The Israeli Parliament passed a reform called “What is Good for Europe is Good for Israel” which aims to remove trade barriers and address the high cost of living in Israel. The reform, which will be rolled out in September, includes a set of four (4) laws to align with the European Union standards for consumer goods and to reduce the existing bureaucracy that complicates imports of goods into Israel.  

The legislation states that imported goods with European quality standards or certification will be accepted to Israel without requiring additional regulatory approval by the Standards Institution of Israel. This reform will allow 90% of goods to enter Israel without being checked. Israeli standards will also adopt a new principle based on the European system.  

If imported goods failed to meet the standard but can prove, with laboratory tests and other certifications, that the goods are in fact acceptable, that importer can receive retroactive approval for the import. 

Data published in August by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) showed Israel had the highest cost of living among OECD member countries. 

The new legislation is expected to facilitate imports of consumer goods, including food products, toiletries, and electronic appliances. Existing restrictions on the use of these products in the construction and industrial sectors, among others, will also be lifted.  

According to the Israel Ministry of Economy, the reform is considered to be the largest economic revolution for the past forty years in Israel. 

For further questions and clarifications, you may contact the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Dubai at dubai@dti.gov.ph and/or EMB-Market Innovation Division at mid@dti.gov.ph.