Global harmonisation of halal standards: exploring the role of ISO in a hybrid governance framework

The fragmentation of halal certification systems across jurisdictions creates inconsistent requirements, duplicative certification, uneven recognition, and challenges for international halal trade. This study explores whether the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) can contribute to greater global harmonisation without displacing Shariah authority or national halal governance. A qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory document-analysis design was employed using academic literature, official standards and regulatory documents, and institutional and industry reports. Thematic analysis identified five interrelated barriers to harmonisation: diversity in Shariah interpretation, fragmented certification authority and national sovereignty, uneven stakeholder participation, disparities in infrastructure and compliance capacity, and inconsistent halal auditor competency. The analysis indicates that ISO is most relevant as a technical and procedural platform rather than as a religious authority. Its consensus-based standard-development model and established management and conformity-assessment frameworks could support more consistent auditing, accreditation, traceability, and mutual recognition. Comparative analysis of Codex Alimentarius, OIC-SMIIC, and ISO further suggests that these systems offer complementary rather than interchangeable functions. The paper therefore proposes an ISO-Halal hybrid governance framework that separates normative Shariah authority from procedural and technical harmonisation. Such an approach may provide a more feasible pathway toward global halal interoperability than complete doctrinal unification. However, implementation remains conditional on Islamic institutional participation, capacity building, affordability, and voluntary stakeholder acceptance.