Halal Assurance

Impartiality & Confidentiality are two core principles in halal certification, required under ISO/IEC 17065 and OIC/SMIIC 2:2019.

Declaration of Independence. 

New Zealand Global Halal Assurance Limited declares its full independence from any commercial, financial, or organizational interest that may compromise the impartiality of its certification decisions. All personnel involved in the certification process — including auditors, technical reviewers, decision makers, and the Shariah Board — are required to operate independently and impartially (e.g., MS 1500, OIC/SMIIC 1, GSO 2055-1)

New Zealand Global Halal Assurance Limited does not engage in any consulting, production, trading, or promotional activities related to certified clients, ensuring that no conflict of interest affects the integrity of the certification process. 

Confidentiality of Client Information 

New Zealand Global Halal Assurance Limited is committed to the secure and confidential handling of all information obtained during the course of certification activities. This includes: 

• Product formulations, recipes, and manufacturing processes 
• Internal audit records, corrective action plans, and management reviews 
• Business operations, supplier information, and proprietary documentation 

All staff and contractors are required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement and adhere strictly to data protection protocols. Information is disclosed only to authorized parties and only to the extent required by law or for certification purposes with the client’s written consent. 

Conflict of Interest Management 

To uphold impartiality, New Zealand Global Halal Assurance Limited has established procedures to identify, monitor, and mitigate conflicts of interest. These include: 

• Declaration of interests by all staff, auditors, and committee members 
• Recusal from any decision-making process where a personal or financial interest exists 
• Internal and external audits to assess impartiality risk 
• Oversight by the Impartiality Committee to review any potential threats to neutrality 

Any potential or actual conflict is documented and addressed immediately to ensure objectivity in the certification process.

Complaints & Appeals 

Purpose
New Zealand Global Halal Assurance Limited has established a formal, documented procedure to handle complaints and appeals in a consistent, impartial, and confidential manner, ensuring confidence in the Halal certification process. All complaints will be treated confidentially, investigated impartially, and resolved in line with OIC/SMIIC 2:2019 requirements.

Complaints Handling 

• All complaints from clients, stakeholders, or the public are formally recorded upon receipt. 
• Complaints are investigated independently, objectively, and confidentially, without any conflict of interest. 
• The investigation includes a review of relevant evidence, consultations with personnel or committees as needed, and documentation of findings. 
• Complainants are informed of the investigation outcome and any corrective actions taken. 

Appeals 

• Appeals against certification decisions (granting, maintaining, suspending, or withdrawing certification) are handled through a formal procedure. 
• Appeals are reviewed by personnel not involved in the original certification decision to maintain impartiality. 
• The outcome of the appeal, including any modifications to the decision or corrective actions, is documented and communicated to the appellant. 

Record-Keeping
All complaints and appeals, along with their investigation reports, decisions, and follow-up actions, are maintained as part of the Certification Body’s records for a minimum of five (5) years. 

Suspension or Withdrawal of Certificate 

To define the conditions, process, and client rights related to the suspension, withdrawal, or cancellation of a Halal Certificate, ensuring transparency, fairness, and alignment with applicable Halal standards and Islamic law. It should align with ISO/IEC 17065 and OIC/SMIIC 2 (clauses on suspension, withdrawal, or cancellation of certification).

Grounds for Suspension or Withdrawal 

A Halal Certificate may be suspended or withdrawn under any of the following circumstances: 

Suspension (Temporary) 

• Failure to resolve non-conformities within the given timeline 
• Failure to undergo scheduled surveillance or renewal audits 
• Inadequate implementation of the Halal Assurance System (HAS) 
• Temporary closure or relocation of the production facility 
• Deliberate or negligent misuse of the Halal logo or certificate 
• Failure to notify New Zealand Global Halal Assurance Limited of significant changes (e.g., product composition, process, suppliers) 

Violation of contractual obligations 

Withdrawal (Permanent) 

• Fraud or intentional misrepresentation (e.g., falsified records, misleading Halal claims) 
• Confirmed use or presence of Haram or Najis materials 
• Repeated or unresolved major or critical non-conformities 
• Failure to cooperate during investigation, audit, or complaint handling 
• Loss of business license or cessation of Halal-relevant activities 

Suspension and Withdrawal Process 

Formal Notification 

1. The client is notified in writing of the reason, effective date, and duration of the suspension or withdrawal. 
2. Clear instructions will be provided regarding corrective actions or requirements for reinstatement.

Public Disclosure

Suspended or withdrawn certificates are removed from the list of active certified clients and may be reported to authorities or published on the HCB’s website, as applicable. 

Halal Mark Usage 

During suspension or following withdrawal, the client must immediately cease the use of: 

1. Halal certificate 

2. Halal mark or logo 

3. Any promotional materials indicating Halal status 

Right to Appeal 

Clients have the right to appeal the decision of suspension or withdrawal. 

• Appeals must be submitted in writing within 14 calendar days of notification. 
• Appeals are reviewed by the Appeals Committee, which is independent of the audit and decision teams. 
• The client will be informed of the outcome within 30 days of appeal submission. 

Reinstatement of Certification 

Suspended certificates may be reinstated if the following conditions are met: 

• Submission and verification of a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) addressing all causes of suspension 
• Completion of follow-up audit or desk review (as determined by New Zealand Global Halal Assurance Limited) 
• Confirmation by the Decision Committee that Halal compliance has been restored 
• Note: In the case of withdrawal, reinstatement typically requires a full reapplication and initial audit.