On March 18, 2026, Singapore, through the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI), signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) for Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity.
This collaboration aims to enhance mutual recognition of both countries’ IoT cybersecurity labeling schemes. Specifically, the Singapore Cybersecurity Labeling Scheme (CLS) and Japan’s JC-STAR frameworks are used.
Japan becomes the fifth country to collaborate with Singapore on IoT cybersecurity. Let’s take a closer look at the agreements reached by the two countries in the MoC, which is scheduled to take effect in mid-year.
Mutual Recognition of IoT Cybersecurity Labeling Schemes
The Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between Singapore and Japan for IoT cybersecurity aims to help manufacturers simplify the certification process. This collaboration allows manufacturers to apply for labeling schemes in both countries through a much more efficient process.
This will reduce duplication in certification procedures. Under this agreement, both countries will mutually recognize each other’s cybersecurity labels for smart devices.
This means that products labeled with Singapore’s CLS will be able to access the Japanese framework. Likewise, products labeled with Japan’s JC-STAR will also be able to undergo a simplified application process for Singapore’s CLS.
This collaboration benefits both manufacturers and consumers. It facilitates market access for manufacturers, while consumers’ confidence in the security of smart devices increases.
Japan is not the first country
Japan is not the first country to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MoC) with Singapore. Previously, four countries have collaborated with Singapore: Finland, Germany, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom.
This collaboration focuses on IoT cybersecurity. This growing collaboration is designed to raise global cybersecurity standards.
Scope of Products Included in the Agreement
Singapore’s Cybersecurity Labeling Scheme was launched in 2020. Since then, more than 1,000 products have applied for certification, including routers, smart lights, and cameras.
CSA continues to engage stakeholders and pursue international partnerships to raise cybersecurity awareness and strengthen the global cybersecurity ecosystem.
With Japan, the CSA has agreed on several products within the scope of the agreement. These products include smart home assistants, home automation and alarm systems, and IoT gateways and hubs that connect multiple devices.
Implementation Schedule
After the agreement was signed, it was not immediately implemented. There was a two-month lag before the agreement could be fully implemented.
The mutual recognition arrangement for IoT cybersecurity is scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2026. There is currently no information on the validity period of the agreement. We will certainly provide further information if it is available.
Impact for Singapore and Japan Type Approval
Cooperation between countries or regulatory updates often leads to changes in the certification process. This is the case with the IoT cybersecurity agreement between Singapore and Japan.
This will undoubtedly impact the type approval process in both countries. Starting June 1, 2026, for devices covered by this collaborative scheme, the certification process will no longer be separate in each jurisdiction.
Singapore type approval will be recognized in Japan. Likewise, Japan type approval will also be valid in Singapore. This will make cross-border compliance requirements more efficient.