diff --git a/apps/emqx/rebar.config b/apps/emqx/rebar.config
index 9079322eb..a3eff6c16 100644
--- a/apps/emqx/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx/rebar.config
@@ -22,9 +22,9 @@
 %% This rebar.config is necessary because the app may be used as a
 %% `git_subdir` dependency in other projects.
 {deps, [
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}},
     {lc, {git, "https://github.com/emqx/lc.git", {tag, "0.3.2"}}},
     {gproc, {git, "https://github.com/uwiger/gproc", {tag, "0.8.0"}}},
-    {jiffy, {git, "https://github.com/emqx/jiffy", {tag, "1.0.5"}}},
     {cowboy, {git, "https://github.com/emqx/cowboy", {tag, "2.9.0"}}},
     {esockd, {git, "https://github.com/emqx/esockd", {tag, "5.9.6"}}},
     {ekka, {git, "https://github.com/emqx/ekka", {tag, "0.14.6"}}},
diff --git a/apps/emqx/src/emqx_alarm.erl b/apps/emqx/src/emqx_alarm.erl
index 84c40ef2a..6aa3cb95d 100644
--- a/apps/emqx/src/emqx_alarm.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx/src/emqx_alarm.erl
@@ -423,7 +423,7 @@ do_actions(deactivate, Alarm = #deactivated_alarm{name = Name}, [log | More]) ->
     do_actions(deactivate, Alarm, More);
 do_actions(Operation, Alarm, [publish | More]) ->
     Topic = topic(Operation),
-    {ok, Payload} = emqx_json:safe_encode(normalize(Alarm)),
+    {ok, Payload} = emqx_utils_json:safe_encode(normalize(Alarm)),
     Message = emqx_message:make(
         ?MODULE,
         0,
diff --git a/apps/emqx/src/emqx_logger_jsonfmt.erl b/apps/emqx/src/emqx_logger_jsonfmt.erl
index 22cf75153..f60f5a716 100644
--- a/apps/emqx/src/emqx_logger_jsonfmt.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx/src/emqx_logger_jsonfmt.erl
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ format(Msg, Meta, Config) ->
                 }
         end,
     Data = maps:without([report_cb], Data0),
-    jiffy:encode(json_obj(Data, Config)).
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(json_obj(Data, Config)).
 
 maybe_format_msg({report, Report} = Msg, #{report_cb := Cb} = Meta, Config) ->
     case is_map(Report) andalso Cb =:= ?DEFAULT_FORMATTER of
diff --git a/apps/emqx/src/emqx_schema.erl b/apps/emqx/src/emqx_schema.erl
index 851fa3d3b..8c91ae782 100644
--- a/apps/emqx/src/emqx_schema.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx/src/emqx_schema.erl
@@ -2583,7 +2583,7 @@ to_url(Str) ->
     end.
 
 to_json_binary(Str) ->
-    case emqx_json:safe_decode(Str) of
+    case emqx_utils_json:safe_decode(Str) of
         {ok, _} ->
             {ok, iolist_to_binary(Str)};
         Error ->
diff --git a/apps/emqx/src/emqx_sys.erl b/apps/emqx/src/emqx_sys.erl
index a5f14e32a..af2b052aa 100644
--- a/apps/emqx/src/emqx_sys.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx/src/emqx_sys.erl
@@ -348,7 +348,7 @@ publish(Event, Payload) when
     Event == unsubscribed
 ->
     Topic = event_topic(Event, Payload),
-    safe_publish(Topic, emqx_json:encode(Payload)).
+    safe_publish(Topic, emqx_utils_json:encode(Payload)).
 
 metric_topic(Name) ->
     translate_topic("metrics/", Name).
diff --git a/apps/emqx/test/emqx_common_test_helpers.erl b/apps/emqx/test/emqx_common_test_helpers.erl
index 406183094..85cb46106 100644
--- a/apps/emqx/test/emqx_common_test_helpers.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx/test/emqx_common_test_helpers.erl
@@ -1036,7 +1036,7 @@ switch_proxy(Switch, Name, ProxyHost, ProxyPort) ->
             off -> #{<<"enabled">> => false};
             on -> #{<<"enabled">> => true}
         end,
-    BodyBin = emqx_json:encode(Body),
+    BodyBin = emqx_utils_json:encode(Body),
     {ok, {{_, 200, _}, _, _}} = httpc:request(
         post,
         {Url, [], "application/json", BodyBin},
@@ -1056,7 +1056,7 @@ timeout_proxy(on, Name, ProxyHost, ProxyPort) ->
         <<"toxicity">> => 1.0,
         <<"attributes">> => #{<<"timeout">> => 0}
     },
-    BodyBin = emqx_json:encode(Body),
+    BodyBin = emqx_utils_json:encode(Body),
     {ok, {{_, 200, _}, _, _}} = httpc:request(
         post,
         {Url, [], "application/json", BodyBin},
@@ -1091,7 +1091,7 @@ latency_up_proxy(on, Name, ProxyHost, ProxyPort) ->
             <<"jitter">> => 3_000
         }
     },
-    BodyBin = emqx_json:encode(Body),
+    BodyBin = emqx_utils_json:encode(Body),
     {ok, {{_, 200, _}, _, _}} = httpc:request(
         post,
         {Url, [], "application/json", BodyBin},
diff --git a/apps/emqx/test/emqx_common_test_http.erl b/apps/emqx/test/emqx_common_test_http.erl
index 575bed5c3..e9064715d 100644
--- a/apps/emqx/test/emqx_common_test_http.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx/test/emqx_common_test_http.erl
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ request_api(Method, Url, QueryParams, Auth, Body, HttpOpts) ->
             [] ->
                 {NewUrl, [Auth]};
             _ ->
-                {NewUrl, [Auth], "application/json", emqx_json:encode(Body)}
+                {NewUrl, [Auth], "application/json", emqx_utils_json:encode(Body)}
         end,
     do_request_api(Method, Request, HttpOpts).
 
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ do_request_api(Method, Request, HttpOpts) ->
     end.
 
 get_http_data(ResponseBody) ->
-    emqx_json:decode(ResponseBody, [return_maps]).
+    emqx_utils_json:decode(ResponseBody, [return_maps]).
 
 auth_header(User, Pass) ->
     Encoded = base64:encode_to_string(lists:append([User, ":", Pass])),
diff --git a/apps/emqx/test/emqx_config_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx/test/emqx_config_SUITE.erl
index fe8a5fed8..7befd7a16 100644
--- a/apps/emqx/test/emqx_config_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx/test/emqx_config_SUITE.erl
@@ -57,5 +57,5 @@ t_fill_default_values(_) ->
         WithDefaults
     ),
     %% ensure JSON compatible
-    _ = emqx_json:encode(WithDefaults),
+    _ = emqx_utils_json:encode(WithDefaults),
     ok.
diff --git a/apps/emqx/test/emqx_crl_cache_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx/test/emqx_crl_cache_SUITE.erl
index 01f9c7172..21bfc39df 100644
--- a/apps/emqx/test/emqx_crl_cache_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx/test/emqx_crl_cache_SUITE.erl
@@ -402,7 +402,7 @@ request(Method, Url, QueryParams, Body) ->
     Opts = #{return_all => true},
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(Method, Url, QueryParams, AuthHeader, Body, Opts) of
         {ok, {Reason, Headers, BodyR}} ->
-            {ok, {Reason, Headers, emqx_json:decode(BodyR, [return_maps])}};
+            {ok, {Reason, Headers, emqx_utils_json:decode(BodyR, [return_maps])}};
         Error ->
             Error
     end.
@@ -1052,7 +1052,7 @@ do_t_validations(_Config) ->
         ),
     {error, {_, _, ResRaw1}} = update_listener_via_api(ListenerId, ListenerData1),
     #{<<"code">> := <<"BAD_REQUEST">>, <<"message">> := MsgRaw1} =
-        emqx_json:decode(ResRaw1, [return_maps]),
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(ResRaw1, [return_maps]),
     ?assertMatch(
         #{
             <<"mismatches">> :=
@@ -1064,7 +1064,7 @@ do_t_validations(_Config) ->
                         }
                 }
         },
-        emqx_json:decode(MsgRaw1, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(MsgRaw1, [return_maps])
     ),
 
     ok.
diff --git a/apps/emqx/test/emqx_ocsp_cache_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx/test/emqx_ocsp_cache_SUITE.erl
index 3c3fd0341..a9b80c276 100644
--- a/apps/emqx/test/emqx_ocsp_cache_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx/test/emqx_ocsp_cache_SUITE.erl
@@ -430,7 +430,7 @@ request(Method, Url, QueryParams, Body) ->
     Opts = #{return_all => true},
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(Method, Url, QueryParams, AuthHeader, Body, Opts) of
         {ok, {Reason, Headers, BodyR}} ->
-            {ok, {Reason, Headers, emqx_json:decode(BodyR, [return_maps])}};
+            {ok, {Reason, Headers, emqx_utils_json:decode(BodyR, [return_maps])}};
         Error ->
             Error
     end.
@@ -827,7 +827,7 @@ do_t_validations(_Config) ->
         ),
     {error, {_, _, ResRaw1}} = update_listener_via_api(ListenerId, ListenerData1),
     #{<<"code">> := <<"BAD_REQUEST">>, <<"message">> := MsgRaw1} =
-        emqx_json:decode(ResRaw1, [return_maps]),
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(ResRaw1, [return_maps]),
     ?assertMatch(
         #{
             <<"mismatches">> :=
@@ -839,7 +839,7 @@ do_t_validations(_Config) ->
                         }
                 }
         },
-        emqx_json:decode(MsgRaw1, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(MsgRaw1, [return_maps])
     ),
 
     ListenerData2 =
@@ -857,7 +857,7 @@ do_t_validations(_Config) ->
         ),
     {error, {_, _, ResRaw2}} = update_listener_via_api(ListenerId, ListenerData2),
     #{<<"code">> := <<"BAD_REQUEST">>, <<"message">> := MsgRaw2} =
-        emqx_json:decode(ResRaw2, [return_maps]),
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(ResRaw2, [return_maps]),
     ?assertMatch(
         #{
             <<"mismatches">> :=
@@ -869,7 +869,7 @@ do_t_validations(_Config) ->
                         }
                 }
         },
-        emqx_json:decode(MsgRaw2, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(MsgRaw2, [return_maps])
     ),
 
     ListenerData3a =
@@ -889,7 +889,7 @@ do_t_validations(_Config) ->
     ListenerData3 = emqx_map_lib:deep_remove([<<"ssl_options">>, <<"certfile">>], ListenerData3a),
     {error, {_, _, ResRaw3}} = update_listener_via_api(ListenerId, ListenerData3),
     #{<<"code">> := <<"BAD_REQUEST">>, <<"message">> := MsgRaw3} =
-        emqx_json:decode(ResRaw3, [return_maps]),
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(ResRaw3, [return_maps]),
     ?assertMatch(
         #{
             <<"mismatches">> :=
@@ -901,7 +901,7 @@ do_t_validations(_Config) ->
                         }
                 }
         },
-        emqx_json:decode(MsgRaw3, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(MsgRaw3, [return_maps])
     ),
 
     ok.
diff --git a/apps/emqx/test/props/prop_emqx_json.erl b/apps/emqx/test/props/prop_emqx_json.erl
index 2bc079634..86f60b39c 100644
--- a/apps/emqx/test/props/prop_emqx_json.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx/test/props/prop_emqx_json.erl
@@ -14,10 +14,10 @@
 %% limitations under the License.
 %%--------------------------------------------------------------------
 
--module(prop_emqx_json).
+-module(prop_emqx_utils_json).
 
 -import(
-    emqx_json,
+    emqx_utils_json,
     [
         decode/1,
         decode/2,
diff --git a/apps/emqx_authn/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_authn/rebar.config
index 8fd9cea0f..5f0043c39 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_authn/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_authn/rebar.config
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 {deps, [
     {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}},
     {emqx_connector, {path, "../emqx_connector"}}
 ]}.
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_http.erl b/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_http.erl
index 9be1d0a33..3c34d878e 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_http.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_http.erl
@@ -357,7 +357,7 @@ qs([{K, V} | More], Acc) ->
     qs(More, [["&", uri_encode(K), "=", uri_encode(V)] | Acc]).
 
 serialize_body(<<"application/json">>, Body) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(Body);
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(Body);
 serialize_body(<<"application/x-www-form-urlencoded">>, Body) ->
     qs(maps:to_list(Body)).
 
@@ -395,7 +395,7 @@ safely_parse_body(ContentType, Body) ->
     end.
 
 parse_body(<<"application/json", _/binary>>, Body) ->
-    {ok, emqx_json:decode(Body, [return_maps])};
+    {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Body, [return_maps])};
 parse_body(<<"application/x-www-form-urlencoded", _/binary>>, Body) ->
     Flags = [<<"result">>, <<"is_superuser">>],
     RawMap = maps:from_list(cow_qs:parse_qs(Body)),
diff --git a/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_jwks_client.erl b/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_jwks_client.erl
index 5ee923859..23d939f7d 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_jwks_client.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_jwks_client.erl
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ handle_info(
                 State1;
             {StatusLine, Headers, Body} ->
                 try
-                    JWKS = jose_jwk:from(emqx_json:decode(Body, [return_maps])),
+                    JWKS = jose_jwk:from(emqx_utils_json:decode(Body, [return_maps])),
                     {_, JWKs} = JWKS#jose_jwk.keys,
                     State1#{jwks := JWKs}
                 catch
diff --git a/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_jwt.erl b/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_jwt.erl
index 73ba6a2c1..a891a55e2 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_jwt.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_jwt.erl
@@ -407,7 +407,7 @@ do_verify(_JWT, [], _VerifyClaims) ->
 do_verify(JWT, [JWK | More], VerifyClaims) ->
     try jose_jws:verify(JWK, JWT) of
         {true, Payload, _JWT} ->
-            Claims0 = emqx_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps]),
+            Claims0 = emqx_utils_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps]),
             Claims = try_convert_to_num(Claims0, [<<"exp">>, <<"iat">>, <<"nbf">>]),
             case verify_claims(Claims, VerifyClaims) of
                 ok ->
diff --git a/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_mnesia.erl b/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_mnesia.erl
index 25a3a5976..20b604e70 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_mnesia.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_authn/src/simple_authn/emqx_authn_mnesia.erl
@@ -332,7 +332,7 @@ run_fuzzy_filter(
 
 %% Example: data/user-credentials.json
 import_users_from_json(Bin, #{user_group := UserGroup}) ->
-    case emqx_json:safe_decode(Bin, [return_maps]) of
+    case emqx_utils_json:safe_decode(Bin, [return_maps]) of
         {ok, List} ->
             trans(fun ?MODULE:import/2, [UserGroup, List]);
         {error, Reason} ->
diff --git a/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_api_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_api_SUITE.erl
index 11e2c6773..c7f718dfc 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_api_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_api_SUITE.erl
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 -define(assertAuthenticatorsMatch(Guard, Path),
     (fun() ->
         {ok, 200, Response} = request(get, uri(Path)),
-        ?assertMatch(Guard, jiffy:decode(Response, [return_maps]))
+        ?assertMatch(Guard, emqx_utils_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]))
     end)()
 ).
 
