Halal certification not only covers food, but also applies to medicines, cosmetics, household products, medical equipment, etc. Singapore and Indonesia will recognize each other’s halal certification, which will help enhance trade between the two countries.
The MoU was signed by Kadir Maideen, president of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), and Dr Muhammad Aqil Irham, president of the Indonesian Halal Products Certification Agency, in Singapore on Thursday (Aug 8). The signing ceremony was witnessed by Masagos Zulkifli, minister in charge of Islamic affairs, and Suryo Pratomo, Indonesian ambassador to Singapore.
Singapore and Indonesia will recognize each other’s halal certification, eliminating the need for additional certification of food and products exported to each other. Indonesia is one of Singapore’s largest trading partners in ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching $69 billion in 2023.
Indonesia implemented a decree in 2014 requiring designated foods and services to obtain halal certification, including food and beverages, medicines, cosmetics, chemical and biological products, as well as food processing and packaging.
Indonesia will require all products to be halal certified or labeled with non-halal ingredients within five to 15 years in 2021. The first product category to take effect is food and beverages and related services, and the date is October 17 this year.
Singapore and Indonesia will also strengthen relevant cooperation and exchanges. The Council’s statement said this demonstrates the bilateral relationship between Singapore and Indonesia and reflects the two countries’ firm commitment to long-term and co-creating bilateral relations.
This is the second time Singapore has signed a cooperation agreement on halal certification with another country, following Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Morocco.