A helicopter view on (uniformity?) ASEAN halal standard : comparative study between Indonesia and Malaysia

Harmonization of Halal standards and conformity assessment procedures under the umbrella of a regional organization may be necessary. In ASEAN, different Halal Standard have created some obstacles for free trade, particularly critical for free trade within ASEAN member countries. The development of the Halal Standard regime demonstrates that Halal Standards are adjusted. By taking ASEAN as a case study, the paper explains whether and how Halal Standards constitute trade barriers in respect of technical regulations. It compares Indonesia and Malaysia different Halal Standards in order to create insights into the (lack of) uniformity of Halal Standards within ASEAN members. The research affirms that Halal Standardisation and Certification is one of the trade barriers in ASEAN. The results show that the current situation in the region necessitates a (regionally) unified standard to overcome trade barriers within members.