@@ -234,7 +234,7 @@ test_authenticator(PathPrefix) ->
         get,
         uri(PathPrefix ++ [?CONF_NS, "password_based:http", "status"])
     ),
-    {ok, RList} = emqx_json:safe_decode(Res),
+    {ok, RList} = emqx_utils_json:safe_decode(Res),
     Snd = fun({_, Val}) -> Val end,
     LookupVal = fun LookupV(List, RestJson) ->
         case List of
@@ -353,7 +353,7 @@ test_authenticator_users(PathPrefix) ->
                     <<"success">> := 0,
                     <<"nomatch">> := 1
                 }
-            } = jiffy:decode(PageData0, [return_maps]);
+            } = emqx_utils_json:decode(PageData0, [return_maps]);
         ["listeners", 'tcp:default'] ->
             #{
                 <<"metrics">> := #{
@@ -361,7 +361,7 @@ test_authenticator_users(PathPrefix) ->
                     <<"success">> := 0,
                     <<"nomatch">> := 1
                 }
-            } = jiffy:decode(PageData0, [return_maps])
+            } = emqx_utils_json:decode(PageData0, [return_maps])
     end,
 
     InvalidUsers = [
@@ -384,7 +384,7 @@ test_authenticator_users(PathPrefix) ->
     lists:foreach(
         fun(User) ->
             {ok, 201, UserData} = request(post, UsersUri, User),
-            CreatedUser = jiffy:decode(UserData, [return_maps]),
+            CreatedUser = emqx_utils_json:decode(UserData, [return_maps]),
             ?assertMatch(#{<<"user_id">> := _}, CreatedUser)
         end,
         ValidUsers
@@ -411,7 +411,7 @@ test_authenticator_users(PathPrefix) ->
                     <<"success">> := 1,
                     <<"nomatch">> := 1
                 }
-            } = jiffy:decode(PageData01, [return_maps]);
+            } = emqx_utils_json:decode(PageData01, [return_maps]);
         ["listeners", 'tcp:default'] ->
             #{
                 <<"metrics">> := #{
@@ -419,7 +419,7 @@ test_authenticator_users(PathPrefix) ->
                     <<"success">> := 1,
                     <<"nomatch">> := 1
                 }
-            } = jiffy:decode(PageData01, [return_maps])
+            } = emqx_utils_json:decode(PageData01, [return_maps])
     end,
 
     {ok, 200, Page1Data} = request(get, UsersUri ++ "?page=1&limit=2"),
@@ -433,7 +433,7 @@ test_authenticator_users(PathPrefix) ->
                 <<"count">> := 3
             }
     } =
-        jiffy:decode(Page1Data, [return_maps]),
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(Page1Data, [return_maps]),
 
     {ok, 200, Page2Data} = request(get, UsersUri ++ "?page=2&limit=2"),
 
@@ -445,7 +445,7 @@ test_authenticator_users(PathPrefix) ->
                 <<"limit">> := 2,
                 <<"count">> := 3
             }
-    } = jiffy:decode(Page2Data, [return_maps]),
+    } = emqx_utils_json:decode(Page2Data, [return_maps]),
 
     ?assertEqual(2, length(Page1Users)),
     ?assertEqual(1, length(Page2Users)),
@@ -465,7 +465,7 @@ test_authenticator_users(PathPrefix) ->
                 <<"limit">> := 3,
                 <<"count">> := 1
             }
-    } = jiffy:decode(Super1Data, [return_maps]),
+    } = emqx_utils_json:decode(Super1Data, [return_maps]),
 
     ?assertEqual(
         [<<"u2">>],
@@ -482,7 +482,7 @@ test_authenticator_users(PathPrefix) ->
                 <<"limit">> := 3,
                 <<"count">> := 2
             }
-    } = jiffy:decode(Super2Data, [return_maps]),
+    } = emqx_utils_json:decode(Super2Data, [return_maps]),
 
     ?assertEqual(
         [<<"u1">>, <<"u3">>],
@@ -509,7 +509,7 @@ test_authenticator_user(PathPrefix) ->
 
     {ok, 200, UserData} = request(get, UsersUri ++ "/u1"),
 
-    FetchedUser = jiffy:decode(UserData, [return_maps]),
+    FetchedUser = emqx_utils_json:decode(UserData, [return_maps]),
     ?assertMatch(#{<<"user_id">> := <<"u1">>}, FetchedUser),
     ?assertNotMatch(#{<<"password">> := _}, FetchedUser),
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_http_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_http_SUITE.erl
index 9a3c7c833..851e80f6d 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_http_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_http_SUITE.erl
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
 -define(SERVER_RESPONSE_JSON(Result), ?SERVER_RESPONSE_JSON(Result, false)).
 -define(SERVER_RESPONSE_JSON(Result, IsSuperuser),
-    jiffy:encode(#{
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{
         result => Result,
         is_superuser => IsSuperuser
     })
@@ -172,11 +172,11 @@ t_no_value_for_placeholder(_Config) ->
         #{
             <<"cert_subject">> := <<"">>,
             <<"cert_common_name">> := <<"">>
-        } = jiffy:decode(RawBody, [return_maps]),
+        } = emqx_utils_json:decode(RawBody, [return_maps]),
         Req = cowboy_req:reply(
             200,
             #{<<"content-type">> => <<"application/json">>},
-            jiffy:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => false}),
+            emqx_utils_json:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => false}),
             Req1
         ),
         {ok, Req, State}
@@ -444,7 +444,7 @@ samples() ->
                 Req = cowboy_req:reply(
                     200,
                     #{<<"content-type">> => <<"application/json">>},
-                    jiffy:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => false}),
+                    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => false}),
                     Req0
                 ),
                 {ok, Req, State}
@@ -459,7 +459,7 @@ samples() ->
                 Req = cowboy_req:reply(
                     200,
                     #{<<"content-type">> => <<"application/json">>},
-                    jiffy:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => true}),
+                    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => true}),
                     Req0
                 ),
                 {ok, Req, State}
@@ -512,11 +512,11 @@ samples() ->
                 #{
                     <<"username">> := <<"plain">>,
                     <<"password">> := <<"plain">>
-                } = jiffy:decode(RawBody, [return_maps]),
+                } = emqx_utils_json:decode(RawBody, [return_maps]),
                 Req = cowboy_req:reply(
                     200,
                     #{<<"content-type">> => <<"application/json">>},
-                    jiffy:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => false}),
+                    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => false}),
                     Req1
                 ),
                 {ok, Req, State}
@@ -539,7 +539,7 @@ samples() ->
                 Req = cowboy_req:reply(
                     200,
                     #{<<"content-type">> => <<"application/json">>},
-                    jiffy:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => false}),
+                    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => false}),
                     Req1
                 ),
                 {ok, Req, State}
@@ -565,11 +565,11 @@ samples() ->
                     <<"peerhost">> := <<"127.0.0.1">>,
                     <<"cert_subject">> := <<"cert_subject_data">>,
                     <<"cert_common_name">> := <<"cert_common_name_data">>
-                } = jiffy:decode(RawBody, [return_maps]),
+                } = emqx_utils_json:decode(RawBody, [return_maps]),
                 Req = cowboy_req:reply(
                     200,
                     #{<<"content-type">> => <<"application/json">>},
-                    jiffy:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => false}),
+                    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => false}),
                     Req1
                 ),
                 {ok, Req, State}
diff --git a/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_https_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_https_SUITE.erl
index 7d51ff425..c4315b69f 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_https_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_https_SUITE.erl
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ cowboy_handler(Req0, State) ->
     Req = cowboy_req:reply(
         200,
         #{<<"content-type">> => <<"application/json">>},
-        jiffy:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => false}),
+        emqx_utils_json:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => false}),
         Req0
     ),
     {ok, Req, State}.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_jwt_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_jwt_SUITE.erl
index 7a51d2bbb..94c07ca96 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_jwt_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_authn/test/emqx_authn_jwt_SUITE.erl
@@ -467,7 +467,7 @@ jwks_handler(Req0, State) ->
     Req = cowboy_req:reply(
         200,
         #{<<"content-type">> => <<"application/json">>},
-        jiffy:encode(JWKS),
+        emqx_utils_json:encode(JWKS),
         Req0
     ),
     {ok, Req, State}.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_authz/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_authz/rebar.config
index da2fa7807..9fd61b060 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_authz/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_authz/rebar.config
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 {erl_opts, [debug_info, nowarn_unused_import]}.
 {deps, [
     {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}},
     {emqx_connector, {path, "../emqx_connector"}}
 ]}.
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_authz/src/emqx_authz_utils.erl b/apps/emqx_authz/src/emqx_authz_utils.erl
index df77673a2..560141d0a 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_authz/src/emqx_authz_utils.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_authz/src/emqx_authz_utils.erl
@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ parse_http_resp_body(<<"application/x-www-form-urlencoded", _/binary>>, Body) ->
     end;
 parse_http_resp_body(<<"application/json", _/binary>>, Body) ->
     try
-        result(emqx_json:decode(Body, [return_maps]))
+        result(emqx_utils_json:decode(Body, [return_maps]))
     catch
         _:_ -> error
     end.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_authz/test/emqx_authz_api_cache_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_authz/test/emqx_authz_api_cache_SUITE.erl
index 45e6d7287..cfd9f581f 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_authz/test/emqx_authz_api_cache_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_authz/test/emqx_authz_api_cache_SUITE.erl
@@ -67,12 +67,12 @@ t_clean_cahce(_) ->
     ok = emqtt:publish(C, <<"a/b/c">>, <<"{\"x\":1,\"y\":1}">>, 0),
 
     {ok, 200, Result3} = request(get, uri(["clients", "emqx0", "authorization", "cache"])),
-    ?assertEqual(2, length(emqx_json:decode(Result3))),
+    ?assertEqual(2, length(emqx_utils_json:decode(Result3))),
 
     request(delete, uri(["authorization", "cache"])),
 
     {ok, 200, Result4} = request(get, uri(["clients", "emqx0", "authorization", "cache"])),
-    ?assertEqual(0, length(emqx_json:decode(Result4))),
+    ?assertEqual(0, length(emqx_utils_json:decode(Result4))),
 
     ok.
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_authz/test/emqx_authz_api_sources_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_authz/test/emqx_authz_api_sources_SUITE.erl
index 411399d64..b717775a6 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_authz/test/emqx_authz_api_sources_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_authz/test/emqx_authz_api_sources_SUITE.erl
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ t_api(_) ->
     {ok, 404, ErrResult} = request(get, uri(["authorization", "sources", "http"]), []),
     ?assertMatch(
         #{<<"code">> := <<"NOT_FOUND">>, <<"message">> := <<"Not found: http">>},
-        emqx_json:decode(ErrResult, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(ErrResult, [return_maps])
     ),
 
     [
@@ -215,7 +215,8 @@ t_api(_) ->
     ),
     {ok, 200, Result3} = request(get, uri(["authorization", "sources", "http"]), []),
     ?assertMatch(
-        #{<<"type">> := <<"http">>, <<"enable">> := false}, emqx_json:decode(Result3, [return_maps])
+        #{<<"type">> := <<"http">>, <<"enable">> := false},
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(Result3, [return_maps])
     ),
 
     Keyfile = emqx_common_test_helpers:app_path(
@@ -253,7 +254,7 @@ t_api(_) ->
             <<"total">> := 0,
             <<"nomatch">> := 0
         }
-    } = emqx_json:decode(Status4, [return_maps]),
+    } = emqx_utils_json:decode(Status4, [return_maps]),
     ?assertMatch(
         #{
             <<"type">> := <<"mongodb">>,
@@ -265,7 +266,7 @@ t_api(_) ->
                 <<"verify">> := <<"verify_none">>
             }
         },
-        emqx_json:decode(Result4, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(Result4, [return_maps])
     ),
 
     {ok, Cacert} = file:read_file(Cacertfile),
@@ -297,7 +298,7 @@ t_api(_) ->
                 <<"verify">> := <<"verify_none">>
             }
         },
-        emqx_json:decode(Result5, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(Result5, [return_maps])
     ),
 
     {ok, 200, Status5_1} = request(get, uri(["authorization", "sources", "mongodb", "status"]), []),
@@ -308,7 +309,7 @@ t_api(_) ->
             <<"total">> := 0,
             <<"nomatch">> := 0
         }
-    } = emqx_json:decode(Status5_1, [return_maps]),
+    } = emqx_utils_json:decode(Status5_1, [return_maps]),
 
     #{
         ssl := #{
@@ -355,7 +356,7 @@ t_api(_) ->
             <<"code">> := <<"BAD_REQUEST">>,
             <<"message">> := <<"Type mismatch", _/binary>>
         },
-        emqx_json:decode(TypeMismatch, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(TypeMismatch, [return_maps])
     ),
 
     lists:foreach(
@@ -443,7 +444,7 @@ t_api(_) ->
                     <<"total">> := 1,
                     <<"nomatch">> := 0
                 }
-            } = emqx_json:decode(Status5, [return_maps])
+            } = emqx_utils_json:decode(Status5, [return_maps])
         end
     ),
 
@@ -469,7 +470,7 @@ t_api(_) ->
                     <<"total">> := 2,
                     <<"nomatch">> := 0
                 }
-            } = emqx_json:decode(Status6, [return_maps])
+            } = emqx_utils_json:decode(Status6, [return_maps])
         end
     ),
 
@@ -495,7 +496,7 @@ t_api(_) ->
                     <<"total">> := 3,
                     <<"nomatch">> := 0
                 }
-            } = emqx_json:decode(Status7, [return_maps])
+            } = emqx_utils_json:decode(Status7, [return_maps])
         end
     ),
     ok.
@@ -621,7 +622,7 @@ t_aggregate_metrics(_) ->
     ).
 
 get_sources(Result) ->
-    maps:get(<<"sources">>, emqx_json:decode(Result, [return_maps])).
+    maps:get(<<"sources">>, emqx_utils_json:decode(Result, [return_maps])).
 
 data_dir() -> emqx:data_dir().
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_authz/test/emqx_authz_http_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_authz/test/emqx_authz_http_SUITE.erl
index 0757113f3..9ff84b805 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_authz/test/emqx_authz_http_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_authz/test/emqx_authz_http_SUITE.erl
@@ -311,7 +311,7 @@ t_json_body(_Config) ->
                     <<"topic">> := <<"t">>,
                     <<"action">> := <<"publish">>
                 },
-                jiffy:decode(RawBody, [return_maps])
+                emqx_utils_json:decode(RawBody, [return_maps])
             ),
             {ok, ?AUTHZ_HTTP_RESP(allow, Req1), State}
         end,
@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@ t_placeholder_and_body(_Config) ->
                     <<"CN">> := ?PH_CERT_CN_NAME,
                     <<"CS">> := ?PH_CERT_SUBJECT
                 },
-                jiffy:decode(PostVars, [return_maps])
+                emqx_utils_json:decode(PostVars, [return_maps])
             ),
             {ok, ?AUTHZ_HTTP_RESP(allow, Req1), State}
         end,
@@ -418,7 +418,7 @@ t_no_value_for_placeholder(_Config) ->
                 #{
                     <<"mountpoint">> := <<"[]">>
                 },
-                jiffy:decode(RawBody, [return_maps])
+                emqx_utils_json:decode(RawBody, [return_maps])
             ),
             {ok, ?AUTHZ_HTTP_RESP(allow, Req1), State}
         end,
diff --git a/apps/emqx_auto_subscribe/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_auto_subscribe/rebar.config
index 33e077f50..a19783033 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_auto_subscribe/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_auto_subscribe/rebar.config
@@ -1,7 +1,10 @@
 %% -*- mode: erlang -*-
 
 {erl_opts, [debug_info]}.
-{deps, [{emqx, {path, "../emqx"}}]}.
+{deps, [
+    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}}
+]}.
 
 {shell, [
     {apps, [emqx_auto_subscribe]}
diff --git a/apps/emqx_auto_subscribe/test/emqx_auto_subscribe_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_auto_subscribe/test/emqx_auto_subscribe_SUITE.erl
index 5c5a3ee79..9d8d47bf2 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_auto_subscribe/test/emqx_auto_subscribe_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_auto_subscribe/test/emqx_auto_subscribe_SUITE.erl
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ t_update(_) ->
     Auth = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     Body = [#{topic => ?TOPIC_S}],
     {ok, Response} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(put, Path, "", Auth, Body),
-    ResponseMap = emqx_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
+    ResponseMap = emqx_utils_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
     ?assertEqual(1, erlang:length(ResponseMap)),
 
     BadBody1 = #{topic => ?TOPIC_S},
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ t_update(_) ->
     emqtt:disconnect(Client),
 
     {ok, GETResponse} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, Path),
-    GETResponseMap = emqx_json:decode(GETResponse, [return_maps]),
+    GETResponseMap = emqx_utils_json:decode(GETResponse, [return_maps]),
     ?assertEqual(1, erlang:length(GETResponseMap)),
     ok.
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_bridge/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_bridge/rebar.config
index 79f2caf50..864c45e9a 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_bridge/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_bridge/rebar.config
@@ -1,7 +1,9 @@
 {erl_opts, [debug_info]}.
-{deps, [ {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}}
-       , {emqx_resource, {path, "../../apps/emqx_resource"}}
-       ]}.
+{deps, [
+    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}},
+    {emqx_resource, {path, "../../apps/emqx_resource"}}
+ ]}.
 
