Procedure for Suspension and Termination

Termination and Suspension

The certificate applicable to a specific business scope covering product, process, service, site or organisation may be suspended for a limited period (in most cases the suspension would not exceed 6 months) in, but not limited to the following cases: –

If the regular surveillance or recertification audit shows non-compliance with the requirements which is of such a nature that does not require immediate withdrawal.
If a case of improper use of the certificate, e.g. misleading prints or advertising is not solved by suitable retractions or other appropriate remedial measures by the client.
Non-payment of fees as contracted.
The client has voluntarily requested a suspension or termination.
If there has been any other contravention of the certification rules and regulations.
If corrective action requests (CAR’s) have not been implemented within specified time scales.
if the surveillance or re-audit is delayed by more than 2 months beyond the due date.

The client shall not identify as a International Halal Certification(IHCP) certificated organisation covering the product, process or service that has been offered in the course of suspension.

The Scheme Manager of International Halal Certification(IHCP) will confirm an official suspension of the certificate to the client. At the same time the Managero Operation / CEO shall indicate under which conditions the suspension will be removed.

At the end of the suspension period, an investigation will be carried out to determine whether the indicated conditions for reinstating the certificate have been fulfilled.

On fulfilment of these conditions the suspension could be lifted by notifying the client that the certification has been reinstated.

If the conditions are not fulfilled, the certificate shall be withdrawn.

All costs incurred by International Halal Certification(IHCP), in the suspending and reinstating of certificates will be charged to the client.

Withdrawal / Cancellation of Certificate

Failure to resolve the issues that have resulted in the suspension of certification in a time specified by International Halal Certification(IHCP) shall result in withdrawal or reduction of the scope of certification. A certificate may be withdrawn or the scope of certification reduced in the following cases: –

If the audit shows that the non-compliance is of a serious nature.
if the surveillance or re-audit is delayed by more than 4 months beyond the due date
If the client fails to settle the due payment of its financial obligation.
If the client fails to take adequate measures in case of suspension.
If any actions are taken by the client which would bring the International Halal Certification(IHCP)’s scheme into disrepute.

In the above cases International Halal Certification(IHCP) has the right to withdraw the certificate by informing the client. The client shall have the right to appeal.

Certificates will be cancelled in the following cases: –

If the client does not wish to continue certification to the scheme.
if the product, process or service is no longer offered
If the client ceases trading for whatever reason.

Appeals Procedure

The client has the right to appeal against any notification given regarding the suspension, reduction in scope or withdrawal of certification by International Halal Certification(IHCP).

Notification of an client’s intention to appeal must be made in writing, and must be received by the relevant of International Halal Certification(IHCP) within fourteen days of receipt of notification of failure to comply with the certification requirements.

International Halal Certification(IHCP) shall make the suspended status of the certification publicly accessible.

The client has the right to object to involvement of particular members of the International Halal Certification(IHCP)’s management in the appeals procedure if evidence can be provided that their impartiality is compromised. The appellants also have the right to present their case in person at their own expense.

The decision of the Impartiality Committee shall be final and binding on both the client and International Halal Certification(IHCP). Once the Impartiality Committee has made a decision regarding an appeal, no counter claim by either party in dispute can be made to amend or change this decision. Decisions on appeals will be made within 60 days of receipt of the appeal.

In instances where the appeal has been successful and the award made or reinstated, reimbursement of costs of appeals will only be made at the discretion of the top management.

Submission investigation and decisions on appeals shall not result in any discriminatory actions against the appellant.