Halal and GMP Integrated Audit Requirements and Process

AHF’s integrated Halal and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) audit service combines two critical certifications into one streamlined process. Instead of undergoing separate audits, businesses can have both Halal compliance and GMP requirements evaluated in a single audit, saving time and cost. 

This means companies can achieve both certifications with minimal disruption, as AHF’s experienced network of auditors conduct a coordinated assessment covering religious compliance and quality system checks at once. 

Here’s a deep dive into the audit process and how you can get started. 

GMP and Halal Combined Audit Process 

Here’s the detailed step-by-step process: 

Step 1: Application & Planning

The process begins with an application, where the business provides basic information about its products, industry, and the scope of certification needed. Our team reviews the application and issues a proposal/quote. 

Once the client proceeds, audit planning is scheduled, aligning dates to cover both Halal and GMP requirements in one visit. AHF assigns an audit team (qualified in both Halal and GMP standards) and defines the audit scope and checklist.

Step 2: Documentation Submission & Review 

Prior to the on-site audit, the company must submit required documentation for review. This helps auditors understand the operations and verify compliance on paper:

• Required documents include: ingredient lists and product formulas (to ensure no haram substances), Halal certificates for raw materials or ingredients if available, production flow charts, hygiene and sanitation procedures, quality manuals and SOPs, records of quality control (for GMP), and any existing certifications.
• The audit team reviews all documentation to ensure the facility’s policies and materials meet Halal standards and GMP regulations. If any gaps or concerns are found during this desk review (e.g. a non-halal ingredient or a missing sanitation SOP). 

Step 3: On-Site Audit Execution

A combined on-site audit is then conducted at the facility. AHF’s assigned auditors visit the site to examine operations first-hand, following a structured checklist that covers both Halal and GMP criteria:

The audit begins with an opening meeting to confirm the audit plan, introduce the audit scope (Halal and GMP), and key staff. Here’s what the on-site audit consists of:

• Facility Inspection: Auditors tour the production facility, warehouses, and relevant areas. They observe manufacturing processes and verify that Halal control points are in place (e.g. segregation of halal vs. non-halal materials, proper cleaning of equipment to remove any haram residues) and that GMP practices are followed (cleanliness of equipment and environment, pest control measures, proper storage conditions, etc.).
• Compliance Checks: During the tour, auditors check raw materials and ingredients to confirm they match the approved halal list and that no forbidden substances are present. Simultaneously, they assess GMP factors like temperature controls, personal hygiene of staff (protective clothing, hairnets, hand washing), and calibration of equipment. 
• Training and Records Review: Auditors train key personnel (production supervisors, quality managers, halal compliance officer if applicable) to gauge their understanding of Halal principles and GMP protocols. Moreover, they also review records such as batch production records, cleaning logs, quality test results, halal incoming materials log, and training records. 

Throughout the on-site audit, any non-conformance (a deviation from Halal requirements or GMP criteria) is noted. Auditors will document observations, which could range from minor issues (e.g. an out-of-place label or a needed documentation update) to major non-compliances (e.g. use of a non-halal ingredient, or serious sanitation lapses).

Step 5: Certification

After successful completion of the audit and closure of any non-conformities, AHF’s certification committee conducts a final review of the audit package (application, audit report, evidence of corrections). 

Upon approval, both the Halal certification and GMP certification to the business. The client receives dual certificates: a Halal certificate attesting that products and processes comply with Islamic Halal standards, and a GMP certificate confirming adherence to good manufacturing practices. 

Industry-Specific Program Details (Halal & GMP)

The following table highlights key compliance areas for Halal certification and GMP standards across various sectors:

