MUIS FOREIGN HALAL CERTIFICATION BODIES (FHCB) RECOGNITION SCHEME
1. INTRODUCTION
As Muis does not certify food products that are produced or manufactured overseas, the role of certifying halal products for import into Singapore is entrusted to recognised foreign halal certifiers, known as Foreign Halal Certification Bodies (FHCB) from the respective countries exporting those products.
Muis’ recognition of FHCB is based on the assessment of their ability in adopting halal standards that are similar or comparable to the Singapore Muis Halal Standards (SMHS). The scheme is implemented to meet the Singapore Muslim Community’s halal consumption needs by ensuring the continued supply of imported halal certified products that are fit for consumption. It also serves as an extension of Muis’ role in facilitating its halal certification processes, as it helps to ensure continued public confidence in the imported food and beverage products and ingredients used by halal certified food establishments and manufacturers in Singapore.
2. UPDATES ON REVIEW OF FHCB RECOGNITION SCHEME
Following Muis’ last public update on the matter, we are pleased to inform that the comprehensive review of Muis FHCB Recognition Scheme has been completed. As part of the review process, Muis had appointed an external professional consulting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers Management Services Pte Ltd, to undertake further review and validation.
Arising from the review findings, Muis has developed new comprehensive procedures that will be the main reference point for the enhanced Muis FHCB Recognition Scheme going forward. This will be done in tandem with other revisions that will further strengthen Muis’ governance of the enhanced scheme.
3. TRANSITION PHASE IMPLEMENTATION OF ENHANCED SCHEME
Muis will be implementing the enhanced scheme in two (2) phases, beginning with the Transition Phase and subsequently, the Implementation Phase. During the Transition Phase, the application for Muis’ recognition was opened to FHCBs under the following tracks:
(a) Track 1: Existing Muis-recognised FHCBs
(b) Track 2: For other non-Muis-recognised FHCBs
Upon approval during the Transition Phase, FHCBs will be granted a temporary recognition of 1-year period until the full implementation of the enhanced scheme in 2023.
Currently, the application window for Muis FHCB Recognition Scheme under the Transition Phase has closed on 30 June 2022.
4. LIST OF MUIS RECOGNIZED FHCB
Please refer to the list of Muis recognized FHCBs as of 1 February here.
5. QUERIES / CONTACT
Please contact the following personnel for any clarification or queries:
Mr Sharifuddin Mohamed Ali, Head, Halal Supply Network (HSN)
Email: sharifuddin_mohamed_ali@muis.gov.sg
Mr Mohd Sarizal Sapuan, Assistant Manager, Halal Supply Network (HSN)
Email: mohd_sarizal_sapuan@muis.gov.sg