type of Findings | Description | Application / Action |
|---|---|---|
| Nonconformity | Situations found to be contrary to legislation or standards | Corrective action and follow-up |
| Observation | Matters that do not pose a risk but are recommended for improvement | Optional development |
| Positive Practice | Good practices and processes that set an example | Added to corporate memory |
Sustainable Trust Through Transparent Reporting
KIOSCERT builds sustainable trust in the sector by presenting the transparent and detailed reports prepared after each audit not only to its clients but also to public authorities and stakeholders when necessary.
"Transparent and evidence-based reporting is the guarantee of lasting trust in the halal certification process."
- Transparency: Every finding and suggestion is detailed with justification.
- Auditability: All reports can be reviewed by official authorities when necessary.
- Continuous Improvement: Reports form the development plan for subsequent audits.