 {shell, [
     % {config, "config/sys.config"},
diff --git a/apps/emqx_bridge/src/emqx_bridge_api.erl b/apps/emqx_bridge/src/emqx_bridge_api.erl
index b29cefacd..675541311 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_bridge/src/emqx_bridge_api.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_bridge/src/emqx_bridge_api.erl
@@ -1028,6 +1028,6 @@ deobfuscate(NewConf, OldConf) ->
     ).
 
 map_to_json(M) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(
         emqx_map_lib:jsonable_map(M, fun(K, V) -> {K, emqx_map_lib:binary_string(V)} end)
     ).
diff --git a/apps/emqx_bridge/test/emqx_bridge_api_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_bridge/test/emqx_bridge_api_SUITE.erl
index 4d5495ffe..3ec6061d8 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_bridge/test/emqx_bridge_api_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_bridge/test/emqx_bridge_api_SUITE.erl
@@ -1304,4 +1304,4 @@ str(S) when is_list(S) -> S;
 str(S) when is_binary(S) -> binary_to_list(S).
 
 json(B) when is_binary(B) ->
-    emqx_json:decode(B, [return_maps]).
+    emqx_utils_json:decode(B, [return_maps]).
diff --git a/apps/emqx_bridge_kafka/test/emqx_bridge_kafka_impl_consumer_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_bridge_kafka/test/emqx_bridge_kafka_impl_consumer_SUITE.erl
index fb7cf524c..fc9a6dc29 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_bridge_kafka/test/emqx_bridge_kafka_impl_consumer_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_bridge_kafka/test/emqx_bridge_kafka_impl_consumer_SUITE.erl
@@ -705,7 +705,7 @@ create_bridge_api(Config, Overrides) ->
     Res =
         case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, Params, Opts) of
             {ok, {Status, Headers, Body0}} ->
-                {ok, {Status, Headers, emqx_json:decode(Body0, [return_maps])}};
+                {ok, {Status, Headers, emqx_utils_json:decode(Body0, [return_maps])}};
             Error ->
                 Error
         end,
@@ -728,7 +728,7 @@ update_bridge_api(Config, Overrides) ->
     ct:pal("updating bridge (via http): ~p", [Params]),
     Res =
         case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(put, Path, "", AuthHeader, Params, Opts) of
-            {ok, {_Status, _Headers, Body0}} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Body0, [return_maps])};
+            {ok, {_Status, _Headers, Body0}} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Body0, [return_maps])};
             Error -> Error
         end,
     ct:pal("bridge update result: ~p", [Res]),
@@ -776,7 +776,7 @@ do_wait_for_expected_published_messages(Messages, Acc, _Timeout) when map_size(M
 do_wait_for_expected_published_messages(Messages0, Acc0, Timeout) ->
     receive
         {publish, Msg0 = #{payload := Payload}} ->
-            case emqx_json:safe_decode(Payload, [return_maps]) of
+            case emqx_utils_json:safe_decode(Payload, [return_maps]) of
                 {error, _} ->
                     ct:pal("unexpected message: ~p; discarding", [Msg0]),
                     do_wait_for_expected_published_messages(Messages0, Acc0, Timeout);
@@ -928,7 +928,7 @@ create_rule_and_action_http(Config) ->
     AuthHeader = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     ct:pal("rule action params: ~p", [Params]),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, Params) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
@@ -1188,7 +1188,7 @@ t_start_and_consume_ok(Config) ->
                     <<"offset">> := OffsetReply,
                     <<"headers">> := #{<<"hkey">> := <<"hvalue">>}
                 },
-                emqx_json:decode(PayloadBin, [return_maps]),
+                emqx_utils_json:decode(PayloadBin, [return_maps]),
                 #{
                     offset_reply => OffsetReply,
                     kafka_topic => KafkaTopic,
@@ -1300,7 +1300,7 @@ t_multiple_topic_mappings(Config) ->
             %% as configured.
             Payloads =
                 lists:sort([
-                    case emqx_json:safe_decode(P, [return_maps]) of
+                    case emqx_utils_json:safe_decode(P, [return_maps]) of
                         {ok, Decoded} -> Decoded;
                         {error, _} -> P
                     end
@@ -1441,7 +1441,7 @@ do_t_failed_creation_then_fixed(Config) ->
             <<"offset">> := _,
             <<"headers">> := #{<<"hkey">> := <<"hvalue">>}
         },
-        emqx_json:decode(PayloadBin, [return_maps]),
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(PayloadBin, [return_maps]),
         #{
             kafka_topic => KafkaTopic,
             payload => Payload
@@ -1636,7 +1636,7 @@ t_bridge_rule_action_source(Config) ->
                     <<"headers">> := #{<<"hkey">> := <<"hvalue">>},
                     <<"topic">> := KafkaTopic
                 },
-                emqx_json:decode(RawPayload, [return_maps])
+                emqx_utils_json:decode(RawPayload, [return_maps])
             ),
             ?retry(
                 _Interval = 200,
@@ -2004,7 +2004,7 @@ t_begin_offset_earliest(Config) ->
             %% the consumers
             Published = receive_published(#{n => NumMessages}),
             Payloads = lists:map(
-                fun(#{payload := P}) -> emqx_json:decode(P, [return_maps]) end,
+                fun(#{payload := P}) -> emqx_utils_json:decode(P, [return_maps]) end,
                 Published
             ),
             ?assert(
diff --git a/apps/emqx_bridge_kafka/test/emqx_bridge_kafka_impl_producer_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_bridge_kafka/test/emqx_bridge_kafka_impl_producer_SUITE.erl
index 6e3ddf5bb..5e2a2a7a8 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_bridge_kafka/test/emqx_bridge_kafka_impl_producer_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_bridge_kafka/test/emqx_bridge_kafka_impl_producer_SUITE.erl
@@ -802,7 +802,7 @@ api_path(Parts) ->
     ?HOST ++ filename:join([?BASE_PATH | Parts]).
 
 json(Data) ->
-    {ok, Jsx} = emqx_json:safe_decode(Data, [return_maps]),
+    {ok, Jsx} = emqx_utils_json:safe_decode(Data, [return_maps]),
     Jsx.
 
 delete_all_bridges() ->
diff --git a/apps/emqx_connector/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_connector/rebar.config
index 2ce6b00f8..03be87356 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_connector/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_connector/rebar.config
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 
 {deps, [
     {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}},
     {emqx_resource, {path, "../emqx_resource"}},
     {eldap2, {git, "https://github.com/emqx/eldap2", {tag, "v0.2.2"}}},
     {mysql, {git, "https://github.com/emqx/mysql-otp", {tag, "1.7.2"}}},
diff --git a/apps/emqx_connector/src/emqx_connector_http.erl b/apps/emqx_connector/src/emqx_connector_http.erl
index 401fc8812..dfa6dab81 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_connector/src/emqx_connector_http.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_connector/src/emqx_connector_http.erl
@@ -516,7 +516,7 @@ process_request(
     }.
 
 process_request_body(undefined, Msg) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(Msg);
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(Msg);
 process_request_body(BodyTks, Msg) ->
     emqx_plugin_libs_rule:proc_tmpl(BodyTks, Msg).
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_connector/src/mqtt/emqx_connector_mqtt_msg.erl b/apps/emqx_connector/src/mqtt/emqx_connector_mqtt_msg.erl
index defbbaea2..67fc40efa 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_connector/src/mqtt/emqx_connector_mqtt_msg.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_connector/src/mqtt/emqx_connector_mqtt_msg.erl
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ process_payload(From, MapMsg) ->
     do_process_payload(maps:get(payload, From, undefined), MapMsg).
 
 do_process_payload(undefined, Msg) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(Msg);
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(Msg);
 do_process_payload(Tks, Msg) ->
     replace_vars_in_str(Tks, Msg).
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_dashboard/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_dashboard/rebar.config
index 9657d0bbf..440fde465 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_dashboard/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_dashboard/rebar.config
@@ -1,6 +1,9 @@
 %% -*- mode: erlang -*-
 
-{deps, [{emqx, {path, "../emqx"}}]}.
+{deps, [
+    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}}
+]}.
 
 {edoc_opts, [{preprocess, true}]}.
 {erl_opts, [
diff --git a/apps/emqx_dashboard/test/emqx_dashboard_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_dashboard/test/emqx_dashboard_SUITE.erl
index e951a9a2a..ee850ec17 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_dashboard/test/emqx_dashboard_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_dashboard/test/emqx_dashboard_SUITE.erl
@@ -246,5 +246,5 @@ api_path(Parts) ->
     ?HOST ++ filename:join([?BASE_PATH | Parts]).
 
 json(Data) ->
-    {ok, Jsx} = emqx_json:safe_decode(Data, [return_maps]),
+    {ok, Jsx} = emqx_utils_json:safe_decode(Data, [return_maps]),
     Jsx.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_dashboard/test/emqx_dashboard_error_code_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_dashboard/test/emqx_dashboard_error_code_SUITE.erl
index 19d3f471e..c0a772d2d 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_dashboard/test/emqx_dashboard_error_code_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_dashboard/test/emqx_dashboard_error_code_SUITE.erl
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ request(Url) ->
         {ok, {{"HTTP/1.1", Code, _}, _, Return}} when
             Code >= 200 andalso Code =< 299
         ->
-            {ok, emqx_json:decode(Return, [return_maps])};
+            {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Return, [return_maps])};
         {ok, {Reason, _, _}} ->
             {error, Reason}
     end.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_dashboard/test/emqx_dashboard_monitor_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_dashboard/test/emqx_dashboard_monitor_SUITE.erl
index f35652f8e..a24fc2337 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_dashboard/test/emqx_dashboard_monitor_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_dashboard/test/emqx_dashboard_monitor_SUITE.erl
@@ -137,10 +137,10 @@ do_request_api(Method, Request) ->
             Code >= 200 andalso Code =< 299
         ->
             ct:pal("Resp ~p ~p~n", [Code, Return]),
-            {ok, emqx_json:decode(Return, [return_maps])};
+            {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Return, [return_maps])};
         {ok, {{"HTTP/1.1", Code, _}, _, Return}} ->
             ct:pal("Resp ~p ~p~n", [Code, Return]),
-            {error, {Code, emqx_json:decode(Return, [return_maps])}};
+            {error, {Code, emqx_utils_json:decode(Return, [return_maps])}};
         {error, Reason} ->
             {error, Reason}
     end.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_exhook/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_exhook/rebar.config
index fad539ed1..7abc601b4 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_exhook/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_exhook/rebar.config
@@ -5,7 +5,8 @@
 ]}.
 
 {deps, [
-    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}}
+    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}}
 ]}.
 
 {grpc, [
diff --git a/apps/emqx_exhook/test/emqx_exhook_api_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_exhook/test/emqx_exhook_api_SUITE.erl
index 8a4fb7a44..58f2f29b4 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_exhook/test/emqx_exhook_api_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_exhook/test/emqx_exhook_api_SUITE.erl
@@ -310,7 +310,7 @@ t_update(Cfg) ->
     ?assertMatch([], emqx_exhook_mgr:running()).
 
 decode_json(Data) ->
-    BinJosn = emqx_json:decode(Data, [return_maps]),
+    BinJosn = emqx_utils_json:decode(Data, [return_maps]),
     emqx_map_lib:unsafe_atom_key_map(BinJosn).
 
 request_api(Method, Url, Auth) ->
@@ -332,7 +332,7 @@ request_api(Method, Url, QueryParams, Auth, Body) ->
             "" -> Url;
             _ -> Url ++ "?" ++ QueryParams
         end,
-    do_request_api(Method, {NewUrl, [Auth], "application/json", emqx_json:encode(Body)}).
+    do_request_api(Method, {NewUrl, [Auth], "application/json", emqx_utils_json:encode(Body)}).
 
 do_request_api(Method, Request) ->
     case httpc:request(Method, Request, [], [{body_format, binary}]) of
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_gateway/rebar.config
index 7e5228a9e..2340a2dd8 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway/rebar.config
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 %% -*- mode: erlang -*-
 {erl_opts, [debug_info]}.
 {deps, [
-    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}}
+    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}}
 ]}.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway/src/emqx_gateway_cli.erl b/apps/emqx_gateway/src/emqx_gateway_cli.erl
index df808f295..fb4261065 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway/src/emqx_gateway_cli.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway/src/emqx_gateway_cli.erl
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ gateway(["load", Name, Conf]) ->
     case
         emqx_gateway_conf:load_gateway(
             bin(Name),
-            emqx_json:decode(Conf, [return_maps])
+            emqx_utils_json:decode(Conf, [return_maps])
         )
     of
         {ok, _} ->
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway/src/emqx_gateway_http.erl b/apps/emqx_gateway/src/emqx_gateway_http.erl
index a0155a126..5982334b4 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway/src/emqx_gateway_http.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway/src/emqx_gateway_http.erl
@@ -404,7 +404,7 @@ return_http_error(Code, Msg) ->
 -spec reason2msg({atom(), map()} | any()) -> error | string().
 reason2msg({badconf, #{key := Key, value := Value, reason := Reason}}) ->
     NValue =
-        case emqx_json:safe_encode(Value) of
+        case emqx_utils_json:safe_encode(Value) of
             {ok, Str} -> Str;
             {error, _} -> emqx_gateway_utils:stringfy(Value)
         end,
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_auth_ct.erl b/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_auth_ct.erl
index d75bf80eb..0ed66a38d 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_auth_ct.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_auth_ct.erl
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ on_start_auth(authn_http) ->
     Handler = fun(Req0, State) ->
         ct:pal("Authn Req:~p~nState:~p~n", [Req0, State]),
         Headers = #{<<"content-type">> => <<"application/json">>},
-        Response = jiffy:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => false}),
+        Response = emqx_utils_json:encode(#{result => allow, is_superuser => false}),
         case cowboy_req:match_qs([username, password], Req0) of
             #{
                 username := <<"admin">>,
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_authn_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_authn_SUITE.erl
index 1a4bab5f3..1ab36f7b8 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_authn_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_authn_SUITE.erl
@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@ t_case_exproto(_) ->
 
                 Mod:send(Sock, ConnBin),
                 {ok, Recv} = Mod:recv(Sock, 5000),
-                C = ?FUNCTOR(Bin, emqx_json:decode(Bin, [return_maps])),
+                C = ?FUNCTOR(Bin, emqx_utils_json:decode(Bin, [return_maps])),
                 ?assertEqual(C(Expect), C(Recv))
             end
         )
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_authz_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_authz_SUITE.erl
index 9bbcf2711..c62e840df 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_authz_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_authz_SUITE.erl
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ t_case_lwm2m(_) ->
     Test("lwm2m", fun(SubTopic, Msg) ->
         ?assertEqual(true, lists:member(SubTopic, test_mqtt_broker:get_subscrbied_topics())),
         Payload = emqx_message:payload(Msg),
-        Cmd = emqx_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps]),
+        Cmd = emqx_utils_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps]),
         ?assertMatch(#{<<"msgType">> := <<"register">>, <<"data">> := _}, Cmd)
     end),
 
@@ -350,7 +350,7 @@ t_case_exproto_publish(_) ->
 
                 Mod:send(Sock, ConnBin),
                 {ok, Recv} = Mod:recv(Sock, 5000),
-                C = ?FUNCTOR(Bin, emqx_json:decode(Bin, [return_maps])),
+                C = ?FUNCTOR(Bin, emqx_utils_json:decode(Bin, [return_maps])),
                 ?assertEqual(C(SvrMod:frame_connack(0)), C(Recv)),
 
                 Send = fun() ->
@@ -387,7 +387,7 @@ t_case_exproto_subscribe(_) ->
 
                 Mod:send(Sock, ConnBin),
                 {ok, Recv} = Mod:recv(Sock, WaitTime),
-                C = ?FUNCTOR(Bin, emqx_json:decode(Bin, [return_maps])),
+                C = ?FUNCTOR(Bin, emqx_utils_json:decode(Bin, [return_maps])),
                 ?assertEqual(C(SvrMod:frame_connack(0)), C(Recv)),
 
                 SubBin = SvrMod:frame_subscribe(Topic, 0),
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_test_utils.erl b/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_test_utils.erl
index 7ec0c9538..6d80b63d8 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_test_utils.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway/test/emqx_gateway_test_utils.erl
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ do_request(Mth, Req) ->
                         #{};
                     _ ->
                         emqx_map_lib:unsafe_atom_key_map(
-                            emqx_json:decode(Resp, [return_maps])
+                            emqx_utils_json:decode(Resp, [return_maps])
                         )
                 end,
             {Code, NResp};
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ req(Path, Qs) ->
     {url(Path, Qs), auth([])}.
 
 req(Path, Qs, Body) ->
-    {url(Path, Qs), auth([]), "application/json", emqx_json:encode(Body)}.
+    {url(Path, Qs), auth([]), "application/json", emqx_utils_json:encode(Body)}.
 
 url(Path, []) ->
     lists:concat([?http_api_host, Path]);
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway_coap/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_gateway_coap/rebar.config
index c8675c3ba..3b070a72a 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway_coap/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway_coap/rebar.config
@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@
 {erl_opts, [debug_info]}.
-{deps, [ {emqx, {path, "../../apps/emqx"}},
-         {emqx_gateway, {path, "../../apps/emqx_gateway"}}
-       ]}.
+{deps, [
+    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}},
+    {emqx_gateway, {path, "../emqx_gateway"}}
+]}.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway_coap/test/emqx_coap_api_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_gateway_coap/test/emqx_coap_api_SUITE.erl
index a0d6dbaaa..cec09a016 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway_coap/test/emqx_coap_api_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway_coap/test/emqx_coap_api_SUITE.erl
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ t_send_request_api(_) ->
             Req
         ),
         #{<<"token">> := RToken, <<"payload">> := RPayload} =
-            emqx_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
+            emqx_utils_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
         ?assertEqual(Token, RToken),
         ?assertEqual(Payload, RPayload)
     end,
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway_exproto/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_gateway_exproto/rebar.config
index 928949c69..473fa9b67 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway_exproto/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway_exproto/rebar.config
@@ -1,7 +1,9 @@
 {erl_opts, [debug_info]}.
-{deps, [ {emqx, {path, "../../apps/emqx"}},
-         {emqx_gateway, {path, "../../apps/emqx_gateway"}}
-       ]}.
+{deps, [
+    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}},
+    {emqx_gateway, {path, "../emqx_gateway"}}
+]}.
 
