Israel's Proposed Additional Amendments to Ease the Import Process

Based on the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) document published in July 2023, the Ministry of Economy has now made public a proposal to modify the Import and Export Regulation based upon the proposed changes identified in the RIA.

The core of this change involves a substantial reform in the import control procedure. For products falling under import groups 2, 3, and the ‘Cassis track’ (excluding import group 1), it will no longer be mandatory to submit applications to the Standards Institution of Israel or recognized laboratories. Instead, importers will directly submit a declaration to customs. Following the declaration submission, a risk assessment process will be initiated, and certain shipments will be inspected to ensure compliance with standard requirements or product portfolio criteria.

Group 2 and Group 3 include items with an intermediate to low level of risk, such as household electrical devices, toys intended for children aged 3 and above, construction materials, piping, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) products, and others. Utilize the official standards search tool to determine the appropriate group for your product.

It is important to emphasize that this reform, as outlined in the proposed regulation, does not change the fundamental requirements. Instead, it simplifies the process, saving time and reducing additional costs associated with submitting requests to the institute or testing laboratories, laboratory service fees, and the time required to obtain approval from these laboratories. 

Ministry of Economy is currently reviewing the public comments and should have the final amendments in place by the end of 2023. 
U.S. companies interested in learning more about Israel Standards requirements you may contact Christina.azar@trade.gov.