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) 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.
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
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
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.
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.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
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.
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).
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 items and the products that require a license or a permit. Regarding the Personal Import Order of 2019, Schedules 12 list the tariff items and the products that require a license or a permit.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Under special circumstances, there exists the possibility of granting an exemption from these requirements, based on several reasons such as self-use and small quantities. The government may not abolish the system without legislative approval.
Regarding the Israeli Customs Tariff and Exemptions and Tax Order of 2017, Schedules 310 and 13, no administrative discretion (exemption) is allowed for the government in order to abolish the system without legislative approval.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Any registered firm is eligible to apply for licenses.
Is there a registration fee?
In some specific areas, there is a registration fee.
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
Ministry/Authority
Import Policy, Ministry of Economy and Industry
Address
5 Bank Israel St. Jerusalem 91036
Telephone
+972 74 7502417
Fax
+972 74 7502337
Contact officer
Mr. Anwar Hilf
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Please see attached list of administrative bodies for submission of applications.
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Application form attached for an Import License under the Free Import Order of 2014
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
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
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 and in the Schedules of Personal Import Order of 2019.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
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
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.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
The amount of the various fees relies on the nature of the goods.
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?
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?
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?
There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for license and/or importation may be made.
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 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.
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.
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.