The Ministry of Economy and Industry updates and amends the Free Import Order and Free Export Order to include all the technical

regulatory requirements in relevant legislation. However, you should review the Competent Authority’s relevant legislation for additional requirements that have yet to be included in the Order. Notwithstanding, the first framework to inspect the regulation that applies to the product is the Free Import Order. What are the main import rules for several types of imported products?

Food product:

• Obtaining importer registration from the Ministry of Health’s National Food Service.
• Obtaining preliminary import approval/license from the National Food Service for the specific food product, before bringing it to Israel.
• Getting the file/food shipment inspected after its arrival to port, and getting release approval from the National Food Service’s quarantine station at the port.
• In some cases, getting the product inspected in storage (by the National Food Service).

At each stage you are required to act in accordance with the National Food Service’s procedures and legislation, and to present the necessary documents as per the type of imported food.
National Food Service’s procedures and legislation

Relevant contacts in the National Food Service:

Cosmetic Products

The import of cosmetics required approval from the Ministry of Health’s Cosmetics Department. Cosmetic licensing provisions are specified in the Ministry of Health’s Pharmacy Department website.

Electric and Electronic Products

Some electric products require mandatory-standard approval following inspection by the Standards Institution of Israel (SII). For additional information on standards, you can visit the SII website or contact the SII’s relevant lab.

Medication and Medical Preparations

Medication can be imported only if it is registered in Israel, and only after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Health’s Pharmacy Department. Medication that is not registered or used for treatment in clinical trial also require approval by the Pharmacy Department.
Provisions and instructions on importing medication and medical preparations are available in the Ministry of Health’s Pharmacy Department website.

Medical Equipment

The Ministry of Health’s Medical Devices and Accessories Unit (MDA) is in charge of the licensing and supervision process throughout the import or export stages, for all types of medical equipment and devices. You may submit an online application for an import license via the MDA Unit’s website.

Import Approvals and Licenses under the Ministry of Economy’s Responsibility:

• Import of laser pointers
• Import of pyrotechnic products and fireworks
• Import of alcoholic beverages
• Import of textiles from Bangladesh and Pakistan that require an import license
• Import of chemicals
• Import of diamonds and licensing
• Import of meat