The rapid expansion of the global halal market has extended the definition of halal integrity from product manufacturing to end-to-end supply chain management. While forward halal logistics has been widely researched, a critical governance void exists in “Reverse Logistics” the management of product returns, damages, and recalls. This qualitative study explores the governance and operational challenges of halal reverse logistics within the Malaysia-Japan trade corridor. Japan possesses a highly sophisticated, sustainable logistics infrastructure driven by circular economy policies, yet it lacks specialized protocols to prevent cross-contamination when halal products enter the return stream alongside non-halal waste.

Grounded in Institutional Theory and Dynamic Capabilities Theory, this study adopts an exploratory qualitative case study design. Primary data will be gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 25 to 30 key informants, including policymakers from Malaysia’s Halal Development Corporation (HDC) and JAKIM, the Japan Halal Association (JHA), and logistics managers from major Japanese firms. Document analysis of Malaysia’s MS 2400 standard and Japan’s Food Recycling Law, coupled with site observations at Japanese sorting hubs, will ensure data triangulation.

The collected data will undergo thematic analysis using manual qualitative analysis such as coding and transcribe, and the preliminary framework will be validated through a theoretical  technique involving a bilateral expert panel. The expected outcome is the development of the Smart Halal Reverse Logistics Co-Governance Framework. This study fills a significant literature gap by shifting the halal logistics paradigm from unidirectional flows to a circular model. Practically, it provides a strategic benchmarking tool for Japanese logistics operators to mitigate contamination risks, while solidifying Malaysia’s position as the global leader in international halal supply chain governance.