1. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) announced the launch of an enhanced recognition framework for Foreign Halal Certification Bodies (FHCBs) as well as new digital halal certificates for MUIS’s halal-certified establishments at the Singapore Halal International Seminar on 24 September 2025. More than 200 foreign delegates and invited guests attended the event. These initiatives aim to strengthen MUIS’s governance over Singapore’s halal ecosystem, increase consumer confidence and trust in halal products, and support the halal industry’s growth in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Enhancing trust in halal imports through the enhanced FHCB recognition framework

2. Presently, MUIS collaborates with FHCBs to ensure that halal products entering the Singapore market meet the stipulated requirements. To date, 101 FHCBs are recognised by MUIS under an existing recognition system for FHCBs.

3. The enhanced FHCB recognition framework, which will be implemented on 1 October 2025, aims to address the growing complexity of global halal supply chains and respond to increasing consumer expectations for transparency and accountability in halal certification. Under the enhanced framework, MUIS will introduce a set of comprehensive assessment criteria, more robust monitoring processes and systematic regular reviews. These enhanced processes enable MUIS to continue to work collaboratively with FHCBs that meet its halal standards and ensure that Singapore’s halal ecosystem remains resilient and trustworthy.

4. There are three key improvements in the enhanced framework:

• First, the application process for FHCB recognition can now be done digitally through the MUIS Enterprise Halal System. MUIS will also take a risk-based approach for the assessment of applications through its Comprehensive Halal Risk Management (CHARM) framework, which will systematically categorise FHCBs based on risk categories.

• Second, the qualifying criteria and procedure for recognition will be made available via MUIS’s website <https://www.muis.gov.sg/halal/fhcb>, to provide transparency for prospective applicants and instill greater confidence among Muslim consumers on the standards of imported halal foods certified by recognised FHCBs.

• Third, MUIS’s powers to regulate the FHCBs have been enhanced through new statutory provisions under the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA). For instance, the AMLA will provide for the formation of an Appeal Committee to hear appeals from FHCBs.

5. Under the enhanced framework, local halal-certified businesses will continue to gain access to reliable sources for imported halal food products that are certified by recognised FHCBs. Consumers in Singapore will also be able to receive greater assurance that halal-certified establishments in Singapore use ingredients from credible sources and be empowered to make more informed choices.

Introduction of digital halal certificates

6. MUIS will also introduce digital halal certificates for its halal-certified establishments from 1 October 2025. The refreshed halal certificate design will incorporate a QR code, which allows members of the public to instantly access detailed and updated information on halal certifications through their mobile devices. Consumers, businesses and stakeholders can scan the QR code at certified shops or businesses to instantly check if their halal certification is real and still valid.

7. The introduction of digital halal certificates represents a significant step forward in transparency, integrity and accessibility for Singapore’s halal certification system. It is also part of MUIS’s broader digitalisation efforts to streamline administrative processes, enhance operational efficiency and position Singapore’s halal industry for sustained growth in the digital economy.