Singapore and Japan launch mutual recognition of IoT cybersecurity labels
The cybersecurity labelling scheme arrangement will streamline applications for smart device manufacturers in Singapore and Japan.
Singapore and Japan have launched mutual recognition of their cybersecurity labelling schemes for Internet of Things (IoT) under a Memorandum of Cooperation that entered into force on 1 June 2026. The arrangement covers Singapore’s Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme and Japan’s JC-STAR scheme.
The Memorandum of Cooperation was signed by Rahayu Mahzam, Singapore’s Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, and Ino Toshiro, Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry agreed to recognise cybersecurity labels issued under either scheme.
IoT devices certified under either Japan’s JC-STAR scheme or Singapore’s Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme will be eligible for streamlined recognition in the other market. Covered products include smart home assistants, home automation and alarm systems, and IoT gateways and hubs that connect multiple devices.
Japan is the fifth country to establish such an arrangement with Singapore, following Finland, Germany, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. According to Singapore authorities, the arrangement is expected to support stronger cybersecurity practices for connected devices, reduce certification burdens for manufacturers, and increase consumer confidence in smart technologies.
The CSA launched the Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme in 2020. Since then, it has received applications for more than 1,000 products, including routers, smart lighting, and smart cameras.
Why does it matter?
Connected devices are increasingly used in homes, businesses, and critical services, making cybersecurity a growing concern for governments and consumers. Cybersecurity labelling schemes are designed to help buyers identify products that meet recognised security requirements while encouraging manufacturers to improve security practices.
By recognising each other’s certification schemes, Singapore and Japan are reducing regulatory barriers and promoting greater interoperability in cybersecurity standards. The agreement also reflects broader international efforts to strengthen trust and security in the rapidly expanding IoT ecosystem.
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