Centro Islámico de Chile (CICH)

Centro Islamico de Chile (CICH) presents itself as the official halal certifier in Chile, operating through its Departamento de Certificacion Halal at Campoamor 2975 in the Nunoa commune of Santiago. The organization traces its origins to the Sociedad Union Musulmana, founded on 26 September 1926, and adopted its current name in 1989. Beyond certification, it maintains mosques in Santiago, San Bernardo, and Iquique, together with prayer rooms in other cities and two Islamic cemeteries.

The certification department concentrates on food and consumer goods. Its published process moves through five stages: an initial application with evaluation of products, ingredients, and processes; a halal audit covering production facilities, raw materials, procedures, and hygiene; training and recommendations on required improvements; issuance of the certificate with authorization to use the CICH seal; and ongoing periodic supervision of certified companies. Alongside new certifications, the department handles renewals, consulting on halal compliance, consumer information, and a public directory of certified products.

Malaysia features in its trade outreach. The Embassy of Malaysia in Santiago has hosted engagements with CICH, including a 2019 discussion with a JAKIM halal inspection team and talks on using the Malaysia-Chile Free Trade Agreement to expand bilateral halal trade. The body publishes limited institutional detail: its website is available in Spanish only and lists no standards documents, accreditations, or memberships.