1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear and consistent rules for the cancellation, suspension, withdrawal, or reduction of the scope of Halal certification issued by Scandinavian Halal Certification AB. The policy ensures that decisions are made impartially, based on documented criteria, and in accordance with applicable standards and certification scheme requirements.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all clients certified by Scandinavian Halal Certification AB and covers all Halal certification activities performed under its authority.

3. Policy and Responsibilities

Scandinavian Halal Certification AB has documented policies and procedures governing the suspension, withdrawal, or reduction of the scope of certification. These procedures define:

• the decision-making process;
• the roles and responsibilities involved;
• required follow-up actions to ensure the integrity of the certification scheme.

4. Grounds for Suspension

Certification shall be suspended when any of the following conditions occur:

4.1 Non-Fulfilment of Certification Requirements

1. The certified client’s management system persistently or seriously fails to meet certification requirements, including those related to management system effectiveness.

4.2 Lack of Access for Audits

1. The certified client does not allow surveillance or recertification audits to be conducted at the required frequency.

4.3 Confirmed Nonconformities

1. Nonconformities with certification requirements are substantiated, either through surveillance activities or other means.

4.4 Voluntary Suspension

1. The client voluntarily requests suspension.
2. Status During Suspension

During a suspension period:

• the certification is temporarily invalid;
• the client must refrain from making any claims regarding certification status;
• the client must not use certification marks or logos in any manner that may imply valid certification.

6. Actions During Suspension

During suspension, Scandinavian Halal Certification AB shall:

1. Assign competent personnel to define, communicate, and verify the actions required for lifting the suspension and restoring certification.
   b. Implement any additional actions required by the applicable certification scheme.
   c. Ensure that necessary evaluations, reviews, or certification decisions are carried out in accordance with relevant standards and documented procedures.
2. Restoration, Withdrawal, or Reduction of Scope

7.1 Restoration of Certification

Certification shall be restored once the issues leading to suspension have been fully resolved within the established timeframe, which should normally not exceed six (6) months.

7.2 Withdrawal or Reduction of Scope

If issues are not resolved within the given timeframe, Scandinavian Halal Certification AB shall:

1. Withdraw certification, or
   c. Reduce the scope of certification, applying reductions only to the parts that fail to meet certification requirements.

All related certification documents, public information, and authorisations for use of certification marks shall be updated to clearly reflect any reduced scope.

8. Withdrawal of Certification

Certification shall be withdrawn under any of the following circumstances:

1. Issues resulting in suspension remain unresolved within the permitted timeframe.
   b. The client formally requests termination of the certification.
   c. Continuing certification would be misleading or unjustified.
2. Actions Following Suspension or Withdrawal

9.1 Updates to Records and Documentation

Upon withdrawal or reduction of scope, Scandinavian Halal Certification AB shall update all relevant certification documentation, public records, and authorisations for the use of certification marks to prevent any misrepresentation of certification status.

9.2 Updates After Reinstatement

If certification is reinstated following suspension, all formal certification documents and public records shall be promptly updated to reflect the valid status.

10. Review and Revision

This policy shall be reviewed periodically or when necessary to ensure continued compliance with relevant Halal certification standards and scheme requirements.

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