Israel Harmonizes Import Standards with Europe
The Israeli Knesset’s Economic Committee recently approved the “What’s Good for Europe is Good for Israel” reform, aimed at aligning Israeli import standards with those of Europe. Scheduled to begin on January 1, 2025, this initiative is expected to lower import barriers, boost competition, and simplify trade processes.
A key element of this reform is the creation of an optional import route that allows products to be imported, manufactured, and marketed based on compliance with broad European directives or regulations. While certification of compliance may not always be required, importers are still responsible for ensuring that products meet the necessary standards. This new route is expected to bridge the gap between strict Israeli standards and European ones, reduce unique testing costs, and facilitate parallel imports. It’s important to emphasize that this reform does not eliminate any existing import routes, including those that currently acknowledge U.S. or other international standards.
The reform includes the adoption of several European directives and regulations, including those on chemical safety (REACH), low-voltage electrical equipment (LVD), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and personal protective equipment (PPE). Additional directives, such as those covering toy safety and food contact materials, will be phased in starting February and March 2025. The Ministry of Economy is tasked with expanding the adoption of these regulations, to include areas like electric bicycles and medical equipment as well.
The reform excludes certain products, such as food, motor vehicles, and items covered by official fire safety standards, except for specific portable firefighting equipment. Several exceptions to different standards are included, and for certain items like toys for children under three, compliance documentation will still be necessary.
An Exceptions Committee has been established to allow ministers responsible for regulated products to request reviews and determine if exceptions or additional conditions are necessary. Enforcement and penalties are a key focus of the reform, ensuring that products continue to meet required standards. The Standards Authority has been granted broad enforcement powers to oversee compliance.
As a result of the new harmonization, U.S. exports of certain products are currently complying with the European Union CE Mark standards.
Additionally, other reforms have been recently approved that align with the “What’s Good for Europe is Good for Israel” initiative. These include regulations related to food, cosmetics, and energy, further harmonizing Israeli standards with European ones.
For more details on this reform, please visit the Israel Federation Chamber of Commerce English notification.
U.S. Companies interested in learning more about the new standards reform, please contact Christina.azar@trade.gov.