Approved Laboratories Declared Essential During Emergencies

In accordance with the national preparedness for an emergency situation as part of Operation 'With a Lion', and in collaboration between the National Emergency Authority (NEA) and the relevant government ministries, the definitions of the vital economy were updated - with the aim of enabling the continuation of vital economic activity even in times of crisis.


As part of this update, it was determined that laboratories approved under the Standards Law, 1953, will be considered a vital economy and will be allowed to continue their operations even in an emergency.


The Standards Administration in the Ministry of Economy and Industry welcomes the decision, which sees standardization and laboratory testing as an integral part of Israel's vital defense system. Standards laboratories are responsible for testing products intended for the local and international market, including medical equipment, electrical products, infrastructure, hazardous materials, food products, and more - and therefore they are a central link in maintaining the quality, safety, and health of the public even in an emergency.


According to the decision, the laboratories' operations will be carried out while adhering to the instructions of the Home Front Command, and in accordance with the conditions of defense as will be published to the public.


Igor Duskolovitz, the person in charge of standardization in the Ministry of Economy, states that: 'Recognizing standardization laboratories as a vital economy is an important step in ensuring functional continuity for the economy. Standardization and testing are a critical infrastructure for the safe and standard operation of all sectors in the economy - both in routine times and in an emergency. The Ministry of Economy will continue to work to maintain industrial and functional resilience throughout the year.'