Basic information
Outline of the system
The import licensing system is regulated primarily by:
- Free Import Order of 2014 (replacing Free Import Order of 2012), for purposes of public security, health and safety, and consumer welfare.
- Israeli Customs Tariff and Exemptions and Tax Order of 2017, Schedules 310 and 13; for purposes of MFN tariff quota management, under the GATT and the Free Trade Area Agreements (FTAs).
These Orders establish the list of goods subject to import licensing. The first Order is administered by the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry. The second Order is administered by the Israeli Tax Authority at the Israeli Ministry of Finance, except allocation of quotas which is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture or the Ministry of Economy and Industry (see below).
Product coverage
Milk and dairy products.
See Product coverage.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Israel applies nonautomatic licensing procedures under the Free Import Order of 2014, mainly for reasons of safety, health, protection of the environment and security; or to comply with international (nonWTO) commitments, or for purposes of tariff quota administration. Schedules 1 and 2 to the Free Import Order, 2014 contain lists of items subject to import licensing principally for (food) safety and security reasons (Annex 1) or to specific standards and technical requirements in order to ensure safety, security, and environmental objectives (Annex 2).
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Import licenses are required for reasons of safety, health, protection of the environment, and security, or to comply with international (non-WTO) commitments.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The systems mentioned above apply to goods originating in and coming from all WTO countries and FTA partners.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Depending on the product, licenses/approvals are issued free of charge by the following Ministries: Economy and Industry; Agriculture; Health; Transportation, and Environment, within 1421 working days, but in most instances in less than seven days upon completion of all necessary documentation.
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The licensing system is based on official regulations (secondary legislation) promulgated under The Import and Export Ordinance [New Version], 1979.
Regarding the Free Import Order of 2014, Schedules 12 list the tariff number and the products that require a license.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Under special circumstances there exists the possibility of granting an exemption from these requirements, specifically based on the designation of the products.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
The government may not abolish the system without legislative approval.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
In some specific areas, there is a registration fee and there are published lists of authorized importers
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licenses.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Import Policy, Ministry of Economy and Industry
Address
5 Bank Israel St. Jerusalem 91036
Telephone
+972 2 6662597
Fax
+972 2 6662939
Contact officer
Anwar Hilf
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
HS 0502-0511:
1)Veterinary Service and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Address: P.O.B. 12, Beit Dagan, zip code 50250
Telephone: +972 3 9681649
Fax: +972 3 9605194
Email address: Shlomoga@moag.gov.il
Website: http://www.moag.gov.il/en/Ministrys%20Units/Veterinary_Services/Pages/de...
Contact officer: [X] Mr. [] Mrs. Name: Shlomo Garazi
In addition, HS 0504:
The National Food Service, Ministry of Health
Address: 12 HaArbaah Street, 64739 Tel Aviv P.O.B 20301
Telephone: +972 8 6241010
Fax: +972 2 5655969
Email address: Eli.gordon@moh.health.gov.il
Website: http://www.health.gov.il/English/MinistryUnits/HealthDivision/PublicHeal...
Contact officer: [X] Mr. [] Mrs. Name: Eli Gordon
In addition HS 05119130 and HS 05119920:
Plant Protection and Inspection Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Address: P.O.B. 12, Beit Dagan, zip code 50250
Telephone: +972 3 9681649
Fax: +972 3 9605194
Email address: shlomitz@moag.gov.il
Website:http://www.moag.gov.il/en/Ministrys%20Units/Plant%20Protection%20and%20I...
Contact officer: [] Mr. [X] Mrs. Name: Shlomit Zioni
HS 05119140:
Pharmacology Department, Ministry of Health
Address: 29 Rivkah St.Jerusalem 91010
Telephone: +972 2 6241010
Fax: +972 2 5655969
Email address: TAL.LAVY@MOH.HEALTH.GOV.IL
Website: http://www.health.gov.il/English/MinistryUnits/HealthDivision/Medical Technologies/Drugs/Pages/ default.aspx
Contact officer: [] Mr. [X] Mrs. Name: Tal Lavy
For a more detailed information, see Annexes 1 and 2 of the Free Import Order.
Free Import Order 2014 - 1st and 2nd Schedules_20.01.2014.pdfDocumentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
A sample application form for an Import License under the Free Import Order of 2014 is attached
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
There are no standard documents that apply for all products.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
There is no requirement for a certain period of time between the application for a license and the importation of the goods.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
In general, there are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for license may be made. Nonetheless, for some fresh agricultural products the license/quota could be given for specific seasons of the year.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Under certain circumstances, a license can be granted immediately on request.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Licenses can be obtained for goods arriving at the port without a license.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
In most cases, licenses applications are considered by one administrative organ. The specific organs which must be approached, relevant to the product, are specified in Schedules 1 and 2 of the Free Import Order of 2014.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
See reply 30
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
No.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
For most goods there are only standardization tests. In addition, there is a licensing fee or administrative charge in some specific areas, the amount of the fee various rely on the nature of the goods.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
None.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
The reasons for any refusal are given to the applicant in writing.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
In the event of refusal to issue a license, the applicant has a right of appeal by petitioning to an administrative court. The applicant also has the right to apply again later.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
In general, there are no limitations as to the period of the year during which importation may be made. Nonetheless, for some fresh agricultural products the license/quota could be given for specific seasons of the year.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Upon actual importation, an importer is required to submit the import license.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing, required prior to importation.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
For import licenses under the Free Import Order of 2014: The validity of the licenses can vary (usually between 2-5 years) according to the nature of the goods. The extension of a license may be considered if the applicant so requests.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for the nonutilization of a license or a portion of it. Nevertheless, for licenses for the purpose of quota allocations, an importer who did not utilize a license may not apply for the reserves nor for the following year.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licenses are not transferable between importers, unless otherwise stated in the license.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
There are no foreign exchange limitations in Israel.