Industry	Halal Certification – Key Requirements	GMP Certification – Key Requirements
Food & Beverage	• All ingredients must be Halal-approved (no pork, lard, or alcohol in formulation) • Any meat/poultry ingredients sourced from Halal-slaughtered animals with proper certificate • Strict segregation of Halal and non-Halal products to prevent cross-contamination (separate equipment or thorough sanitation)	• Food safety & hygiene practices: Clean facilities, sanitized equipment, pest control, and employee hygiene protocols (hairnets, gloves, etc.) • HACCP principles in place for hazard control (temperature controls, allergen management, etc.) • Traceability and records: Batch tracking of ingredients and products, and documentation of production and cleaning activities
Pharmaceuticals	• No haram excipients: Avoid use of gelatin, glycerin, or other additives from porcine/non-halal sources (use Halal-certified or synthetic alternatives) • Ingredient sourcing must comply with Halal (e.g. enzymes, culture media not derived from forbidden materials) • Equipment purity: Dedicated or properly cleaned equipment to ensure no cross-contact with haram substances (especially in multi-product facilities)	• cGMP compliance: Adherence to pharmaceutical GMP regulations (21 CFR Parts 210/211 or WHO GMP) – including validated processes, controlled environments (cleanrooms) for sterile drugs, and rigorous quality control testing • Documentation: Detailed batch manufacturing records, standard operating procedures, and change control systems to ensure consistency and quality • Product quality and safety: Stability testing, proper labeling (including Halal markings if applicable), and effective recall procedures
Cosmetics & Personal Care	• Permissible ingredients: No use of animal-derived ingredients from haram sources (e.g. pig fat, collagen); ingredients like placenta or keratin must come from halal-slaughtered or plant sources • If ethanol is used in production, it should be completely removed or below accepted levels (0.5%) in the final product to be considered Halal.	• Cosmetic GMP (ISO 22716): Manufacturing in a hygienic environment with controlled processes to ensure product safety (clean equipment, measures to prevent contamination of creams/lotions, etc.) • Quality testing: Microbiological and quality tests on batches to ensure products are safe for use (free from contamination, correct pH, etc.) • Packaging and labeling controls: Properly labeled ingredients and batch codes, secure packaging to avoid contamination and mix-ups
Nutraceuticals & Supplements	• Capsule and ingredient compliance: Capsules (gelatin shells) should be from Halal sources (e.g. bovine halal gelatin or plant-based) and all vitamins, flavorings, and excipients must be Halal-certified or permissible • Alcohol processing: If ethanol is used in extraction of herbal ingredients, it should be completely removed or below accepted levels (0.5%) in the final product to be considered Halal.	• Dietary Supplement GMP (21 CFR Part 111): Written procedures for production and quality, including identity testing of ingredients, purity/potency checks for finished supplements • Quality management: Batch records for each lot of supplements, equipment cleaning validation (to prevent carryover of ingredients between different products) • Label accuracy and compliance: Ensuring that supplement facts are correct, claims meet regulatory requirements, and any Halal logo usage on labels is authorized after certification

How to Get Started? 

Getting certified with AHF’s Halal and GMP Integrated Audit service is simple. Follow these steps to begin your journey toward dual certification:

• Reach out to our team via our +1 (630) 759-4981 or email.
• Highlight your business needs, product categories, and certification goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. How is an integrated Halal & GMP audit different from separate audits?

An integrated audit combines Halal compliance (ensuring no haram substances, proper segregation, and religious requirements) with GMP quality standards (hygiene, process control, and traceability) in a single assessment. This reduces audit time, costs, and administrative burden compared to conducting two separate audits.

2. What types of businesses need both Halal and GMP certification?

Businesses in industries where both product safety and Halal compliance are crucial, including:

• Food & Beverage Manufacturing
• Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Nutraceuticals & Supplements
• Food Packaging & Processing Facilities

3. Do I need to submit separate documentation for Halal and GMP?

No. AHF streamlines the process by accepting a single documentation package that addresses both certifications. Some overlapping requirements (hygiene procedures, quality manuals, and ingredient traceability) only need to be submitted once.

4. What are the most common non-conformities found during the audit?

Some of the most frequent non-compliances include:

• Halal Issues: Presence of non-halal ingredients (e.g., gelatin, ethanol), cross-contamination risks, or missing Halal certificates for raw materials.
• GMP Issues: Poor hygiene practices, incomplete cleaning logs, lack of staff training records, or improper storage conditions.

5. If non-conformities are found, how much time do I have to correct them?

AHF provides a corrective action plan with a set timeline, typically:

• Minor issues: Must be corrected within 30 days.
• Major issues: May require immediate correction or a follow-up audit before certification can be granted.

6. How long does it take to complete the Halal & GMP certification process?

The timeline varies based on business readiness, document preparation, and audit scheduling, but typically follows this structure:

• Documentation review: 2-4 weeks
• On-site audit: 1-3 days (depending on facility size & complexity)
• Corrective actions & certification approval: 2-6 weeks

In total, most businesses receive certification within 4-8 weeks.

7. Is AHF’s Halal & GMP certification recognized internationally?

Yes. AHF’s Halal certification is globally recognized, meeting requirements in key Halal markets (Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, etc.). AHF’s GMP certification aligns with major international GMP frameworks, ensuring compliance with regulatory agencies and global buyers.

8. What happens if I add new products after certification?

You must inform AHF and submit the new product details for evaluation. If ingredients or production methods change significantly, a supplementary audit or updated documentation review may be required to ensure continued compliance.

9. Do I need a dedicated Halal production line for certification?

Not necessarily. If non-Halal and Halal products share equipment, strict cleaning protocols and segregation measures must be in place to prevent contamination. AHF will assess your facility’s ability to maintain Halal integrity during the audit.