Harmonization of Global Halal Standards: Challenges and Legal Implications for Indonesia in the International Halal Market

This article discusses the legal implications of differing halal standards between countries on international trade, as well as Indonesia's position in the global halal market from the perspective of Islamic economic law. The rapid growth of the global halal industry has increased cross-border trade in halal products; however, this development has not been accompanied by uniform international halal standards. Differences in certification systems, mechanisms for mutual recognition of halal certificates, and authorities for standard setting have the potential to create technical trade barriers and legal uncertainties for business actors. This study employs a normative juridical method with legislative, conceptual, and comparative approaches, analyzed through the concepts of Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah, protection of the spiritual rights of Muslim consumers, and the theory of legal harmonization in international trade. Research results indicate that differences in global halal standards pose challenges to the effectiveness of cross-border trade in halal products while also affecting the competitiveness of the national halal industry. Nonetheless, mandatory halal certification policies in Indonesia still have legal legitimacy as instruments for consumer protection and guarantees for the exercise of religious rights. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen international cooperation and mutual recognition mechanisms to support the harmonization of global halal standards.