 {plugins, [
     {grpc_plugin, {git, "https://github.com/HJianBo/grpc_plugin", {tag, "v0.10.2"}}}
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway_exproto/test/emqx_exproto_echo_svr.erl b/apps/emqx_gateway_exproto/test/emqx_exproto_echo_svr.erl
index b2e3ad4a7..e04990f5f 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway_exproto/test/emqx_exproto_echo_svr.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway_exproto/test/emqx_exproto_echo_svr.erl
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ on_received_bytes(Stream, _Md) ->
         fun(Reqs) ->
             lists:foreach(
                 fun(#{conn := Conn, bytes := Bytes}) ->
-                    #{<<"type">> := Type} = Params = emqx_json:decode(Bytes, [return_maps]),
+                    #{<<"type">> := Type} = Params = emqx_utils_json:decode(Bytes, [return_maps]),
                     _ = handle_in(Conn, Type, Params)
                 end,
                 Reqs
@@ -284,16 +284,16 @@ handle_out(Conn, ?TYPE_DISCONNECT) ->
 %% Frame
 
 frame_connect(ClientInfo, Password) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(#{
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{
         type => ?TYPE_CONNECT,
         clientinfo => ClientInfo,
         password => Password
     }).
 frame_connack(Code) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(#{type => ?TYPE_CONNACK, code => Code}).
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{type => ?TYPE_CONNACK, code => Code}).
 
 frame_publish(Topic, Qos, Payload) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(#{
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{
         type => ?TYPE_PUBLISH,
         topic => Topic,
         qos => Qos,
@@ -301,19 +301,19 @@ frame_publish(Topic, Qos, Payload) ->
     }).
 
 frame_puback(Code) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(#{type => ?TYPE_PUBACK, code => Code}).
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{type => ?TYPE_PUBACK, code => Code}).
 
 frame_subscribe(Topic, Qos) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(#{type => ?TYPE_SUBSCRIBE, topic => Topic, qos => Qos}).
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{type => ?TYPE_SUBSCRIBE, topic => Topic, qos => Qos}).
 
 frame_suback(Code) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(#{type => ?TYPE_SUBACK, code => Code}).
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{type => ?TYPE_SUBACK, code => Code}).
 
 frame_unsubscribe(Topic) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(#{type => ?TYPE_UNSUBSCRIBE, topic => Topic}).
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{type => ?TYPE_UNSUBSCRIBE, topic => Topic}).
 
 frame_unsuback(Code) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(#{type => ?TYPE_UNSUBACK, code => Code}).
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{type => ?TYPE_UNSUBACK, code => Code}).
 
 frame_disconnect() ->
-    emqx_json:encode(#{type => ?TYPE_DISCONNECT}).
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{type => ?TYPE_DISCONNECT}).
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/src/emqx_lwm2m_message.erl b/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/src/emqx_lwm2m_message.erl
index 90a0306b7..c3d23d4d9 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/src/emqx_lwm2m_message.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/src/emqx_lwm2m_message.erl
@@ -351,7 +351,7 @@ opaque_to_json(BaseName, Binary) ->
     [#{path => BaseName, value => base64:encode(Binary)}].
 
 translate_json(JSONBin) ->
-    JSONTerm = emqx_json:decode(JSONBin, [return_maps]),
+    JSONTerm = emqx_utils_json:decode(JSONBin, [return_maps]),
     BaseName = maps:get(<<"bn">>, JSONTerm, <<>>),
     ElementList = maps:get(<<"e">>, JSONTerm, []),
     translate_element(BaseName, ElementList, []).
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/src/emqx_lwm2m_session.erl b/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/src/emqx_lwm2m_session.erl
index 2752804dc..c8bfa8974 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/src/emqx_lwm2m_session.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/src/emqx_lwm2m_session.erl
@@ -737,7 +737,7 @@ proto_publish(
         Epn,
         Qos,
         MountedTopic,
-        emqx_json:encode(Payload),
+        emqx_utils_json:encode(Payload),
         #{},
         Headers
     ),
@@ -786,7 +786,7 @@ deliver_to_coap(AlternatePath, JsonData, MQTT, CacheMode, WithContext, Session)
     is_binary(JsonData)
 ->
     try
-        TermData = emqx_json:decode(JsonData, [return_maps]),
+        TermData = emqx_utils_json:decode(JsonData, [return_maps]),
         deliver_to_coap(AlternatePath, TermData, MQTT, CacheMode, WithContext, Session)
     catch
         ExClass:Error:ST ->
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/test/emqx_lwm2m_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/test/emqx_lwm2m_SUITE.erl
index 33ccec2c7..9f388b07c 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/test/emqx_lwm2m_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/test/emqx_lwm2m_SUITE.erl
@@ -402,7 +402,7 @@ case01_register_report(Config) ->
     timer:sleep(50),
     true = lists:member(SubTopic, test_mqtt_broker:get_subscrbied_topics()),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"msgType">> => <<"register">>,
             <<"data">> => #{
@@ -478,7 +478,7 @@ case02_update_deregister(Config) ->
 
     ?LOGT("Options got: ~p", [Opts]),
     Location = maps:get(location_path, Opts),
-    Register = emqx_json:encode(
+    Register = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"msgType">> => <<"register">>,
             <<"data">> => #{
@@ -521,7 +521,7 @@ case02_update_deregister(Config) ->
     } = test_recv_coap_response(UdpSock),
     {ok, changed} = Method2,
     MsgId2 = RspId2,
-    Update = emqx_json:encode(
+    Update = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"msgType">> => <<"update">>,
             <<"data">> => #{
@@ -754,7 +754,7 @@ case08_reregister(Config) ->
     timer:sleep(50),
     true = lists:member(SubTopic, test_mqtt_broker:get_subscrbied_topics()),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"msgType">> => <<"register">>,
             <<"data">> => #{
@@ -871,7 +871,7 @@ case10_read(Config) ->
             <<"path">> => <<"/3/0/0">>
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     ?LOGT("CommandJson=~p", [CommandJson]),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
@@ -902,7 +902,7 @@ case10_read(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -957,7 +957,7 @@ case10_read_bad_request(Config) ->
             <<"path">> => <<"/3333/0/0">>
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     ?LOGT("CommandJson=~p", [CommandJson]),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
@@ -979,7 +979,7 @@ case10_read_bad_request(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(#{
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(#{
         <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
         <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
         <<"msgType">> => <<"read">>,
@@ -1015,7 +1015,7 @@ case10_read_separate_ack(Config) ->
             <<"path">> => <<"/3/0/0">>
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     ?LOGT("CommandJson=~p", [CommandJson]),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
@@ -1032,7 +1032,7 @@ case10_read_separate_ack(Config) ->
     ?assertEqual(<<>>, Payload2),
 
     test_send_empty_ack(UdpSock, "127.0.0.1", ?PORT, Request2),
-    ReadResultACK = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResultACK = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -1057,7 +1057,7 @@ case10_read_separate_ack(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -1100,7 +1100,7 @@ case11_read_object_tlv(Config) ->
             <<"path">> => <<"/3/0">>
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     ?LOGT("CommandJson=~p", [CommandJson]),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
@@ -1132,7 +1132,7 @@ case11_read_object_tlv(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -1185,7 +1185,7 @@ case11_read_object_json(Config) ->
             <<"path">> => <<"/3/0">>
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     ?LOGT("CommandJson=~p", [CommandJson]),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
@@ -1215,7 +1215,7 @@ case11_read_object_json(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -1267,7 +1267,7 @@ case12_read_resource_opaque(Config) ->
             <<"path">> => <<"/3/0/8">>
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     ?LOGT("CommandJson=~p", [CommandJson]),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
@@ -1293,7 +1293,7 @@ case12_read_resource_opaque(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -1335,7 +1335,7 @@ case13_read_no_xml(Config) ->
         <<"msgType">> => <<"read">>,
         <<"data">> => #{<<"path">> => <<"/9723/0/0">>}
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     ?LOGT("CommandJson=~p", [CommandJson]),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
@@ -1360,7 +1360,7 @@ case13_read_no_xml(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -1399,7 +1399,7 @@ case20_single_write(Config) ->
             <<"value">> => <<"12345">>
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
     Request2 = test_recv_coap_request(UdpSock),
@@ -1426,7 +1426,7 @@ case20_single_write(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -1470,7 +1470,7 @@ case20_write(Config) ->
                 ]
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
     Request2 = test_recv_coap_request(UdpSock),
@@ -1497,7 +1497,7 @@ case20_write(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    WriteResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    WriteResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -1547,7 +1547,7 @@ case21_write_object(Config) ->
                 ]
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
     Request2 = test_recv_coap_request(UdpSock),
@@ -1574,7 +1574,7 @@ case21_write_object(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -1618,7 +1618,7 @@ case22_write_error(Config) ->
                 ]
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
     Request2 = test_recv_coap_request(UdpSock),
@@ -1639,7 +1639,7 @@ case22_write_error(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -1677,7 +1677,7 @@ case_create_basic(Config) ->
             <<"basePath">> => <<"/5">>
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
     Request2 = test_recv_coap_request(UdpSock),
@@ -1703,7 +1703,7 @@ case_create_basic(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -1738,7 +1738,7 @@ case_delete_basic(Config) ->
         <<"msgType">> => <<"delete">>,
         <<"data">> => #{<<"path">> => <<"/5/0">>}
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
     Request2 = test_recv_coap_request(UdpSock),
@@ -1764,7 +1764,7 @@ case_delete_basic(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -1804,7 +1804,7 @@ case30_execute(Config) ->
             <<"args">> => <<"2,7">>
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
     Request2 = test_recv_coap_request(UdpSock),
@@ -1830,7 +1830,7 @@ case30_execute(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -1868,7 +1868,7 @@ case31_execute_error(Config) ->
             <<"args">> => <<"2,7">>
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
     Request2 = test_recv_coap_request(UdpSock),
@@ -1894,7 +1894,7 @@ case31_execute_error(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -1931,7 +1931,7 @@ case40_discover(Config) ->
             <<"path">> => <<"/3/0/7">>
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
     Request2 = test_recv_coap_request(UdpSock),
@@ -1961,7 +1961,7 @@ case40_discover(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -2006,7 +2006,7 @@ case50_write_attribute(Config) ->
             <<"lt">> => <<"5">>
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(100),
     Request2 = test_recv_coap_request(UdpSock),
@@ -2042,7 +2042,7 @@ case50_write_attribute(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -2079,7 +2079,7 @@ case60_observe(Config) ->
         <<"msgType">> => <<"observe">>,
         <<"data">> => #{<<"path">> => <<"/3/0/10">>}
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
     Request2 = test_recv_coap_request(UdpSock),
@@ -2106,7 +2106,7 @@ case60_observe(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -2141,7 +2141,7 @@ case60_observe(Config) ->
     timer:sleep(100),
     #coap_message{} = test_recv_coap_response(UdpSock),
 
-    ReadResult2 = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult2 = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
@@ -2173,7 +2173,7 @@ case60_observe(Config) ->
             <<"path">> => <<"/3/0/10">>
         }
     },
-    CommandJson3 = emqx_json:encode(Command3),
+    CommandJson3 = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command3),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson3, 0),
     timer:sleep(50),
     Request3 = test_recv_coap_request(UdpSock),
@@ -2200,7 +2200,7 @@ case60_observe(Config) ->
     ),
     timer:sleep(100),
 
-    ReadResult3 = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult3 = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId3,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId3,
@@ -2242,7 +2242,7 @@ case60_observe(Config) ->
 %%       MsgId1),
 %%      #coap_message{method = Method1} = test_recv_coap_response(UdpSock),
 %%      ?assertEqual({ok,created}, Method1),
-%%      ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+%%      ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
 %%                     #{<<"msgType">> => <<"register">>,
 %%                       <<"data">> => #{
 %%                           <<"alternatePath">> => <<"/">>,
@@ -2268,7 +2268,7 @@ case60_observe(Config) ->
 %%                                  <<"path">> => <<"/19/0/0">>
 %%                                 }
 %%                 },
-%%      CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+%%      CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
 %%      test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
 %%      timer:sleep(50),
 %%      Request2 = test_recv_coap_request(UdpSock),
@@ -2325,7 +2325,7 @@ case60_observe(Config) ->
 %%                     <<"value">> => base64:encode(<<12345:32>>)
 %%                }},
 %%
-%%     CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+%%     CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
 %%     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
 %%     timer:sleep(50),
 %%     Request2 = test_recv_coap_request(UdpSock),
@@ -2342,7 +2342,7 @@ case60_observe(Config) ->
 %%                             {ok, changed}, #coap_content{}, Request2, true),
 %%     timer:sleep(100),
 %%
-%%     ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+%%     ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
 %%                    #{<<"requestID">> => CmdId,
 %%                      <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
 %%                      <<"data">> => #{
@@ -2502,7 +2502,7 @@ send_read_command_1(CmdId, _UdpSock) ->
         <<"msgType">> => <<"read">>,
         <<"data">> => #{<<"path">> => <<"/3/0/0">>}
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
     timer:sleep(50).
 
@@ -2528,7 +2528,7 @@ verify_read_response_1(CmdId, UdpSock) ->
         true
     ),
 
-    ReadResult = emqx_json:encode(
+    ReadResult = emqx_utils_json:encode(
         #{
             <<"requestID">> => CmdId,
             <<"cacheID">> => CmdId,
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/test/emqx_lwm2m_api_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/test/emqx_lwm2m_api_SUITE.erl
index b3c059b31..6fa46ebbc 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/test/emqx_lwm2m_api_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway_lwm2m/test/emqx_lwm2m_api_SUITE.erl
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ t_lookup_read(Config) ->
             <<"path">> => <<"/3/0/0">>
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     ?LOGT("CommandJson=~p", [CommandJson]),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
 
@@ -178,7 +178,7 @@ t_lookup_discover(Config) ->
             <<"path">> => <<"/3/0/7">>
         }
     },
-    CommandJson = emqx_json:encode(Command),
+    CommandJson = emqx_utils_json:encode(Command),
     test_mqtt_broker:publish(CommandTopic, CommandJson, 0),
 
     timer:sleep(200),
@@ -350,10 +350,10 @@ no_received_request(ClientId, Path, Action) ->
         <<"codeMsg">> => <<"reply_not_received">>,
         <<"path">> => Path
     },
-    ?assertEqual(NotReceived, emqx_json:decode(Response, [return_maps])).
+    ?assertEqual(NotReceived, emqx_utils_json:decode(Response, [return_maps])).
 normal_received_request(ClientId, Path, Action) ->
     Response = call_lookup_api(ClientId, Path, Action),
-    RCont = emqx_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
+    RCont = emqx_utils_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
     ?assertEqual(list_to_binary(ClientId), maps:get(<<"clientid">>, RCont, undefined)),
     ?assertEqual(Path, maps:get(<<"path">>, RCont, undefined)),
     ?assertEqual(Action, maps:get(<<"action">>, RCont, undefined)),
diff --git a/apps/emqx_gateway_stomp/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_gateway_stomp/rebar.config
index c8675c3ba..cfeb0a195 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_gateway_stomp/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_gateway_stomp/rebar.config
@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@
 {erl_opts, [debug_info]}.
-{deps, [ {emqx, {path, "../../apps/emqx"}},
-         {emqx_gateway, {path, "../../apps/emqx_gateway"}}
-       ]}.
+{deps, [
+  {emqx, {path, "../../apps/emqx"}},
+  {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}},
+  {emqx_gateway, {path, "../../apps/emqx_gateway"}}
+]}.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_machine/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_machine/rebar.config
index 9f17b7657..dee2902a5 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_machine/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_machine/rebar.config
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 %% -*- mode: erlang -*-
 
-{deps, [{emqx, {path, "../emqx"}}]}.
+{deps, [
+    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}}
+]}.
 
 {project_plugins, [erlfmt]}.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_machine/src/emqx_machine.app.src b/apps/emqx_machine/src/emqx_machine.app.src
index 0bee30e35..6bd36aab5 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_machine/src/emqx_machine.app.src
+++ b/apps/emqx_machine/src/emqx_machine.app.src
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     {id, "emqx_machine"},
     {description, "The EMQX Machine"},
     % strict semver, bump manually!
-    {vsn, "0.2.1"},
+    {vsn, "0.2.2"},
     {modules, []},
     {registered, []},
     {applications, [kernel, stdlib, emqx_ctl]},
diff --git a/apps/emqx_machine/src/emqx_machine.erl b/apps/emqx_machine/src/emqx_machine.erl
index 243c4bb8c..6872b150c 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_machine/src/emqx_machine.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_machine/src/emqx_machine.erl
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ start_sysmon() ->
     end.
 
 node_status() ->
-    emqx_json:encode(#{
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{
         backend => mria_rlog:backend(),
         role => mria_rlog:role()
     }).
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_management/rebar.config
index 73cbf471f..b2f5a40af 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/rebar.config
@@ -1,6 +1,9 @@
 %% -*- mode: erlang -*-
 
-{deps, [{emqx, {path, "../emqx"}}]}.
+{deps, [
+    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}}
+]}.
 
