Import of Goods Subject to Mandatory Standards
This service provides information on the methods for importing goods subject to mandatory standards. It explains the distinction between a Mandatory Standard Declaration and a Mandatory Standard Approval and facilitates the submission of applications for a Mandatory Standard Approval.
Online
Import of Standardized Products Under the Free Import Order
What is the Free Import Order
- The Free Import Order was enacted under the authority of the Import and Export Ordinance [New Version],1979. According to the Ordinance, as a general rule, any product imported into Israel requires a license or permit.
- The Free Import Order, 5774-2014, is the legislation that centralizes the technical regulatory requirements with which certain imported products must comply at the stage of customs clearance.
- The Free Import Order Search Engine allows for searches within the Order based on a full Customs Tariff Heading (HS Code), a description of the goods, or the relevant regulatory authority. It also enables the viewing of additional import requirements at higher classification levels within the Order.
- The Second Schedule of the Free Import Order details, among other things, the customs items subject to mandatory standardization. Next to each customs item, in Column C, the specific conditions for import are listed
The importance of identifying the Customs Tariff Heading for imported goods
- As detailed above, technical import requirements are consolidated within the Free Import Order and are linked to specific Customs Tariff Headings (see the explanation of "What is a Customs Tariff Heading" below)
- Accurate information regarding these requirements is provided based on the specific classification of the product you intend to import
- If you do not possess precise information regarding the customs classification, you may contact a Customs Broker or the Customs House to verify it
What is a Customs Tariff Heading
- A Customs Tariff Heading (HS Code) is a code consisting of four to eight digits used to identify a product.
- The code is determined according to an international classification system, primarily based on the nature of the product.
- The Customs Tariff Heading is determined by a Customs Officer or a Customs Broker
Importing goods in Import Groups 2 and 3 does not require a Certificate of Compliance from the Commissioner of Standardization
- Importation is conducted by Customs Brokers using the codes specified below at the time the Import Declaration is submitted
- For goods that may be imported via a Mandatory Standard Declaration (MSD), Column C of the Second Schedule of the Free Import Order will state "Mandatory Standard Approval or Mandatory Standard Declaration"
- Utilization of the Regulatory Reform track is contingent upon compliance with the conditions set forth in the Directives of the Commissioner of Standardization regarding the Import of Goods
Customs Submission Codes
- Customs Brokers must be instructed to enter the following codes when submitting an Import Declaration, based on the type of goods being imported
- Code 60: Goods imported under the Israeli and International Standards Track
- Code 65: Goods imported under the European Regulation Track (the "Direct Adoption" track)
- Code 61: Exemption from Mandatory Standard Approval for Import for Export (IFE) purposes
- Code 62: Exemption from Mandatory Standard Approval for Research and Development (R&D).
- Code 63: Goods not subject to the scope of a Mandatory Standard
- Code 64: Samples not intended for marketing or public distribution
- The use of Code 64 is valid for goods imported in a quantity not exceeding 5 units of a 'model' as defined.
- Importers may import more than 5 units of a specific model as samples, following the submission of a detailed and reasoned request to the Commissioner of Standardization and subject to receiving written approval
In which cases is an Official Standards Approval required
- This approval is required in the following cases:
- Goods classified under Import Group 1, in accordance with the provisions of the Import and Export Order (Import Groups)
- Importers designated as "Non-Compliant" (Trust Violators), pursuant to the directives of the Commissioner of Standardization regarding the importation of goods subject to an official standard
- Importers who have voluntarily elected to present an Official Standards Approval for goods in Groups 2 and 3 as part of the import process.
- Failure to present a Product File during an imported goods inspection, where a record of such has been entered into the Customs system.
How to Submit a Request for Official Standard Approval
- Requests for testing imported goods can be submitted to several recognized laboratories, in addition to the Standards Institute, for the purpose of obtaining a technical approval (T.R. approval).
- Before submitting the request to the laboratory, it is important to check the official standards concerning the recognition of each laboratory.
- The application must be submitted directly to the laboratory using a dedicated application form
- Application form for the Mitaav system of the Standards Institute (access with a smart card)
- Application form for the Hermon system
- Application form for the ITL system
Continued processing of request for official standard approval
- After the application is submitted, the laboratory will conduct tests and examine the goods' compliance with the requirements of the standard.
- The laboratory will submit its recommendations to the Commissioner of Standardization via the Communication and Information System (MATAM System) and will issue a conditional release authorization to Customs through the system.
- Following the laboratory's recommendation, a Certificate of Compliance with the Commissioner's requirements will be generated and sent to importers via the Communication and Information System (MATAM).
The Importers' Portal
- On the Importers' Portal, you may monitor laboratory activities within the Communication and Information System (MATAM), regarding the processing of requests. For example: viewing conditional release authorizations and Certificates of Compliance with the Commissioner’s requirements.
- Access to the Importers' Portal is performed via digital identification; a smart card is not required.
Please note, if there is any difference or conflict between the information on this page and the law, the provisions of the law will apply.