Non-Automatic Products

Member: 

Basic information

1

Outline of the system

The import licensing system is regulated primarily by:

­Free Import Order of 2014 (replacing Free Import Order of 2012) and its amendments and Personal Import Order of 2019 and its amendments, for purposes of public security, health and safety, and consumer welfare.

These Orders establish the list of goods subject to import licensing. The first two Orders are administered by the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry.

2

Product coverage

Schedules 1 and 2 of the Free Import Order of 2014 and schedules 1 and 2 of the Personal Import Order of 2019 list products subject to non¬-automatic licensing.

Nature of licensing

Automatic

3

If Automatic, administrative purpose

Non-Automatic

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If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime

Non-Automatic licensing to protect human, animal or plant life and health; protect environment; Pursue obligations under the UN Charter and other international treaties; Regulate imports of arms, ammunition or fissionable materials and safeguard national security; For food safety, public security, health and safety and consumer welfare reasons.

5

Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

Free Import Order of 2014 and Personal Import Order 2019: Import licenses are required for reasons of safety, health, protection of the environment, and security, or to comply with international (non-WTO) commitments.

6

Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

Not applicable.

7

The system applies to products originating from which country?

The systems mentioned above apply to goods originating in and coming from all WTO Member countries and FTA partners.

8

Expected duration of licensing procedure

Personal Import Order 2019 sets out conditions and criteria for personal imports of goods and determines when a requirement for import license or permit is applied. The order has entered into force on 22 June 2019.
Schedules 1 and 2 to the Personal Import Order 2019 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).

Eligibility of applicants

12

Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?

13

What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?

Any registered firm is eligible to apply for licenses.

14

Is there a registration fee?

In some specific areas, there is a registration fee.

15

Is there a published list of authorized importers?

In some specific areas, there are published lists of authorized importers.

Contact point for information on eligibility

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Ministry/Authority

Import Policy, Ministry of Economy and Industry

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Address

5 Bank Israel St. Jerusalem 91036

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Telephone

+972 74 7502417

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Fax

+972 74 7502337

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E-mail address

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Contact officer

Mr. Anwar Hilf

Submission of an application

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Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application

Please see attached list of administrative bodies for submission of applications.

Documentation requirements

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What information is required in applications?

Application form attached for an Import License under the Free Import Order of 2014

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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

26

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.

27

Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain

There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for license and/or importation may be made.

Issuing the license

28

Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

Under certain circumstances, a license can be granted immediately on request.

29

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.

30

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 and in the Schedules of Personal Import Order of 2019.

31

Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?

32

Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?

In some products there is an additional requirement for compliance with other conditions, usually for reasons of protecting human lives and health, and safety.

Fees and other administrative charges

33

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.

34

What is the amount of the fee or charge?

The amount of the various fees relies on the nature of the goods.

35

Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?

No.

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Amount or rate?

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Is it refundable?

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What is the period of retention?

Refusal of an application

40

Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?

None.

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Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

The reasons for any refusal are given to the applicant in writing.

42

Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?

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If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

Importation

44

Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?

There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for license and/or importation may be made.

45

What documents are required upon actual importation?

Upon actual importation, an importer is required to submit the import license.

46

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

47

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 usually varies between 1-5 years according to the nature of the goods. The extension of a license may be considered if the applicant so requests.

48

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.

49

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

50

Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?

There are no foreign exchange limitations in Israel.

51

Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?

52

Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?

53

What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?