Audits
Assessment of your halal status.
What is an audit?
An audit is an independent assessment conducted to determine whether a company, process, or product complies with applicable halal requirements. An audit may be conducted based on documentation (desk audit) and/or through a visit to the production site (on-site audit).
The outcomes of an audit may, depending on the findings, have a positive, conditional, or negative impact on the halal status of the audited entity.
An audit itself is not a certificate, but an essential part of the certification process and ongoing halal compliance monitoring.
An audit itself is not a certificate, but an essential part of the certification process and ongoing halal compliance monitoring.
The objective
The objective of an audit is to form an objective and independent judgment on compliance with applicable halal regulations, as laid down in:
-HQC schemes,
-national and international halal standards,
-and applicable regulations of export countries.
Audits contribute to transparency, reliability, and continuous improvement.
Frequencies
Depending on the company’s risk classification, product type, and export destination, at least one audit per year is conducted.
In higher-risk situations or where specific market requirements apply, additional audits or inspections may be imposed.
Auditors
All audits are conducted by qualified auditors trained by Halal Quality Control.
Auditors are selected based on their expertise, product knowledge, and relevant experience.
Reporting
After each audit, an audit report is prepared documenting the findings, conclusions, and any non-conformities.
Additional information
Differences between audits and supervision
Audits are classified as assessments, either in terms of documentation or site visits. An audit may have a positive or negative impact on halal status, supported by the reported findings.
Supervisions are on-site control visits during production hours aimed at ensuring compliance. Supervisions are shorter than audits and do not include a document review process. Supervision applies only to slaughterhouses.
Applicable HQC scheme
The HQC Certification Scheme.
More information about our schemes..
Audit plans
Before each audit, an audit plan and agenda are sent to the organization outlining all preparatory details.
Duration and number of auditors
An audit is usually completed within 1 working day.
Two auditors are involved in the visit.
