Dear Clients and Colleagues,

Today, January 1, 2025, the “What is good for Europe is good for Israel” reform comes into effect. This is a comprehensive and significant reform in the field of imports, covering four different sectors: standards, food, cosmetics, and energy efficiency in electrical products (the main part of the reform in this area came into effect in November 2024). For our clients’ update outlining the key aspects of the reform, click here.

The most significant change in the reform allows many products that comply with European regulations and/or are sold in Europe to be imported into Israel without the need for testing, while strengthening enforcement by regulatory authorities.

As part of the reform, the Standardization Administrator’s guidelines and instructions, as well as the declarations’ annexes have been updated and aligned across all import routes concerning goods subject to an official standard (which can be viewed here in Hebrew). Additionally, the Standardization Administrator’s instructions on controlling imported shipments have been updated (which can be viewed here in Hebrew). More information about the reform has been published on the Ministry of Economy’s website (here in Hebrew), and a database of European regulations included in the reform has been added (here in Hebrew). The standards search engine (here) has also been updated to include information on adapting to adopted European regulations.

Regarding the food reform, it is important to note that a transition period of 3 years has been set for the adopted European regulations, with the possibility of an additional two-year extension. During this period, these regulations (all or except for labeling provisions) can be applied voluntarily starting today, either to specific products or to all products from the importer/manufacturer, with a report required to the National Food Service (the “NFS“). However, the 4 directives in the first group (contaminants) apply immediately to all manufacturers and importers. Additional information about the reform can be found on the NFS website (here, in Hebrew), including a FAQ section. Translations of most of the adopted regulations, reflecting changes due to conditions and exceptions, have been published on the NFS website. The Food Service portal has been updated with the legislative changes made as part of the reform, and a guide (here, in Hebrew) for submitting a declaration of compliance with the adopted regulations has been published.

On the cosmetics portal (R.K.P.T.), a European track (approved importer) has been launched today, complementing the existing track for the notification of cosmetic marketing (notification). The licensing track was discontinued as of yesterday (December 31, 2024). The Cosmetics Department’s website has been updated and includes a Q&A section (here, in Hebrew). The new track does not apply to designated cosmetics, such as those labeled for use on babies and children (up to age 12), for pregnant or breastfeeding women, for hair straightening, or for sun protection.

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

Kind Regards,

Herzog Fox and Neeman