 {edoc_opts, [{preprocess, true}]}.
 {erl_opts, [
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/src/emqx_mgmt_api_banned.erl b/apps/emqx_management/src/emqx_mgmt_api_banned.erl
index 0a5cc3afe..508cf7d07 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/src/emqx_mgmt_api_banned.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/src/emqx_mgmt_api_banned.erl
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ banned(post, #{body := Body}) ->
                 {ok, Banned} ->
                     {200, format(Banned)};
                 {error, {already_exist, Old}} ->
-                    OldBannedFormat = emqx_json:encode(format(Old)),
+                    OldBannedFormat = emqx_utils_json:encode(format(Old)),
                     {400, 'ALREADY_EXISTS', OldBannedFormat}
             end
     end.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_alarms_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_alarms_SUITE.erl
index 69ace16e8..dc7be7671 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_alarms_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_alarms_SUITE.erl
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ get_alarms(AssertCount, Activated) ->
     Qs = "activated=" ++ Activated,
     Headers = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     {ok, Response} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, Path, Qs, Headers),
-    Data = emqx_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
+    Data = emqx_utils_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
     Meta = maps:get(<<"meta">>, Data),
     Page = maps:get(<<"page">>, Meta),
     Limit = maps:get(<<"limit">>, Meta),
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_api_keys_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_api_keys_SUITE.erl
index 241a73dc4..1a396d795 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_api_keys_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_api_keys_SUITE.erl
@@ -228,7 +228,7 @@ list_app() ->
     AuthHeader = emqx_dashboard_SUITE:auth_header_(),
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["api_key"]),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, Path, AuthHeader) of
-        {ok, Apps} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Apps, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Apps} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Apps, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@ read_app(Name) ->
     AuthHeader = emqx_dashboard_SUITE:auth_header_(),
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["api_key", Name]),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, Path, AuthHeader) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
@@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ create_app(Name) ->
         enable => true
     },
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, App) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
@@ -260,7 +260,7 @@ create_unexpired_app(Name, Params) ->
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["api_key"]),
     App = maps:merge(#{name => Name, desc => <<"Note"/utf8>>, enable => true}, Params),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, App) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
@@ -273,7 +273,7 @@ update_app(Name, Change) ->
     AuthHeader = emqx_dashboard_SUITE:auth_header_(),
     UpdatePath = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["api_key", Name]),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(put, UpdatePath, "", AuthHeader, Change) of
-        {ok, Update} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Update, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Update} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Update, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_banned_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_banned_SUITE.erl
index c765f00bc..9f1b560f7 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_banned_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_banned_SUITE.erl
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ t_delete(_Config) ->
 list_banned() ->
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["banned"]),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, Path) of
-        {ok, Apps} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Apps, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Apps} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Apps, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ create_banned(Banned) ->
     AuthHeader = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["banned"]),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, Banned) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_clients_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_clients_SUITE.erl
index 9f26f8542..6d7733b22 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_clients_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_clients_SUITE.erl
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ t_clients(_) ->
     %% get /clients
     ClientsPath = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["clients"]),
     {ok, Clients} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, ClientsPath),
-    ClientsResponse = emqx_json:decode(Clients, [return_maps]),
+    ClientsResponse = emqx_utils_json:decode(Clients, [return_maps]),
     ClientsMeta = maps:get(<<"meta">>, ClientsResponse),
     ClientsPage = maps:get(<<"page">>, ClientsMeta),
     ClientsLimit = maps:get(<<"limit">>, ClientsMeta),
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ t_clients(_) ->
     %% get /clients/:clientid
     Client1Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["clients", binary_to_list(ClientId1)]),
     {ok, Client1} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, Client1Path),
-    Client1Response = emqx_json:decode(Client1, [return_maps]),
+    Client1Response = emqx_utils_json:decode(Client1, [return_maps]),
     ?assertEqual(Username1, maps:get(<<"username">>, Client1Response)),
     ?assertEqual(ClientId1, maps:get(<<"clientid">>, Client1Response)),
     ?assertEqual(120, maps:get(<<"expiry_interval">>, Client1Response)),
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ t_clients(_) ->
         "",
         AuthHeader
     ),
-    [SubscriptionsData] = emqx_json:decode(SubscriptionsRes, [return_maps]),
+    [SubscriptionsData] = emqx_utils_json:decode(SubscriptionsRes, [return_maps]),
     ?assertMatch(
         #{
             <<"clientid">> := ClientId1,
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@ t_query_clients_with_time(_) ->
                     GteParamRfc3339 ++ GteParamStamp
         ],
     DecodedResults = [
-        emqx_json:decode(Response, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(Response, [return_maps])
      || {ok, Response} <- RequestResults
     ],
     {LteResponseDecodeds, GteResponseDecodeds} = lists:split(4, DecodedResults),
@@ -247,7 +247,7 @@ t_keepalive(_Config) ->
     {ok, C1} = emqtt:start_link(#{username => Username, clientid => ClientId}),
     {ok, _} = emqtt:connect(C1),
     {ok, NewClient} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(put, Path, <<"">>, AuthHeader, Body),
-    #{<<"keepalive">> := 11} = emqx_json:decode(NewClient, [return_maps]),
+    #{<<"keepalive">> := 11} = emqx_utils_json:decode(NewClient, [return_maps]),
     [Pid] = emqx_cm:lookup_channels(list_to_binary(ClientId)),
     #{conninfo := #{keepalive := Keepalive}} = emqx_connection:info(Pid),
     ?assertEqual(11, Keepalive),
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_configs_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_configs_SUITE.erl
index 2d24bce99..cc200a4d5 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_configs_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_configs_SUITE.erl
@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ t_configs_node(_) ->
     ?assertEqual(error, ExpType),
     ?assertMatch({{_, 404, _}, _, _}, ExpRes),
     {_, _, Body} = ExpRes,
-    ?assertMatch(#{<<"code">> := <<"NOT_FOUND">>}, emqx_json:decode(Body, [return_maps])),
+    ?assertMatch(#{<<"code">> := <<"NOT_FOUND">>}, emqx_utils_json:decode(Body, [return_maps])),
 
     ?assertMatch({error, {_, 500, _}}, get_configs("bad_node")).
 
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ get_config(Name) ->
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["configs", Name]),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, Path) of
         {ok, Res} ->
-            {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+            {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error ->
             Error
     end.
@@ -264,8 +264,8 @@ get_configs(Node, Opts) ->
         end,
     URI = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(Path),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, URI, [], [], [], Opts) of
-        {ok, {_, _, Res}} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, {_, _, Res}} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
@@ -273,7 +273,7 @@ update_config(Name, Change) ->
     AuthHeader = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     UpdatePath = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["configs", Name]),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(put, UpdatePath, "", AuthHeader, Change) of
-        {ok, Update} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Update, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Update} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Update, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_listeners_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_listeners_SUITE.erl
index 3238588e2..90808d4be 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_listeners_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_listeners_SUITE.erl
@@ -385,7 +385,7 @@ action_listener(ID, Action, Running) ->
 request(Method, Url, QueryParams, Body) ->
     AuthHeader = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(Method, Url, QueryParams, AuthHeader, Body) of
-        {ok, Res} -> emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps]);
+        {ok, Res} -> emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps]);
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_metrics_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_metrics_SUITE.erl
index 93cb69f0a..7ecfe9817 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_metrics_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_metrics_SUITE.erl
@@ -32,13 +32,13 @@ end_per_suite(_) ->
 
 t_metrics_api(_) ->
     {ok, MetricsResponse} = request_helper("metrics?aggregate=true"),
-    MetricsFromAPI = emqx_json:decode(MetricsResponse, [return_maps]),
+    MetricsFromAPI = emqx_utils_json:decode(MetricsResponse, [return_maps]),
     AggregateMetrics = emqx_mgmt:get_metrics(),
     match_helper(AggregateMetrics, MetricsFromAPI).
 
 t_single_node_metrics_api(_) ->
     {ok, MetricsResponse} = request_helper("metrics"),
-    [MetricsFromAPI] = emqx_json:decode(MetricsResponse, [return_maps]),
+    [MetricsFromAPI] = emqx_utils_json:decode(MetricsResponse, [return_maps]),
     LocalNodeMetrics = maps:from_list(
         emqx_mgmt:get_metrics(node()) ++ [{node, to_bin(node())}]
     ),
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_nodes_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_nodes_SUITE.erl
index 30313e555..7e4ccc541 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_nodes_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_nodes_SUITE.erl
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ end_per_testcase(_, Config) ->
 t_nodes_api(_) ->
     NodesPath = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["nodes"]),
     {ok, Nodes} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, NodesPath),
-    NodesResponse = emqx_json:decode(Nodes, [return_maps]),
+    NodesResponse = emqx_utils_json:decode(Nodes, [return_maps]),
     LocalNodeInfo = hd(NodesResponse),
     Node = binary_to_atom(maps:get(<<"node">>, LocalNodeInfo), utf8),
     ?assertEqual(Node, node()),
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ t_nodes_api(_) ->
     NodePath = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["nodes", atom_to_list(node())]),
     {ok, NodeInfo} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, NodePath),
     NodeNameResponse =
-        binary_to_atom(maps:get(<<"node">>, emqx_json:decode(NodeInfo, [return_maps])), utf8),
+        binary_to_atom(maps:get(<<"node">>, emqx_utils_json:decode(NodeInfo, [return_maps])), utf8),
     ?assertEqual(node(), NodeNameResponse),
 
     BadNodePath = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["nodes", "badnode"]),
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ t_nodes_api(_) ->
 t_log_path(_) ->
     NodePath = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["nodes", atom_to_list(node())]),
     {ok, NodeInfo} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, NodePath),
-    #{<<"log_path">> := Path} = emqx_json:decode(NodeInfo, [return_maps]),
+    #{<<"log_path">> := Path} = emqx_utils_json:decode(NodeInfo, [return_maps]),
     ?assertEqual(
         <<"log">>,
         filename:basename(Path)
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ t_node_stats_api(_) ->
     StatsPath = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["nodes", atom_to_binary(node(), utf8), "stats"]),
     SystemStats = emqx_mgmt:get_stats(),
     {ok, StatsResponse} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, StatsPath),
-    Stats = emqx_json:decode(StatsResponse, [return_maps]),
+    Stats = emqx_utils_json:decode(StatsResponse, [return_maps]),
     Fun =
         fun(Key) ->
             ?assertEqual(maps:get(Key, SystemStats), maps:get(atom_to_binary(Key, utf8), Stats))
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ t_node_metrics_api(_) ->
         emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["nodes", atom_to_binary(node(), utf8), "metrics"]),
     SystemMetrics = emqx_mgmt:get_metrics(),
     {ok, MetricsResponse} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, MetricsPath),
-    Metrics = emqx_json:decode(MetricsResponse, [return_maps]),
+    Metrics = emqx_utils_json:decode(MetricsResponse, [return_maps]),
     Fun =
         fun(Key) ->
             ?assertEqual(maps:get(Key, SystemMetrics), maps:get(atom_to_binary(Key, utf8), Metrics))
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_plugins_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_plugins_SUITE.erl
index 24e55494d..62fed8211 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_plugins_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_plugins_SUITE.erl
@@ -136,14 +136,14 @@ t_bad_plugin(Config) ->
 list_plugins() ->
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["plugins"]),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, Path) of
-        {ok, Apps} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Apps, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Apps} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Apps, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
 describe_plugins(Name) ->
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["plugins", Name]),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, Path) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ update_boot_order(Name, MoveBody) ->
     Auth = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["plugins", Name, "move"]),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", Auth, MoveBody) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@ create_renamed_package(PackagePath, NewNameVsn) ->
     NewPackagePath.
 
 update_release_json(["release.json"], FileContent, NewName) ->
-    ContentMap = emqx_json:decode(FileContent, [return_maps]),
-    emqx_json:encode(ContentMap#{<<"name">> => NewName});
+    ContentMap = emqx_utils_json:decode(FileContent, [return_maps]),
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(ContentMap#{<<"name">> => NewName});
 update_release_json(_FileName, FileContent, _NewName) ->
     FileContent.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_publish_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_publish_SUITE.erl
index 44b8069f5..303a73b41 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_publish_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_publish_SUITE.erl
@@ -352,4 +352,4 @@ receive_assert(Topic, Qos, Payload) ->
     end.
 
 decode_json(In) ->
-    emqx_json:decode(In, [return_maps]).
+    emqx_utils_json:decode(In, [return_maps]).
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_stats_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_stats_SUITE.erl
index 7236ac9e4..4099426b8 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_stats_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_stats_SUITE.erl
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ end_per_suite(_) ->
 t_stats_api(_) ->
     S = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["stats?aggregate=false"]),
     {ok, S1} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, S),
-    [Stats1] = emqx_json:decode(S1, [return_maps]),
+    [Stats1] = emqx_utils_json:decode(S1, [return_maps]),
     SystemStats1 = emqx_mgmt:get_stats(),
     Fun1 =
         fun(Key) ->
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ t_stats_api(_) ->
     StatsPath = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["stats?aggregate=true"]),
     SystemStats = emqx_mgmt:get_stats(),
     {ok, StatsResponse} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, StatsPath),
-    Stats = emqx_json:decode(StatsResponse, [return_maps]),
+    Stats = emqx_utils_json:decode(StatsResponse, [return_maps]),
     ?assertEqual(erlang:length(maps:keys(SystemStats)), erlang:length(maps:keys(Stats))),
     Fun =
         fun(Key) ->
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_subscription_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_subscription_SUITE.erl
index b9e9fffd8..a23d70f2f 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_subscription_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_subscription_SUITE.erl
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ t_subscription_api(Config) ->
     {ok, _, _} = emqtt:subscribe(Client, ?TOPIC2),
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["subscriptions"]),
     {ok, Response} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, Path),
-    Data = emqx_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
+    Data = emqx_utils_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
     Meta = maps:get(<<"meta">>, Data),
     ?assertEqual(1, maps:get(<<"page">>, Meta)),
     ?assertEqual(emqx_mgmt:default_row_limit(), maps:get(<<"limit">>, Meta)),
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ t_list_with_internal_subscription(_Config) ->
 request_json(Method, Query, Headers) when is_list(Query) ->
     Qs = uri_string:compose_query(Query),
     {ok, MatchRes} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(Method, path(), Qs, Headers),
-    emqx_json:decode(MatchRes, [return_maps]).
+    emqx_utils_json:decode(MatchRes, [return_maps]).
 
 path() ->
     emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["subscriptions"]).
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_test_util.erl b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_test_util.erl
index 782f493fe..5fe4ca937 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_test_util.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_test_util.erl
@@ -108,7 +108,8 @@ request_api(Method, Url, QueryParams, AuthOrHeaders, Body, Opts) when
         end,
     do_request_api(
         Method,
-        {NewUrl, build_http_header(AuthOrHeaders), "application/json", emqx_json:encode(Body)},
+        {NewUrl, build_http_header(AuthOrHeaders), "application/json",
+            emqx_utils_json:encode(Body)},
         Opts
     ).
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_topics_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_topics_SUITE.erl
index 0c2e684b4..659ae0d44 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_topics_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_topics_SUITE.erl
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ t_nodes_api(Config) ->
     %% list all
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["topics"]),
     {ok, Response} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, Path),
-    RoutesData = emqx_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
+    RoutesData = emqx_utils_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
     Meta = maps:get(<<"meta">>, RoutesData),
     ?assertEqual(1, maps:get(<<"page">>, Meta)),
     ?assertEqual(emqx_mgmt:default_row_limit(), maps:get(<<"limit">>, Meta)),
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ t_nodes_api(Config) ->
     ]),
     Headers = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     {ok, MatchResponse} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, Path, QS, Headers),
-    MatchData = emqx_json:decode(MatchResponse, [return_maps]),
+    MatchData = emqx_utils_json:decode(MatchResponse, [return_maps]),
     ?assertMatch(
         #{<<"count">> := 1, <<"page">> := 1, <<"limit">> := 100},
         maps:get(<<"meta">>, MatchData)
@@ -90,6 +90,6 @@ t_nodes_api(Config) ->
     [
         #{<<"topic">> := Topic, <<"node">> := Node1},
         #{<<"topic">> := Topic, <<"node">> := Node2}
-    ] = emqx_json:decode(RouteResponse, [return_maps]),
+    ] = emqx_utils_json:decode(RouteResponse, [return_maps]),
 
     ?assertEqual(lists:usort([Node, atom_to_binary(Slave)]), lists:usort([Node1, Node2])).
diff --git a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_trace_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_trace_SUITE.erl
index 7922bbb40..0102eb56c 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_trace_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_management/test/emqx_mgmt_api_trace_SUITE.erl
@@ -384,7 +384,7 @@ api_path(Path) ->
     emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path([Path]).
 
