Israel Cosmetic and Personal Care Products Import Reform

Israel’s Standard Reform and Import and Export Decree

In November 2021, the Israeli government approved a series of economic reforms under the Arrangements Bill. As part of this reform, Israel implemented changes to its import decree which simplifies the pre-shipment testing and documentation requirements for goods entering Israel.  The change in import requirements will ultimately make it easier for American manufacturers to export to Israel. For more details, please refer to the Israel Standard Reform intelligence report and the Israel Updated Standard Reform intelligence report.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Import Reform

One of the pivotal changes made under the import reform is the adoption of the European cosmetics regulation; prior to the reform, imported cosmetics products had to be tested by The Standards Institution of Israel and registered at the Israeli Ministry of Health – a lengthy and costly process. In accordance with the import reform, cosmetic goods that comply with EU regulations are permitted to be imported to and marketed in Israel with no additional testing. Instead of the registration process, exporters or their local distributors will be required to notify the Israeli Ministry of Health of their intent to import a product and confirm that it does comply with EU standards.

In addition to adopting the European regulations and in order to adapt imported goods to the Israeli market, the Israeli Ministry of Health included several distinct requirements in the reform. These additional requirements vary between types of products and their qualities. For information of specific requirements, please consult with the U.S. Commercial Service team in Israel.

For more information on the Israeli cosmetics market, please contact Commercial Specialist Inbar Marom at: Inbar.Marom@trade.gov.