Since 1 January 2025, a new import regulation has been in force in Israel that significantly simplifies imports from the EU. This is based on a regulation from the Israeli Ministry of Economy, which was passed by parliament. The key point: Israel now officially recognises 43 regulations of the European Union. For affected products, the previously required proof that they comply with Israeli standards is no longer necessary. It is now sufficient to prove that the goods are authorised and sold in the EU.
Originally, only 23 regulations were to be adopted, but a further 20 were added shortly before the final vote. Many of these provisions apply immediately, while some have transitional periods of up to three years.
Reform covers the majority of mandatory standards
According to Economics Minister Nir Barkat, the new provisions affect around 444 Israeli standards, i.e. the majority of the country’s current 573 mandatory standards. In addition, numerous voluntary standards continue to exist, which mainly serve as a quality feature.
The reform covers a broad spectrum of product groups. These include, for example, household electrical appliances, cleaning and care products, computers and consumer electronics, communication devices, safety equipment such as helmets or protective clothing, as well as children’s products, wood-based materials, non-hazardous aerosols and sunglasses. A complete list of the adopted EU regulations with their respective effective dates can be found in the GTAI article (in German).
High level of approval from the import industry
In future, importers will no longer have to provide proof of compliance with Israeli standards – but can continue to do so voluntarily. However, according to a survey of 400 companies conducted by the Ministry of Economy, 90 per cent of importers want to use the new procedure on an EU basis.
The proof required in each case depends on the risk category of the product:
- For low-risk products, a self-declaration by the importer of compliance with EU requirements is sufficient.
- For medium-risk products, it must also be confirmed that the product is currently being sold in the EU or that the manufacturer has issued a declaration of conformity.
- High-risk products, such as baby products, plastics with food contact or certain cleaning agents, are subject to stricter requirements. Relevant documents must be kept available in these cases.
Importers are obliged to check for themselves which requirements apply to their products. This is possible via a special online database from the Ministry of Economy and Industry.
Follow-up checks by the Ministry of Economy and Industry
In order to ensure that imported goods actually comply with EU regulations, the Ministry has announced random checks in trade. Violations of the regulations can result in administrative penalties, fines or criminal prosecution – depending on the severity of the case.
For correct customs clearance, the customs declaration must be labelled with the new code 65. Although domestic producers are not obliged to submit an import declaration, they must also organise their products in accordance with EU standards if they fall under the reform.
Source: GTAI (in German)
