1. What is Healthier Choice Logo Malaysia? The Healthier Choices Logo (HCL) is an initiative introduced by the Ministry of Health in April 2017. HCL is a criteria-based front-of-pack scheme that is intended to provide point-of-sale information to the consumers in making informed food choices by merely looking at the front of the food packages. The objectives of HCL include: i. To assist consumers in making informed food choices by merely looking at the front label of the food packages. ii. To help consumers identify healthier food products in the same category of food. iii.To encourage food and beverage industries to reformulate and produce healthier products. iv. To provide an environment that supports healthy eating practices Packaged foods and beverages can be awarded the HCL Logo if they meet the nutrient criteria specified by the Ministry of Health Malaysia. 2. What are the criteria to get the logo? Kindly refer to the nutrient criteria tab at the main page for more information. 3. Who can apply? Companies that are registered with the Registrar of Companies in Malaysia are eligible to apply for HCL certificate. 4. How to apply/ participate? • Please ensure the products and submitted label artworks complied with the requirements / standards under the context of the Food Act 1983, Food Regulation 1985 and Guidelines on Healthier Choice Logo Malaysia. • Application is fully online. Applicants may fill up the online form and upload the required documents sch as Certificate of Analysis and label artwork to the designated field on HCL online system. You may refer to the User Manual tab at the main page for detailed instructions on the application. • Kindly note that advertising material for products that carry HCL logo must be submitted for approval first before being advertised. 5. How long does it take for the approval? The HCL approval process may take up to fourteen (14) working days to be processed. However, kindly note that rejected applications may take up a longer period of time. 6. How much is the fee? Currently, there is no fee imposed for the HCL authentication. However, the cost of the lab test shall be borne by the applicants. 7. How long do you recognize the certificate? Certification is subjected to renewal for every two (2) years. The certification will be terminated immediately if the company fails to renew their certificate. 8. How to check the suitable category for my product for HCL application? Kindly email HCL Secretariat your product label artwork along with the complete ingredient composition at hcl_kkm@moh.gov.my so they may advise you on this matter. 9. What if my product does not belong to any of the categories for HCL application? Companies may propose a new food group/category by filling up the MHCL-3 FORM that you may retrieve at https://hq.moh.gov.my/nutrition/cawangan-pemakanan-komuniti-inter-agensi 10. What kind of food/beverage products are eligible for HCL certification? For the time being, only common foods are eligible for HCL certification. Examples of common food for botanical beverage category include chrysanthemum tea or grass jelly drink. Nevertheless, HCL food categories will be revised over time according to the needs and food innovations in the future. As of now, certifications will be given for common food first. 11. My product has been certified but there are some changes on the label. How should I submit the new label? Please email us the latest label artwork at hcl_kkm@moh.gov.my stating the changes on the label. New application is not needed. 12. I've submitted my application but there's no update after 14 working days? Kindly note that a new application needs to create two (2) accounts (applicants & verifier). Each application needs to be verified by te verifier. Applications that are not verified and still have the status "submitted" cannot be processed by the HCL Secretariat. You may refer to the manual guide on the website for further information on this matter.