 json(Data) ->
-    {ok, Jsx} = emqx_json:safe_decode(Data, [return_maps]),
+    {ok, Jsx} = emqx_utils_json:safe_decode(Data, [return_maps]),
     Jsx.
 
 load() ->
diff --git a/apps/emqx_modules/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_modules/rebar.config
index 9688d5043..ff542aed7 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_modules/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_modules/rebar.config
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 {deps, [
     {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}},
     {emqx_conf, {path, "../emqx_conf"}}
 ]}.
 {project_plugins, [erlfmt]}.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_modules/src/emqx_telemetry.erl b/apps/emqx_modules/src/emqx_telemetry.erl
index 6d5c772f0..1d49fb3e7 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_modules/src/emqx_telemetry.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_modules/src/emqx_telemetry.erl
@@ -356,7 +356,7 @@ get_telemetry(State0 = #state{node_uuid = NodeUUID, cluster_uuid = ClusterUUID})
 
 report_telemetry(State0 = #state{url = URL}) ->
     {State, Data} = get_telemetry(State0),
-    case emqx_json:safe_encode(Data) of
+    case emqx_utils_json:safe_encode(Data) of
         {ok, Bin} ->
             httpc_request(post, URL, [], Bin),
             ?tp(debug, telemetry_data_reported, #{});
diff --git a/apps/emqx_modules/src/emqx_telemetry_api.erl b/apps/emqx_modules/src/emqx_telemetry_api.erl
index 798c3ad17..b7209d146 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_modules/src/emqx_telemetry_api.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_modules/src/emqx_telemetry_api.erl
@@ -243,7 +243,7 @@ status(put, #{body := Body}) ->
 data(get, _Request) ->
     case emqx_modules_conf:is_telemetry_enabled() of
         true ->
-            {200, emqx_json:encode(get_telemetry_data())};
+            {200, emqx_utils_json:encode(get_telemetry_data())};
         false ->
             {404, #{
                 code => ?NOT_FOUND,
diff --git a/apps/emqx_modules/test/emqx_delayed_api_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_modules/test/emqx_delayed_api_SUITE.erl
index ed3cd9292..b2d854d22 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_modules/test/emqx_delayed_api_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_modules/test/emqx_delayed_api_SUITE.erl
@@ -229,7 +229,7 @@ t_large_payload(_) ->
 %%--------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 decode_json(Data) ->
-    BinJson = emqx_json:decode(Data, [return_maps]),
+    BinJson = emqx_utils_json:decode(Data, [return_maps]),
     emqx_map_lib:unsafe_atom_key_map(BinJson).
 
 clear_all_record() ->
diff --git a/apps/emqx_modules/test/emqx_rewrite_api_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_modules/test/emqx_rewrite_api_SUITE.erl
index ddb136f1e..68d12a2c1 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_modules/test/emqx_rewrite_api_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_modules/test/emqx_rewrite_api_SUITE.erl
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ t_mqtt_topic_rewrite(_) ->
 
     ?assertEqual(
         Rules,
-        emqx_json:decode(Result, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(Result, [return_maps])
     ).
 
 t_mqtt_topic_rewrite_limit(_) ->
diff --git a/apps/emqx_modules/test/emqx_telemetry_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_modules/test/emqx_telemetry_SUITE.erl
index a61781e13..bb5f39c1f 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_modules/test/emqx_telemetry_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_modules/test/emqx_telemetry_SUITE.erl
@@ -512,7 +512,7 @@ t_send_after_enable(_) ->
         ),
         receive
             {request, post, _URL, _Headers, Body} ->
-                {ok, Decoded} = emqx_json:safe_decode(Body, [return_maps]),
+                {ok, Decoded} = emqx_utils_json:safe_decode(Body, [return_maps]),
                 ?assertMatch(
                     #{
                         <<"uuid">> := _,
diff --git a/apps/emqx_plugin_libs/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_plugin_libs/rebar.config
index 9f17b7657..dee2902a5 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_plugin_libs/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_plugin_libs/rebar.config
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 %% -*- mode: erlang -*-
 
-{deps, [{emqx, {path, "../emqx"}}]}.
+{deps, [
+    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}}
+]}.
 
 {project_plugins, [erlfmt]}.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_plugin_libs/src/emqx_placeholder.erl b/apps/emqx_plugin_libs/src/emqx_placeholder.erl
index 1f93c1d3e..18ef9e8fb 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_plugin_libs/src/emqx_placeholder.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_plugin_libs/src/emqx_placeholder.erl
@@ -240,7 +240,7 @@ sql_data(Bin) when is_binary(Bin) -> Bin;
 sql_data(Num) when is_number(Num) -> Num;
 sql_data(Bool) when is_boolean(Bool) -> Bool;
 sql_data(Atom) when is_atom(Atom) -> atom_to_binary(Atom, utf8);
-sql_data(Map) when is_map(Map) -> emqx_json:encode(Map).
+sql_data(Map) when is_map(Map) -> emqx_utils_json:encode(Map).
 
 -spec bin(term()) -> binary().
 bin(Val) -> emqx_plugin_libs_rule:bin(Val).
diff --git a/apps/emqx_plugin_libs/src/emqx_plugin_libs_rule.erl b/apps/emqx_plugin_libs/src/emqx_plugin_libs_rule.erl
index d1a821895..40f88a0dc 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_plugin_libs/src/emqx_plugin_libs_rule.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_plugin_libs/src/emqx_plugin_libs_rule.erl
@@ -236,11 +236,11 @@ tcp_connectivity(Host, Port, Timeout) ->
 str(Bin) when is_binary(Bin) -> binary_to_list(Bin);
 str(Num) when is_number(Num) -> number_to_list(Num);
 str(Atom) when is_atom(Atom) -> atom_to_list(Atom);
-str(Map) when is_map(Map) -> binary_to_list(emqx_json:encode(Map));
+str(Map) when is_map(Map) -> binary_to_list(emqx_utils_json:encode(Map));
 str(List) when is_list(List) ->
     case io_lib:printable_list(List) of
         true -> List;
-        false -> binary_to_list(emqx_json:encode(List))
+        false -> binary_to_list(emqx_utils_json:encode(List))
     end;
 str(Data) ->
     error({invalid_str, Data}).
@@ -258,11 +258,11 @@ utf8_str(Str) ->
 bin(Bin) when is_binary(Bin) -> Bin;
 bin(Num) when is_number(Num) -> number_to_binary(Num);
 bin(Atom) when is_atom(Atom) -> atom_to_binary(Atom, utf8);
-bin(Map) when is_map(Map) -> emqx_json:encode(Map);
+bin(Map) when is_map(Map) -> emqx_utils_json:encode(Map);
 bin(List) when is_list(List) ->
     case io_lib:printable_list(List) of
         true -> list_to_binary(List);
-        false -> emqx_json:encode(List)
+        false -> emqx_utils_json:encode(List)
     end;
 bin(Data) ->
     error({invalid_bin, Data}).
@@ -312,7 +312,7 @@ float2str(Float, Precision) when is_float(Float) and is_integer(Precision) ->
     float_to_binary(Float, [{decimals, Precision}, compact]).
 
 map(Bin) when is_binary(Bin) ->
-    case emqx_json:decode(Bin, [return_maps]) of
+    case emqx_utils_json:decode(Bin, [return_maps]) of
         Map = #{} -> Map;
         _ -> error({invalid_map, Bin})
     end;
diff --git a/apps/emqx_prometheus/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_prometheus/rebar.config
index 88b3d27a2..7b9a6cc48 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_prometheus/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_prometheus/rebar.config
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 {deps, [
     {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}},
     {prometheus, {git, "https://github.com/deadtrickster/prometheus.erl", {tag, "v4.8.1"}}}
 ]}.
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_prometheus/test/emqx_prometheus_api_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_prometheus/test/emqx_prometheus_api_SUITE.erl
index c4867d9fd..e29d46720 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_prometheus/test/emqx_prometheus_api_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_prometheus/test/emqx_prometheus_api_SUITE.erl
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ t_prometheus_api(_) ->
     Auth = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     {ok, Response} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, Path, "", Auth),
 
-    Conf = emqx_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
+    Conf = emqx_utils_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
     ?assertMatch(
         #{
             <<"push_gateway_server">> := _,
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ t_prometheus_api(_) ->
     NewConf = Conf#{<<"interval">> => <<"2s">>, <<"vm_statistics_collector">> => <<"disabled">>},
     {ok, Response2} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(put, Path, "", Auth, NewConf),
 
-    Conf2 = emqx_json:decode(Response2, [return_maps]),
+    Conf2 = emqx_utils_json:decode(Response2, [return_maps]),
     ?assertMatch(NewConf, Conf2),
     ?assertEqual({ok, []}, application:get_env(prometheus, vm_statistics_collector_metrics)),
     ?assertEqual({ok, all}, application:get_env(prometheus, vm_memory_collector_metrics)),
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ t_stats_api(_) ->
     Headers = [{"accept", "application/json"}, Auth],
     {ok, Response} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, Path, "", Headers),
 
-    Data = emqx_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
+    Data = emqx_utils_json:decode(Response, [return_maps]),
     ?assertMatch(#{<<"client">> := _, <<"delivery">> := _}, Data),
 
     {ok, _} = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(get, Path, "", Auth),
diff --git a/apps/emqx_retainer/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_retainer/rebar.config
index 65de71fdd..a178e10a1 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_retainer/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_retainer/rebar.config
@@ -1,6 +1,9 @@
 %% -*- mode: erlang -*-
 
-{deps, [{emqx, {path, "../emqx"}}]}.
+{deps, [
+    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}}
+]}.
 
 {edoc_opts, [{preprocess, true}]}.
 {erl_opts, [
diff --git a/apps/emqx_retainer/test/emqx_retainer_api_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_retainer/test/emqx_retainer_api_SUITE.erl
index ba96887a2..2b92b3f59 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_retainer/test/emqx_retainer_api_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_retainer/test/emqx_retainer_api_SUITE.erl
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ t_config(_Config) ->
     ),
 
     UpdateConf = fun(Enable) ->
-        RawConf = emqx_json:decode(ConfJson, [return_maps]),
+        RawConf = emqx_utils_json:decode(ConfJson, [return_maps]),
         UpdateJson = RawConf#{<<"enable">> := Enable},
         {ok, UpdateResJson} = request_api(
             put,
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ t_config(_Config) ->
             auth_header_(),
             UpdateJson
         ),
-        UpdateRawConf = emqx_json:decode(UpdateResJson, [return_maps]),
+        UpdateRawConf = emqx_utils_json:decode(UpdateResJson, [return_maps]),
         ?assertEqual(Enable, maps:get(<<"enable">>, UpdateRawConf))
     end,
 
@@ -224,7 +224,7 @@ t_lookup_and_delete(_) ->
 t_change_storage_type(_Config) ->
     Path = api_path(["mqtt", "retainer"]),
     {ok, ConfJson} = request_api(get, Path),
-    RawConf = emqx_json:decode(ConfJson, [return_maps]),
+    RawConf = emqx_utils_json:decode(ConfJson, [return_maps]),
     %% pre-conditions
     ?assertMatch(
         #{
@@ -271,7 +271,7 @@ t_change_storage_type(_Config) ->
         auth_header_(),
         ChangedConf
     ),
-    UpdatedRawConf = emqx_json:decode(UpdateResJson, [return_maps]),
+    UpdatedRawConf = emqx_utils_json:decode(UpdateResJson, [return_maps]),
     ?assertMatch(
         #{
             <<"backend">> := #{
@@ -311,7 +311,7 @@ t_change_storage_type(_Config) ->
 %% HTTP Request
 %%--------------------------------------------------------------------
 decode_json(Data) ->
-    BinJson = emqx_json:decode(Data, [return_maps]),
+    BinJson = emqx_utils_json:decode(Data, [return_maps]),
     emqx_map_lib:unsafe_atom_key_map(BinJson).
 
 %%--------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/rebar.config
index 110caa33d..07c53d3e3 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/rebar.config
@@ -1,7 +1,8 @@
 %% -*- mode: erlang -*-
 
 {deps, [
-    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}}
+    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}}
 ]}.
 
 {erl_opts, [
diff --git a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_actions.erl b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_actions.erl
index c4a6e2e73..40158d342 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_actions.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_actions.erl
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ replace_simple_var(Val, _Data, _Default) ->
     Val.
 
 format_msg([], Selected) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(Selected);
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(Selected);
 format_msg(Tokens, Selected) ->
     emqx_plugin_libs_rule:proc_tmpl(Tokens, Selected).
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_engine_api.erl b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_engine_api.erl
index f640f8303..c63d6275f 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_engine_api.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_engine_api.erl
@@ -468,7 +468,7 @@ err_msg(Msg) ->
 encode_nested_error(RuleError, Reason) when is_tuple(Reason) ->
     encode_nested_error(RuleError, element(1, Reason));
 encode_nested_error(RuleError, Reason) ->
-    case emqx_json:safe_encode([{RuleError, Reason}]) of
+    case emqx_utils_json:safe_encode([{RuleError, Reason}]) of
         {ok, Json} ->
             Json;
         _ ->
diff --git a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_funcs.erl b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_funcs.erl
index 79e0406c1..944aa02f8 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_funcs.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_funcs.erl
@@ -987,10 +987,10 @@ base64_decode(Data) when is_binary(Data) ->
     base64:decode(Data).
 
 json_encode(Data) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(Data).
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(Data).
 
 json_decode(Data) ->
-    emqx_json:decode(Data, [return_maps]).
+    emqx_utils_json:decode(Data, [return_maps]).
 
 term_encode(Term) ->
     erlang:term_to_binary(Term).
diff --git a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_maps.erl b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_maps.erl
index 13f99c88b..3dfffca46 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_maps.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_maps.erl
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ general_map_put(Key, Val, Map, OrgData) ->
     ).
 
 general_find(KeyOrIndex, Data, OrgData, Handler) when is_binary(Data) ->
-    try emqx_json:decode(Data, [return_maps]) of
+    try emqx_utils_json:decode(Data, [return_maps]) of
         Json -> general_find(KeyOrIndex, Json, OrgData, Handler)
     catch
         _:_ -> Handler(not_found)
diff --git a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_runtime.erl b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_runtime.erl
index 51491df53..d7412d03c 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_runtime.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/src/emqx_rule_runtime.erl
@@ -495,7 +495,7 @@ cache_payload(DecodedP) ->
 
 safe_decode_and_cache(MaybeJson) ->
     try
-        cache_payload(emqx_json:decode(MaybeJson, [return_maps]))
+        cache_payload(emqx_utils_json:decode(MaybeJson, [return_maps]))
     catch
         _:_ -> error({decode_json_failed, MaybeJson})
     end.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/test/emqx_rule_engine_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/test/emqx_rule_engine_SUITE.erl
index 93d7c7352..eb253e516 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/test/emqx_rule_engine_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/test/emqx_rule_engine_SUITE.erl
@@ -614,7 +614,9 @@ t_event_client_disconnected_normal(_Config) ->
     receive
         {publish, #{topic := T, payload := Payload}} ->
             ?assertEqual(RepubT, T),
-            ?assertMatch(#{<<"reason">> := <<"normal">>}, emqx_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps]))
+            ?assertMatch(
+                #{<<"reason">> := <<"normal">>}, emqx_utils_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps])
+            )
     after 1000 ->
         ct:fail(wait_for_repub_disconnected_normal)
     end,
@@ -651,7 +653,9 @@ t_event_client_disconnected_kicked(_Config) ->
     receive
         {publish, #{topic := T, payload := Payload}} ->
             ?assertEqual(RepubT, T),
-            ?assertMatch(#{<<"reason">> := <<"kicked">>}, emqx_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps]))
+            ?assertMatch(
+                #{<<"reason">> := <<"kicked">>}, emqx_utils_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps])
+            )
     after 1000 ->
         ct:fail(wait_for_repub_disconnected_kicked)
     end,
@@ -692,7 +696,7 @@ t_event_client_disconnected_discarded(_Config) ->
         {publish, #{topic := T, payload := Payload}} ->
             ?assertEqual(RepubT, T),
             ?assertMatch(
-                #{<<"reason">> := <<"discarded">>}, emqx_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps])
+                #{<<"reason">> := <<"discarded">>}, emqx_utils_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps])
             )
     after 1000 ->
         ct:fail(wait_for_repub_disconnected_discarded)
@@ -737,7 +741,7 @@ t_event_client_disconnected_takenover(_Config) ->
         {publish, #{topic := T, payload := Payload}} ->
             ?assertEqual(RepubT, T),
             ?assertMatch(
-                #{<<"reason">> := <<"takenover">>}, emqx_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps])
+                #{<<"reason">> := <<"takenover">>}, emqx_utils_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps])
             )
     after 1000 ->
         ct:fail(wait_for_repub_disconnected_discarded)
@@ -2800,7 +2804,7 @@ verify_event(EventName) ->
             [
                 begin
                     %% verify fields can be formatted to JSON string
-                    _ = emqx_json:encode(Fields),
+                    _ = emqx_utils_json:encode(Fields),
                     %% verify metadata fields
                     verify_metadata_fields(EventName, Fields),
                     %% verify available fields for each event name
diff --git a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/test/emqx_rule_engine_api_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/test/emqx_rule_engine_api_SUITE.erl
index e94806a7b..8d7546fca 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_rule_engine/test/emqx_rule_engine_api_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_rule_engine/test/emqx_rule_engine_api_SUITE.erl
@@ -46,13 +46,13 @@ end_per_suite(_Config) ->
     ok.
 
 init_per_testcase(t_crud_rule_api, Config) ->
-    meck:new(emqx_json, [passthrough]),
+    meck:new(emqx_utils_json, [passthrough]),
     init_per_testcase(common, Config);
 init_per_testcase(_, Config) ->
     Config.
 
 end_per_testcase(t_crud_rule_api, Config) ->
-    meck:unload(emqx_json),
+    meck:unload(emqx_utils_json),
     end_per_testcase(common, Config);
 end_per_testcase(_, _Config) ->
     {200, #{data := Rules}} =
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ t_crud_rule_api(_Config) ->
         ),
     ?assertMatch(
         #{<<"select_and_transform_error">> := <<"decode_json_failed">>},
-        emqx_json:decode(SelectAndTransformJsonError, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(SelectAndTransformJsonError, [return_maps])
     ),
     {400, #{
         code := 'BAD_REQUEST',
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ t_crud_rule_api(_Config) ->
         ),
     ?assertMatch(
         #{<<"select_and_transform_error">> := <<"badarg">>},
-        emqx_json:decode(SelectAndTransformBadArgError, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(SelectAndTransformBadArgError, [return_maps])
     ),
     {400, #{
         code := 'BAD_REQUEST',
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ t_crud_rule_api(_Config) ->
         )
     ),
     ?assertMatch({match, _}, re:run(BadSqlMessage, "syntax error")),
-    meck:expect(emqx_json, safe_encode, 1, {error, foo}),
+    meck:expect(emqx_utils_json, safe_encode, 1, {error, foo}),
     ?assertMatch(
         {400, #{
             code := 'BAD_REQUEST',
diff --git a/apps/emqx_slow_subs/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_slow_subs/rebar.config
index 9f17b7657..dee2902a5 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_slow_subs/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_slow_subs/rebar.config
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 %% -*- mode: erlang -*-
 
-{deps, [{emqx, {path, "../emqx"}}]}.
+{deps, [
+    {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}}
+]}.
 
