Singapore and Japan Establish Mutual Recognition for IoT Cybersecurity Labelling Standards

Key Takeaways

Singapore and Japan will mutually recognize each other’s IoT cybersecurity labelling schemes to streamline device certification.
The Memorandum of Cooperation, signed by officials from both countries, takes effect on June 1, 2026.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance global cybersecurity standards and consumer confidence in smart technologies.

Mutual Recognition Enhancing Cybersecurity

Singapore and Japan have formally agreed to recognize each other’s Internet-of-Things (IoT) cybersecurity labelling schemes. This mutual recognition aims to facilitate the certification process for connected devices in both markets, benefiting manufacturers and consumers alike.

The agreement was established through a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed by Singapore’s Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Ms Rahayu Mahzam, and Mr Ino Toshiro, Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. It will officially take effect on June 1, 2026, according to the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore.

With this new collaboration, Japan’s Japan Cyber STAR (JC-STAR) scheme and Singapore’s Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme (CLS) will recognize each other’s certified devices. This means that products certified under one scheme can easily apply for the other country’s certification, streamlining the process for technology manufacturers. The mutual recognition applies to various connected technologies, such as smart home assistants, home automation systems, and IoT hubs.

This initiative is part of a larger global trend aiming to enhance cybersecurity resilience and standardize security frameworks for connected devices. Japan is the fifth country to engage in such an arrangement with Singapore, following partnerships with Finland, Germany, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom. These collaborations seek to establish common security standards and reduce compliance burdens for manufacturers producing devices for international markets.

In addition, the MoC aligns with Singapore’s ongoing efforts to bolster digital security standards, particularly for critical infrastructure. Initiatives like the Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme, introduced in 2020, are designed to empower consumers by providing clear ratings of connected devices’ security features. The CLS rates products from one to four stars based on their cybersecurity evaluation, with stricter testing accompanying higher ratings. Notably, Wi-Fi routers sold in Singapore must achieve at least Level 1 certification.

Since its inception, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore has received more than 1,000 applications for various devices, including routers, smart lighting systems, and connected cameras. This program fundamentally enhances the cybersecurity baseline of common digital devices while promoting informed consumer choices.

Overall, Singapore and Japan’s collaboration represents a significant step in advancing international cybersecurity initiatives and boosting consumer trust in digital technologies.

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