Singapore, Indonesia ink deal to mutually recognise each country’s halal certifications

BUSINESSES can now more easily trade halal-certified products between Singapore and Indonesia, following the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday (Aug 8).

Under the MOU, both countries will mutually recognise each other’s halal certifications. It also facilitates the exchange of experiences and knowledge in the fields of technology, human resources, facilities infrastructure, and research and development for halal products.

In Singapore, the authority to administer and regulate halal certifications lies with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis).

The MOU was signed by Kadir Maideen, chief executive of Muis, and Muhammad Aqil Irham, chairman of Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Organising Agency.

It was witnessed by Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli and Indonesia’s ambassador to Singapore Suryo Pratomo.

Under Indonesian law, all food and beverage products sold within the archipelago must be halal-certified, or labelled with information about their non-halal substances, by October this year.

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In a Facebook post on the same day, Masagos said: “With Indonesia being the largest Muslim-majority country and Singapore a global hub for trade and commerce, this collaboration will undoubtedly boost the halal market, expanding opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.

“This also signals an expansion of opportunities for our businesses, especially our food and additive manufacturers, to bring their products into Indonesia and avoid any trade disruptions.”

Thursday’s agreement marks the fifth such MOU entered by Muis with foreign halal authorities in Muslim-majority markets, following four other deals signed with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Morocco.