 {project_plugins, [erlfmt]}.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_slow_subs/test/emqx_slow_subs_api_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_slow_subs/test/emqx_slow_subs_api_SUITE.erl
index 6b0721e3d..ae74348e0 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_slow_subs/test/emqx_slow_subs_api_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_slow_subs/test/emqx_slow_subs_api_SUITE.erl
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ t_get_history(_) ->
         "page=1&limit=10",
         auth_header_()
     ),
-    #{<<"data">> := [First | _]} = emqx_json:decode(Data, [return_maps]),
+    #{<<"data">> := [First | _]} = emqx_utils_json:decode(Data, [return_maps]),
 
     ?assertMatch(
         #{
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ t_settting(_) ->
     ?assertEqual(Conf2#{stats_type := <<"internal">>}, GetReturn).
 
 decode_json(Data) ->
-    BinJosn = emqx_json:decode(Data, [return_maps]),
+    BinJosn = emqx_utils_json:decode(Data, [return_maps]),
     emqx_map_lib:unsafe_atom_key_map(BinJosn).
 
 request_api(Method, Url, Auth) ->
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ request_api(Method, Url, QueryParams, Auth, Body) ->
             "" -> Url;
             _ -> Url ++ "?" ++ QueryParams
         end,
-    do_request_api(Method, {NewUrl, [Auth], "application/json", emqx_json:encode(Body)}).
+    do_request_api(Method, {NewUrl, [Auth], "application/json", emqx_utils_json:encode(Body)}).
 
 do_request_api(Method, Request) ->
     ct:pal("Method: ~p, Request: ~p", [Method, Request]),
diff --git a/apps/emqx_statsd/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_statsd/rebar.config
index bb9a14272..a1383d920 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_statsd/rebar.config
+++ b/apps/emqx_statsd/rebar.config
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 {erl_opts, [debug_info]}.
 {deps, [
     {emqx, {path, "../emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}},
     {estatsd, {git, "https://github.com/emqx/estatsd", {tag, "0.1.0"}}}
 ]}.
 
diff --git a/apps/emqx_statsd/test/emqx_statsd_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_statsd/test/emqx_statsd_SUITE.erl
index bcc710050..b5669e4b9 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_statsd/test/emqx_statsd_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_statsd/test/emqx_statsd_SUITE.erl
@@ -200,7 +200,7 @@ request(Method) -> request(Method, []).
 request(Method, Body) ->
     case request(Method, uri(["statsd"]), Body) of
         {ok, 200, Res} ->
-            {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+            {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         {ok, _Status, _} ->
             error
     end.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_utils/README.md b/apps/emqx_utils/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..482b7a947
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/emqx_utils/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+# [Application Name] - [Mandatory]
+> 0. App overview introduction
+> 1. let people know what your project can do specifically. Is it a base
+> library dependency, or what kind of functionality is provided to the user?
+> 2. Provide context and add a link to any reference visitors might be
+> unfamiliar with.
+> 3. Design details, implementation technology architecture, Roadmap, etc.
+
+# [Features] - [Optional]
+> A List of features your application provided. If the feature is quite simple, just
+> list in the previous section.
+
+# [Limitation] - [Optional]
+> Explain the limitations of the implementation used in your application.
+
+# [Documention links] - [Mandatory]
+> You can use the official docs link to provide a detailed explanation of
+> the concept and functions of this application.
+
+# [Installation] - [Optional]
+> How users can obtain this application. In most cases, this section is unnecessary.
+> Most of the applications are released with the EMQX distribution package.
+> Otherwise, it is necessary to provide step-by-step instructions on how
+> to install this application.
+
+# [Usage] - [Optional]
+> This section explains how users can use the features provided by the application.
+
+# [Basic Usage Guide] - [Optional]
+> Simple and reproducible introduction on how to use/start it.
+
+# [Configurations] - [Mandatory]
+> Most important configurations that this application depends on.
+> It would be best to attach official documentation if it's available.
+
+# [HTTP APIs] - [Optional]
+> Same as configuration.
+
+# [Other] - [Optional]
+> Other topics that users may need to know can be placed here.
+
+# Contributing - [Mandatory]
+Please see our [contributing.md](../../CONTRIBUTING.md).
diff --git a/apps/emqx_utils/rebar.config b/apps/emqx_utils/rebar.config
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..4c39cfe64
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/emqx_utils/rebar.config
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+%% -*- mode: erlang -*-
+
+{erl_opts, [
+    debug_info
+]}.
+
+{deps, [
+    {jiffy, {git, "https://github.com/emqx/jiffy", {tag, "1.0.5"}}}
+]}.
+
+{project_plugins, [erlfmt]}.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_utils/src/emqx_utils.app.src b/apps/emqx_utils/src/emqx_utils.app.src
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e1f10c139
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/emqx_utils/src/emqx_utils.app.src
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+%% -*- mode: erlang -*-
+{application, emqx_utils, [
+    {description, "An OTP application"},
+    % strict semver, bump manually!
+    {vsn, "5.0.0"},
+    {modules, [
+        emqx_utils,
+        emqx_utils_binary,
+        emqx_utils_ets,
+        emqx_utils_json,
+        emqx_utils_maps
+    ]},
+    {registered, []},
+    {applications, [
+        kernel,
+        stdlib
+    ]},
+    {env, []},
+    {licenses, ["Apache-2.0"]},
+    {maintainers, ["EMQX Team <contact@emqx.io>"]},
+    {links, [
+        {"Homepage", "https://emqx.io/"},
+        {"Github", "https://github.com/emqx/emqx"}
+    ]}
+]}.
diff --git a/apps/emqx/src/emqx_json.erl b/apps/emqx_utils/src/emqx_utils_json.erl
similarity index 90%
rename from apps/emqx/src/emqx_json.erl
rename to apps/emqx_utils/src/emqx_utils_json.erl
index 7827b98c9..2f0c6f88b 100644
--- a/apps/emqx/src/emqx_json.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_utils/src/emqx_utils_json.erl
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 %% limitations under the License.
 %%--------------------------------------------------------------------
 
--module(emqx_json).
+-module(emqx_utils_json).
 
 -compile(inline).
 
@@ -46,11 +46,11 @@
     ]}
 ).
 
--type encode_options() :: jiffy:encode_options().
--type decode_options() :: jiffy:decode_options().
+-type encode_options() :: emqx_utils_json:encode_options().
+-type decode_options() :: emqx_utils_json:decode_options().
 
 -type json_text() :: iolist() | binary().
--type json_term() :: jiffy:jiffy_decode_result().
+-type json_term() :: emqx_utils_json:jiffy_decode_result().
 
 -export_type([json_text/0, json_term/0]).
 -export_type([decode_options/0, encode_options/0]).
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ encode(Term) ->
 
 -spec encode(json_term(), encode_options()) -> json_text().
 encode(Term, Opts) ->
-    to_binary(jiffy:encode(to_ejson(Term), Opts)).
+    to_binary(emqx_utils_json:encode(to_ejson(Term), Opts)).
 
 -spec safe_encode(json_term()) ->
     {ok, json_text()} | {error, Reason :: term()}.
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ decode(Json) -> decode(Json, []).
 
 -spec decode(json_text(), decode_options()) -> json_term().
 decode(Json, Opts) ->
-    from_ejson(jiffy:decode(Json, Opts)).
+    from_ejson(emqx_utils_json:decode(Json, Opts)).
 
 -spec safe_decode(json_text()) ->
     {ok, json_term()} | {error, Reason :: term()}.
diff --git a/apps/emqx_utils/test/emqx_utils_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_utils/test/emqx_utils_SUITE.erl
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..09a8d085c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/emqx_utils/test/emqx_utils_SUITE.erl
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+%%--------------------------------------------------------------------
+%% Copyright (c) 2020-2023 EMQ Technologies Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
+%%
+%% Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+%% you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+%% You may obtain a copy of the License at
+%%
+%%     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+%%
+%% Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+%% distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+%% WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+%% See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+%% limitations under the License.
+%%--------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+-module(emqx_utils_SUITE).
+
+-compile(export_all).
+-compile(nowarn_export_all).
+
+-include_lib("eunit/include/eunit.hrl").
+-include_lib("common_test/include/ct.hrl").
+
+all() ->
+    emqx_common_test_helpers:all(?MODULE).
+
+init_per_suite(Config) ->
+    emqx_common_test_helpers:start_apps([emqx_conf, emqx_utils]),
+    Config.
+
+end_per_suite(_Config) ->
+    emqx_common_test_helpers:stop_apps([emqx_conf, emqx_utils]),
+    ok.
+
+init_per_testcase(TestCase, Config) ->
+    emqx_common_test_helpers:init_per_testcase(?MODULE, TestCase, Config).
+
+end_per_testcase(TestCase, Config) ->
+    emqx_common_test_helpers:end_per_testcase(?MODULE, TestCase, Config).
+
+t_fail(init, Config) ->
+    Config;
+t_fail('end', _Config) ->
+    ok.
+
+t_fail(_Config) ->
+    ?assert(false).
diff --git a/apps/emqx/test/emqx_json_SUITE.erl b/apps/emqx_utils/test/emqx_utils_json_SUITE.erl
similarity index 93%
rename from apps/emqx/test/emqx_json_SUITE.erl
rename to apps/emqx_utils/test/emqx_utils_json_SUITE.erl
index a0bf48e4e..889cde595 100644
--- a/apps/emqx/test/emqx_json_SUITE.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_utils/test/emqx_utils_json_SUITE.erl
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 %% limitations under the License.
 %%--------------------------------------------------------------------
 
--module(emqx_json_SUITE).
+-module(emqx_utils_json_SUITE).
 
 -compile(export_all).
 -compile(nowarn_export_all).
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 -include_lib("eunit/include/eunit.hrl").
 
 -import(
-    emqx_json,
+    emqx_utils_json,
     [
         encode/1,
         decode/1,
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@
 %% #{<<"foo">> => <<"bar">>}  -> {"foo": "bar"} -> #{<<"foo">> => <<"bar">>}
 %%--------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-%% but in emqx_json, we use the jsx style for it:
+%% but in emqx_utils_json, we use the jsx style for it:
 %%--------------------------------------------------------------------
 %% Erlang                     JSON              Erlang
 %% -------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -127,12 +127,12 @@ t_safe_decode_encode(_) ->
     [{<<"foo">>, <<"bar">>}] = safe_encode_decode([{foo, bar}]),
     [{<<"foo">>, <<"bar">>}] = safe_encode_decode([{<<"foo">>, <<"bar">>}]),
     [[{<<"foo">>, <<"bar">>}]] = safe_encode_decode([[{<<"foo">>, <<"bar">>}]]),
-    {ok, Json} = emqx_json:safe_encode(#{<<"foo">> => <<"bar">>}),
-    {ok, #{<<"foo">> := <<"bar">>}} = emqx_json:safe_decode(Json, [return_maps]).
+    {ok, Json} = emqx_utils_json:safe_encode(#{<<"foo">> => <<"bar">>}),
+    {ok, #{<<"foo">> := <<"bar">>}} = emqx_utils_json:safe_decode(Json, [return_maps]).
 
 safe_encode_decode(Term) ->
-    {ok, Json} = emqx_json:safe_encode(Term),
-    case emqx_json:safe_decode(Json) of
+    {ok, Json} = emqx_utils_json:safe_encode(Term),
+    case emqx_utils_json:safe_decode(Json) of
         {ok, {NTerm}} -> NTerm;
         {ok, NTerm} -> NTerm
     end.
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/rebar.config b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/rebar.config
index afd90f622..b26df658a 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/rebar.config
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/rebar.config
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
        , {emqx_connector, {path, "../../apps/emqx_connector"}}
        , {emqx_resource, {path, "../../apps/emqx_resource"}}
        , {emqx_bridge, {path, "../../apps/emqx_bridge"}}
+       , {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}}
        ]}.
 
 {shell, [
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_cassa_SUITE.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_cassa_SUITE.erl
index 208b68de6..f37d7fb6a 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_cassa_SUITE.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_cassa_SUITE.erl
@@ -273,7 +273,7 @@ create_bridge_http(Params) ->
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["bridges"]),
     AuthHeader = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, Params) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_dynamo_SUITE.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_dynamo_SUITE.erl
index 0c0dbbe04..e899b0fcd 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_dynamo_SUITE.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_dynamo_SUITE.erl
@@ -208,7 +208,7 @@ create_bridge_http(Params) ->
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["bridges"]),
     AuthHeader = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, Params) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_gcp_pubsub_SUITE.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_gcp_pubsub_SUITE.erl
index 75d2d2d8c..3cc4c75e4 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_gcp_pubsub_SUITE.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_gcp_pubsub_SUITE.erl
@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@ create_bridge_http(Config, GCPPubSubConfigOverrides) ->
     ct:pal("probe result: ~p", [ProbeResult]),
     Res =
         case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, Params) of
-            {ok, Res0} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res0, [return_maps])};
+            {ok, Res0} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res0, [return_maps])};
             Error -> Error
         end,
     ct:pal("bridge creation result: ~p", [Res]),
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ create_rule_and_action_http(Config) ->
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["rules"]),
     AuthHeader = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, Params) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
@@ -234,7 +234,7 @@ success_http_handler() ->
         Rep = cowboy_req:reply(
             200,
             #{<<"content-type">> => <<"application/json">>},
-            jiffy:encode(#{messageIds => [<<"6058891368195201">>]}),
+            emqx_utils_json:encode(#{messageIds => [<<"6058891368195201">>]}),
             Req
         ),
         {ok, Rep, State}
@@ -274,7 +274,7 @@ gcp_pubsub_config(Config) ->
     PubSubTopic = proplists:get_value(pubsub_topic, Config, <<"mytopic">>),
     PipelineSize = proplists:get_value(pipeline_size, Config, 100),
     ServiceAccountJSON = proplists:get_value(pubsub_topic, Config, generate_service_account_json()),
-    ServiceAccountJSONStr = emqx_json:encode(ServiceAccountJSON),
+    ServiceAccountJSONStr = emqx_utils_json:encode(ServiceAccountJSON),
     GUID = emqx_guid:to_hexstr(emqx_guid:gen()),
     Name = <<(atom_to_binary(?MODULE))/binary, (GUID)/binary>>,
     ConfigString =
@@ -463,7 +463,7 @@ assert_valid_request_headers(Headers, ServiceAccountJSON) ->
     end.
 
