Dear Clients and Colleagues,

Today, July 1, 2024, the “Do Not Stop at the Port” reform comes into effect, amending the Import and Export Order [New Version], 1979 (the “Order“). The amendment to the Order was published in the Official Gazette on January 17, 2024, with some of the amendments taking effect upon publication in the Official Gazette, and most of them taking effect on July 1, 2024. For our customers update detailing the amendments to the order click here.

The most notable change in the reform stipulates that many products requiring compliance with an official standard can now be imported into Israel, without a requirement to submit an application for the import of goods, but only by entering exemption codes (developed by the Ministry of Economy and the Customs Administration) in the Global Gateway system by the customs agent (code 60 for goods in import groups 2 or 3, code 61 for goods intended for export, code 62 for goods intended for research and development,  and Code 63, which is still under development, for non-applicable standard (replacing the current “TALAH” approval) intended for goods in groups 2 or 3). Such an entry serves as the importer’s declaration of compliance with import legality, without detracting from the obligation to retain the importer’s declaration and a product file with all the necessary documents related to the goods.

Additionally, as part of the reform, the guidelines and instructions of the Standardization Commissioner regarding the import of goods subject to an official standard have been updated and adapted (which can be viewed in Hebrew here) and guidelines and instructions of the Standardization Commissioner regarding the control of imported shipments have also been updated (which can be viewed in Hebrew here). The Free Import Order, 2014 was also amended on June 18, 2024 to reflect the current law (for the publication in the Official Gazette in Hebrew, click here).

Furthermore, it has been determined that an exemption request according to section 2(c)(2) cannot be submitted for imported goods subject to an official standard belonging to Import Groups 2 or 3, as these goods no longer require regulatory approval, and Directive 2.6 will be amended accordingly. In addition, the Standardization Commissioner has published a notice on transitional order valid from July 1, 2024 to August 31,  2024, according to which for goods eligible for exemption from presenting documents upon import according to Directive 2.6 prior to the reform– if during import or market control the importer presents the documents submitted as part of the exemption, product file control will generally not be conducted, and , if the Standardization Commissioner deems it necessary to perform supervision and enforcement on the goods, the product will be inspected.

In order to facilitate the process for importers, the Ministry of Economy operates a special hotline for importers’ inquiries regarding the reform, as well as providing the option to submit an online inquiry form (for more details, click here). Additionally, the Standardization Administration has published answers to questions raised by importers related to the reform (click here, available in Hebrew only).

We would like to reiterate the importance of drafting an internal enforcement procedure to ensure compliance with the legal requirements and to address any violations that may occur, as well as the importance of ensuring that the required declarations and product files are maintained. We are, of course, happy to assist in drafting such a procedure.

We will be happy to assist you with any questions or clarification.

Kind Regards,

Herzog Fox and Neeman