Israel Gears Up for European Import Standards Reform

Israel's Ministry of Economy and Industry surveyed importers ahead of the 2025 import reform adopting European standards. Most importers plan early adoption, potentially lowering consumer prices by boosting competition. A dedicated support center has launched to ensure smooth implementation.

Tel Aviv [Israel], December 31 (ANI/TPS): In a bid to streamline its importation processes, Israel's Ministry of Economy and Industry has published the results of a comprehensive survey conducted among hundreds of importers. This survey comes in preparation for the implementation of a sweeping import reform set to take effect on January 1, 2025, under the banner 'What's good for Europe is good for Israel.'

According to the survey, a significant number of importers anticipate leveraging the new reform as early as the first quarter of the coming year. This initiative involves aligning Israel's import standards with European regulatory practices, which are generally less stringent compared to Israel's current protocols. The reform aims to expand the range of products eligible for import, a move expected to foster heightened competition and subsequently drive down prices in the Israeli market.

The Ministry reported that 400 importers participated in the survey, unveiling a substantial eagerness to adopt the reform promptly. Minister of Economy and Industry, Nir Barkat, emphasized that the reform represents a pivotal measure in combating Israel's high cost of living while bolstering market competition. The Ministry has inaugurated a specialized call center designed to support importers throughout the reform's rollout, underscoring its commitment to the initiative's seamless execution.

(With inputs from agencies.)