Israel Approves Major Overhaul in Food Import Regulations

The Knesset has passed comprehensive reforms on food and spice imports, set to take effect on January 1, 2025. These changes aim to harmonize with European standards, enhancing product variety while ensuring public health.

In a landmark decision, Israel's Knesset has approved a sweeping reform of food and spice importation regulations, set to be implemented on January 1, 2025. The reforms are poised to significantly alter the regulatory landscape, aiming to streamline processes, remove obstacles, and broaden the spectrum of available products—all while safeguarding public health, according to the Ministry of Health.

A notable aspect of the reform is the Ministry of Health's introduction of a new food import route in alignment with European regulations. This will include adhering to European standards for food safety, labeling, and contaminant control, thereby harmonizing Israeli regulations with those of Europe. The reforms will shift responsibility for product integrity and safety to importers, who will be equipped with tools for quality risk management and process controls.

The Ministry indicated that these changes will not only create optimal conditions for food importation but also provide regulatory certainty for local industries. Importers will no longer need direct contact with manufacturers; instead, they must focus on risk management and quality control. This new framework seeks to bolster consumer choices and strengthen public health protections, the Ministry said.

(With inputs from agencies.)