What qualifications and certifications are required for products shipped from China to Israel?
As a high-tech country and important trading partner in the Middle East, Israel has a growing demand for Chinese products.
However, in order to successfully export products to the Israeli market, companies must understand and obtain the corresponding
qualifications and certifications. This article will comprehensively analyze the main certification types, application procedures
and precautions required for Chinese products to be exported to Israel, helping companies avoid risks and successfully develop
this potential market.
Overview of Israel's product certification system
Israel implements a strict quality and safety supervision system for imported products, and its certification system is led by
the Standards Institution of Israel (SII). SII is a non-governmental organization, but is directly managed by the Israeli government.
Under the leadership of the Ministry of Economy and Industry, it is responsible for standard setting, certification and product
testing to ensure that products produced or imported in the country meet quality requirements. It is worth noting that Israel
does not accept the CE mark as proof of compliance. Even if a product has obtained CE certification, it still needs to meet
Israel's specific standard requirements.
Israel divides imported products into four levels for differentiated management based on the potential risk of products to
public health and
safety:
• Category I: Products with the highest risk to public health and safety, such as household appliances, children's toys, pressure
vessels, portable foam fire extinguishers, etc.
• Category II: Products with medium potential risk to public health and safety, including sunglasses, balls for various purposes,
pipe installation, carpets, building materials, etc.
• Category III: Products with low risk to public health and safety, such as tiles, ceramic sanitary ware, etc.
• Category IV: Products that are only for industrial use and not directly facing consumers, such as industrial electronic products
Requirements for mandatory SII certification
For products on the mandatory certification list, they must obtain SII certification before they can be imported into Israel. These
products mainly involve high-risk Category I and some Category II products.
SII certification is mainly divided into three forms:
1. Type Approval: The method currently commonly used. No mark is granted after the application is approved, but the product
is allowed to be imported and sold after the customs conducts pre-shipment compliance inspection. No factory inspection
requirements.
2. Shipment Inspection: When the goods arrive at the port, the Israeli Customs will test and inspect the products batch by batch.
This method is risky and may cause delays and additional costs.
3. Standard Mark Certification: Only some high-risk first-category products are required to undergo SII's "Standards Mark" standard
mark certification and affix relevant marks. This is the highest level of certification.
Typical products that require SII mandatory certification include:
• Electronic and electrical products (such as lamps, household appliances)
• Children's toys
• Medical equipment
• Plugs, fire extinguishers, refrigerators, household gas appliances
• Playground equipment, elevators
The certification process usually takes eight to sixteen weeks, but if there is already a CB test certification, it only takes
about four weeks. It is worth noting that even if SII certification is obtained, each batch of goods still needs to be sent
for sample testing, and samples and information must be sent in accordance with regulations.
Other special certification requirements
In addition to SII certification, the following special certifications may be required depending on the product category:
1. Halal certification (Kosher)
For products such as food, beverages, and cosmetics, they must comply with the halal certification requirements of Jewish
law. Kosher certification strictly stipulates that food is divided into "kosher" and "non-kosher" and must be certified by
rabbis (such as meat/dairy products are processed separately). Food and cosmetics without the Kosher mark are difficult
to enter mainstream sales channels in Israel.
2. Communication equipment MoC certification
For radio equipment, the Israeli Ministry of Communication requires MoC certification. This certification is based on the
requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) approved in the European market, accepts test reports created
for the CE mark, and does not require local testing in Israeli laboratories. Test standards include EN300328, EN301908,
EN60950, EN62368, etc.
3. Agricultural products and food certification
Agricultural products and animal products require special permits and health certificates from the Israeli Ministry of
Agriculture. Foods must also comply with labeling requirements, and must use Hebrew to indicate the product name,
manufacturer information, ingredients, instructions for use, etc.
Special requirements for labels and packaging
The Israeli Consumer Protection Law has strict regulations on the labeling of imported goods, and these requirements
themselves constitute a kind of "quasi-certification":
1. Language requirements: Labels must be in Hebrew, and other languages can be added. Hebrew is typed from right to
left.
2. Content requirements: Product name, manufacturer information, ingredients, instructions for use, country of origin
and other information must be indicated.
3. Symbol taboos: Avoid using religious symbols such as crosses and hexagrams; it is strictly forbidden to use pigs or idol
patterns; black should be used with caution because it is associated with funerals, while green is more popular as a symbol
of life.
4. Culturally sensitive elements: Packaging and advertising should avoid revealing female images, alcohol or gambling hints.
Preparation of documents required for customs clearance
In addition to product certification, complete customs clearance documents are required for export to Israel, mainly including:
1. Commercial invoice (4 copies)
2. Packing list
3. Certificate of origin (such as Form A or EUR1, etc.)
4. Bill of lading or airway bill
5. SII certification certificate (if applicable)
6. Export declaration form (MB9 or MB9A)
7. Authorization letter of the exporter's agent
8. Product instructions and user manual (Hebrew version)
For restricted export goods (such as military products, sensitive technologies, etc.), export licenses and certificates issued
by relevant government departments should also be provided.
Practical suggestions for certification application
1. Plan time in advance: SII certification usually takes 2-4 months, and the certification process should be started in advance
to avoid delays in delivery.
2. Use CB certification: Israel is a member of the IECEE-CB system and accepts CB test reports, which can greatly shorten the
certification time.
3. Choose a professional organization: Consider entrusting a qualified certification consulting company or a cross-border
logistics company that provides one-stop services. They are familiar with the process and can handle unexpected problems.
4. Pay attention to the validity period of the certificate: The certification contract between the Israeli Standards Institute and
the manufacturer will automatically extend from the end of each year if there is no formal request for suspension or revocation.
5. Local representative: Some certifications (such as MoC) require that a local Israeli representative must participate in the
certification process.
The certification requirements for exporting to the Israeli market are complex and strict. Enterprises need to accurately
determine the type of certification required based on the product category and make plans and preparations in advance.
Mandatory SII certification is the entry threshold for most industrial products and consumer products, while special products
such as food and communication equipment must also meet special certification requirements.
At the same time, labeling and packaging regulations that conform to Israeli characteristics cannot be ignored.
It is worth noting that Israeli customs and market supervision are two separate links. Even after passing customs inspection,
products may still face spot checks on the market. Therefore, it is recommended that Chinese companies not only meet the
formal requirements of certification, but also ensure product quality in essence, so as to establish long-term sustainable
business in the Israeli market. With the help of professional certification consulting services and
logistics partners, compliance risks can be effectively reduced and market access efficiency can be improved.
The above content comes from the Internet and is compiled by U-Speed. It is for reference only and is subject to the actual
business situation.