 assert_valid_request_body(Body) ->
-    BodyMap = emqx_json:decode(Body, [return_maps]),
+    BodyMap = emqx_utils_json:decode(Body, [return_maps]),
     ?assertMatch(#{<<"messages">> := [_ | _]}, BodyMap),
     #{<<"messages">> := Messages} = BodyMap,
     lists:map(
@@ -471,7 +471,7 @@ assert_valid_request_body(Body) ->
             ?assertMatch(#{<<"data">> := <<_/binary>>}, Msg),
             #{<<"data">> := Content64} = Msg,
             Content = base64:decode(Content64),
-            Decoded = emqx_json:decode(Content, [return_maps]),
+            Decoded = emqx_utils_json:decode(Content, [return_maps]),
             ct:pal("decoded payload: ~p", [Decoded]),
             ?assert(is_map(Decoded)),
             Decoded
@@ -1014,7 +1014,7 @@ t_publish_timeout(Config) ->
             Rep = cowboy_req:reply(
                 200,
                 #{<<"content-type">> => <<"application/json">>},
-                jiffy:encode(#{messageIds => [<<"6058891368195201">>]}),
+                emqx_utils_json:encode(#{messageIds => [<<"6058891368195201">>]}),
                 Req
             ),
             {ok, Rep, State}
@@ -1180,7 +1180,7 @@ t_failure_with_body(Config) ->
             Rep = cowboy_req:reply(
                 400,
                 #{<<"content-type">> => <<"application/json">>},
-                jiffy:encode(#{}),
+                emqx_utils_json:encode(#{}),
                 Req
             ),
             {ok, Rep, State}
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_influxdb_SUITE.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_influxdb_SUITE.erl
index 1b4b4aeb2..4891d5d9b 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_influxdb_SUITE.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_influxdb_SUITE.erl
@@ -394,7 +394,7 @@ create_rule_and_action_http(Config, Overrides) ->
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["rules"]),
     AuthHeader = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, Params) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
@@ -435,7 +435,7 @@ query_by_clientid(ClientId, Config) ->
         {"Content-Type", "application/json"}
     ],
     Body =
-        emqx_json:encode(#{
+        emqx_utils_json:encode(#{
             query => Query,
             dialect => #{
                 header => true,
@@ -545,7 +545,7 @@ t_start_ok(Config) ->
                 int_value => <<"-123">>,
                 uint_value => <<"123">>,
                 float_value => <<"24.5">>,
-                payload => emqx_json:encode(Payload)
+                payload => emqx_utils_json:encode(Payload)
             },
             assert_persisted_data(ClientId, Expected, PersistedData),
             ok
@@ -764,7 +764,7 @@ t_boolean_variants(Config) ->
                 bool => atom_to_binary(Translation),
                 int_value => <<"-123">>,
                 uint_value => <<"123">>,
-                payload => emqx_json:encode(Payload)
+                payload => emqx_utils_json:encode(Payload)
             },
             assert_persisted_data(ClientId, Expected, PersistedData),
             ok
@@ -1024,9 +1024,9 @@ t_missing_field(Config) ->
     ClientId0 = emqx_guid:to_hexstr(emqx_guid:gen()),
     ClientId1 = emqx_guid:to_hexstr(emqx_guid:gen()),
     %% Message with the field that we "forgot" to select in the rule
-    Msg0 = emqx_message:make(ClientId0, <<"t/topic">>, emqx_json:encode(#{foo => 123})),
+    Msg0 = emqx_message:make(ClientId0, <<"t/topic">>, emqx_utils_json:encode(#{foo => 123})),
     %% Message without any fields
-    Msg1 = emqx_message:make(ClientId1, <<"t/topic">>, emqx_json:encode(#{})),
+    Msg1 = emqx_message:make(ClientId1, <<"t/topic">>, emqx_utils_json:encode(#{})),
     ?check_trace(
         begin
             emqx:publish(Msg0),
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_mongodb_SUITE.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_mongodb_SUITE.erl
index 116dcc729..2d4ee9222 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_mongodb_SUITE.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_mongodb_SUITE.erl
@@ -258,7 +258,7 @@ create_bridge_http(Params) ->
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["bridges"]),
     AuthHeader = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, Params) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_mysql_SUITE.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_mysql_SUITE.erl
index 38e31c7ae..69b1e26ce 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_mysql_SUITE.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_mysql_SUITE.erl
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@ create_bridge_http(Params) ->
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["bridges"]),
     AuthHeader = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, Params) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_pgsql_SUITE.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_pgsql_SUITE.erl
index 83cb8b1f3..8f0b9ad9c 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_pgsql_SUITE.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_pgsql_SUITE.erl
@@ -241,7 +241,7 @@ create_bridge_http(Params) ->
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["bridges"]),
     AuthHeader = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, Params) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_rocketmq_SUITE.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_rocketmq_SUITE.erl
index 95ec47e7f..0cb14e5c3 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_rocketmq_SUITE.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_rocketmq_SUITE.erl
@@ -176,7 +176,7 @@ create_bridge_http(Params) ->
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["bridges"]),
     AuthHeader = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, Params) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_tdengine_SUITE.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_tdengine_SUITE.erl
index c956a93c6..8e058f2f1 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_tdengine_SUITE.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_bridge/test/emqx_ee_bridge_tdengine_SUITE.erl
@@ -219,7 +219,7 @@ create_bridge_http(Params) ->
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["bridges"]),
     AuthHeader = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, Params) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/rebar.config b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/rebar.config
index e754bd573..352c54629 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/rebar.config
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/rebar.config
@@ -6,7 +6,8 @@
   {clickhouse, {git, "https://github.com/emqx/clickhouse-client-erl", {tag, "0.3"}}},
   {erlcloud, {git, "https://github.com/emqx/erlcloud.git", {tag,"3.5.16-emqx-1"}}},
   {rocketmq, {git, "https://github.com/emqx/rocketmq-client-erl.git", {tag, "v0.5.1"}}},
-  {emqx, {path, "../../apps/emqx"}}
+  {emqx, {path, "../../apps/emqx"}},
+  {emqx_utils, {path, "../../apps/emqx_utils"}}
 ]}.
 
 {shell, [
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_dynamo.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_dynamo.erl
index 4703e0a21..ee56e0c5f 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_dynamo.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_dynamo.erl
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@ convert_to_item(Msg) when is_map(Msg), map_size(Msg) > 0 ->
         Msg
     );
 convert_to_item(MsgBin) when is_binary(MsgBin) ->
-    Msg = emqx_json:decode(MsgBin),
+    Msg = emqx_utils_json:decode(MsgBin),
     convert_to_item(Msg);
 convert_to_item(Item) ->
     erlang:throw({invalid_item, Item}).
@@ -334,7 +334,7 @@ convert2binary(Value) when is_binary(Value); is_number(Value) ->
 convert2binary(Value) when is_list(Value) ->
     unicode:characters_to_binary(Value);
 convert2binary(Value) when is_map(Value) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(Value).
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(Value).
 
 do_async_reply(Result, {ReplyFun, [Context]}) ->
     ReplyFun(Context, Result).
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_gcp_pubsub.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_gcp_pubsub.erl
index f07cbceab..a2045b8c5 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_gcp_pubsub.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_gcp_pubsub.erl
@@ -334,14 +334,14 @@ ensure_jwt_worker(InstanceId, #{
 encode_payload(_State = #{payload_template := PayloadTemplate}, Selected) ->
     Interpolated =
         case PayloadTemplate of
-            [] -> emqx_json:encode(Selected);
+            [] -> emqx_utils_json:encode(Selected);
             _ -> emqx_plugin_libs_rule:proc_tmpl(PayloadTemplate, Selected)
         end,
     #{data => base64:encode(Interpolated)}.
 
 -spec to_pubsub_request([#{data := binary()}]) -> binary().
 to_pubsub_request(Payloads) ->
-    emqx_json:encode(#{messages => Payloads}).
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(#{messages => Payloads}).
 
 -spec publish_path(state()) -> binary().
 publish_path(
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_mongodb.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_mongodb.erl
index aa03863b0..4e7adcd6e 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_mongodb.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_mongodb.erl
@@ -84,4 +84,4 @@ render_message(PayloadTemplate, Message) ->
     %% Note: mongo expects a map as a document, so the rendered result
     %% must be JSON-serializable
     Rendered = emqx_plugin_libs_rule:proc_tmpl(PayloadTemplate, Message),
-    emqx_json:decode(Rendered, [return_maps]).
+    emqx_utils_json:decode(Rendered, [return_maps]).
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_rocketmq.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_rocketmq.erl
index 84f2e2a89..d296b0b4f 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_rocketmq.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_connector/src/emqx_ee_connector_rocketmq.erl
@@ -248,14 +248,14 @@ get_topic_key([Query | _], RawTopic, TopicTks) ->
 apply_template({Key, Msg} = _Req, Templates) ->
     case maps:get(Key, Templates, undefined) of
         undefined ->
-            emqx_json:encode(Msg);
+            emqx_utils_json:encode(Msg);
         Template ->
             emqx_plugin_libs_rule:proc_tmpl(Template, Msg)
     end;
 apply_template([{Key, _} | _] = Reqs, Templates) ->
     case maps:get(Key, Templates, undefined) of
         undefined ->
-            [emqx_json:encode(Msg) || {_, Msg} <- Reqs];
+            [emqx_utils_json:encode(Msg) || {_, Msg} <- Reqs];
         Template ->
             [emqx_plugin_libs_rule:proc_tmpl(Template, Msg) || {_, Msg} <- Reqs]
     end.
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/rebar.config b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/rebar.config
index b19fb05ae..223ebf533 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/rebar.config
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/rebar.config
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 {erl_opts, [debug_info]}.
 {deps, [
   {emqx, {path, "../../apps/emqx"}},
+  {emqx_utils, {path, "../../apps/emqx_utils"}},
   {erlavro, {git, "https://github.com/klarna/erlavro.git", {tag, "2.9.8"}}}
 ]}.
 
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/src/emqx_ee_schema_registry_serde.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/src/emqx_ee_schema_registry_serde.erl
index 43145fb16..9835ec7c2 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/src/emqx_ee_schema_registry_serde.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/src/emqx_ee_schema_registry_serde.erl
@@ -65,6 +65,6 @@ make_serde(avro, Name, Source0) ->
 inject_avro_name(Name, Source0) ->
     %% The schema checks that the source is a valid JSON when
     %% typechecking, so we shouldn't need to validate here.
-    Schema0 = emqx_json:decode(Source0, [return_maps]),
+    Schema0 = emqx_utils_json:decode(Source0, [return_maps]),
     Schema = Schema0#{<<"name">> => Name},
-    emqx_json:encode(Schema).
+    emqx_utils_json:encode(Schema).
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/test/emqx_ee_schema_registry_SUITE.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/test/emqx_ee_schema_registry_SUITE.erl
index 9b2f64c03..3c26d1966 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/test/emqx_ee_schema_registry_SUITE.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/test/emqx_ee_schema_registry_SUITE.erl
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ create_rule_http(RuleParams) ->
     Path = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:api_path(["rules"]),
     AuthHeader = emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:auth_header_(),
     case emqx_mgmt_api_test_util:request_api(post, Path, "", AuthHeader, Params) of
-        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
+        {ok, Res} -> {ok, emqx_utils_json:decode(Res, [return_maps])};
         Error -> Error
     end.
 
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ schema_params(avro) ->
             #{name => <<"s">>, type => <<"string">>}
         ]
     },
-    SourceBin = emqx_json:encode(Source),
+    SourceBin = emqx_utils_json:encode(Source),
     #{type => avro, source => SourceBin}.
 
 create_serde(SerdeType, SerdeName) ->
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ receive_published(Line) ->
             maps:update_with(
                 payload,
                 fun(Raw) ->
-                    case emqx_json:safe_decode(Raw, [return_maps]) of
+                    case emqx_utils_json:safe_decode(Raw, [return_maps]) of
                         {ok, Decoded} -> Decoded;
                         {error, _} -> Raw
                     end
@@ -262,7 +262,7 @@ t_encode_decode(Config) ->
     {ok, #{<<"id">> := RuleId}} = create_rule_http(#{sql => sql_for(SerdeType, encode_decode1)}),
     on_exit(fun() -> ok = emqx_rule_engine:delete_rule(RuleId) end),
     Payload = #{<<"i">> => 10, <<"s">> => <<"text">>},
-    PayloadBin = emqx_json:encode(Payload),
+    PayloadBin = emqx_utils_json:encode(Payload),
     emqx:publish(emqx_message:make(<<"t">>, PayloadBin)),
     Res = receive_action_results(),
     ?assertMatch(
@@ -311,7 +311,7 @@ t_encode(Config) ->
     {ok, #{<<"id">> := RuleId}} = create_rule_http(#{sql => sql_for(SerdeType, encode1)}),
     on_exit(fun() -> ok = emqx_rule_engine:delete_rule(RuleId) end),
     Payload = #{<<"i">> => 10, <<"s">> => <<"text">>},
-    PayloadBin = emqx_json:encode(Payload),
+    PayloadBin = emqx_utils_json:encode(Payload),
     emqx:publish(emqx_message:make(<<"t">>, PayloadBin)),
     Published = receive_published(?LINE),
     ?assertMatch(
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/test/emqx_ee_schema_registry_http_api_SUITE.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/test/emqx_ee_schema_registry_http_api_SUITE.erl
index bbb6d5ef0..e7034d562 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/test/emqx_ee_schema_registry_http_api_SUITE.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/test/emqx_ee_schema_registry_http_api_SUITE.erl
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ do_request(Method, PathParts, Body) ->
         {ok, Code, <<>>} ->
             {ok, Code, <<>>};
         {ok, Code, Res1} ->
-            Res2 = emqx_json:decode(Res1, [return_maps]),
+            Res2 = emqx_utils_json:decode(Res1, [return_maps]),
             Res3 = try_decode_error_message(Res2),
             {ok, Code, Res3};
         Error ->
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ do_request(Method, PathParts, Body) ->
     end.
 
 try_decode_error_message(#{<<"message">> := Msg0} = Res0) ->
-    case emqx_json:safe_decode(Msg0, [return_maps]) of
+    case emqx_utils_json:safe_decode(Msg0, [return_maps]) of
         {ok, Msg} ->
             Res0#{<<"message">> := Msg};
         {error, _} ->
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ t_crud(_Config) ->
             #{name => <<"s">>, type => <<"string">>}
         ]
     },
-    SourceBin = emqx_json:encode(Source),
+    SourceBin = emqx_utils_json:encode(Source),
     Params = #{
         <<"type">> => <<"avro">>,
         <<"source">> => SourceBin,
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/test/emqx_ee_schema_registry_serde_SUITE.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/test/emqx_ee_schema_registry_serde_SUITE.erl
index be62717d3..12798c6a2 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/test/emqx_ee_schema_registry_serde_SUITE.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_ee_schema_registry/test/emqx_ee_schema_registry_serde_SUITE.erl
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ schema_params(avro) ->
             #{name => <<"s">>, type => <<"string">>}
         ]
     },
-    SourceBin = emqx_json:encode(Source),
+    SourceBin = emqx_utils_json:encode(Source),
     #{type => avro, source => SourceBin}.
 
 assert_roundtrip(SerdeName, Original) ->
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_license/rebar.config b/lib-ee/emqx_license/rebar.config
index 1cb5ace88..e7620387a 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_license/rebar.config
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_license/rebar.config
@@ -1,3 +1,6 @@
-{deps, [{emqx, {path, "../../apps/emqx"}}]}.
+{deps, [
+    {emqx, {path, "../../apps/emqx"}},
+    {emqx_utils, {path, "../emqx_utils"}}
+]}.
 
 {project_plugins, [erlfmt]}.
diff --git a/lib-ee/emqx_license/test/emqx_license_http_api_SUITE.erl b/lib-ee/emqx_license/test/emqx_license_http_api_SUITE.erl
index 11ac1ca89..3de5ae121 100644
--- a/lib-ee/emqx_license/test/emqx_license_http_api_SUITE.erl
+++ b/lib-ee/emqx_license/test/emqx_license_http_api_SUITE.erl
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ t_license_info(_Config) ->
             <<"start_at">> => <<"2022-01-11">>,
             <<"type">> => <<"trial">>
         },
-        emqx_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps])
     ),
     ok.
 
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ t_license_upload_key_success(_Config) ->
             <<"start_at">> => <<"2022-01-11">>,
             <<"type">> => <<"trial">>
         },
-        emqx_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps])
     ),
     ?assertMatch(
         #{max_connections := 999},
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ t_license_upload_key_bad_key(_Config) ->
             <<"code">> => <<"BAD_REQUEST">>,
             <<"message">> => <<"Bad license key">>
         },
-        emqx_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps])
     ),
     assert_untouched_license(),
     ok.
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ t_license_upload_key_not_json(_Config) ->
             <<"code">> => <<"BAD_REQUEST">>,
             <<"message">> => <<"Invalid request params">>
         },
-        emqx_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps])
+        emqx_utils_json:decode(Payload, [return_maps])
     ),
     assert_untouched_license(),
     ok.