New Regulation Proposed to Enable US Imports to Israel

The Ministry of Economy and Industry has published a draft regulation that will enable a new route for the import, production, and sale of products that require compliance with an official standard - based on production in the US and compliance with American federal regulations.

This move will expand the variety of products, increase competition, and reduce prices for Israeli consumers. Similar to the 'What's good for Europe is good for Israel' reform launched earlier this year, this is another step towards opening the Israeli market to freer and more competitive imports.

The first phase of the reform, expected to come into effect in the second half of 2026, will include children's toys, children's and baby furniture (beds, cribs, cradles, high chairs for food), mattresses, pacifiers, baby feeding accessories, swings and trampolines for babies, children's jewelry, bicycles, ladders, matches, food utensils, and food packaging, cleaning materials.

Minister of Economy and Industry, Nir Barkat, stated: 'We continue to fight the high cost of living and introduce more competition to the Israeli market. The new reform allows importing products according to American requirements - just like in the US. Our goal is clear - more competition, more products, and less cost of living - because what's good for the US - is also good for Israel.'

CEO of the Ministry of Economy and Industry, Moti Gamish, said: 'The new reform is a direct continuation of the policy of opening the market, removing barriers, and reducing regulation. We are putting Israel in line with the leading countries in the world - Europe and the United States - and allowing importers and Israeli manufacturers to operate under equal conditions and international standards.'

In recent years, the Ministry of Economy and Industry has led a comprehensive revolution in the field of regulation and import: the abolition of the need for prior approval for import (according to the model practiced in developed countries), reducing laboratory tests in import and expanding relief routes for businesses and new networks, adapting the official standard in Israel to the standard practiced in developed countries.

The Ministry of Economy reported that the effects of the reforms are already noticeable: an increase of up to 44% in the import of products in certain categories. Price reductions of over 10% in selected products. Cumulative implementation rates of over 90% in the 'Does not stop at the port' route.

Following Government Decision No. 3386, the new reform will allow the import and production of products in accordance with federal legislation in the United States, as long as the products are produced in Israel or the US - in accordance with the trade agreement between the countries.

Similar to the 'What's good for Europe' reform, the various government ministries will be required to adapt the legislation and internal regulation so that it supports the new route, allows it as an alternative, and prevents regulatory contradictions.