Exporting to Israel — the standard mark, Hebrew labelling and kosher

Last reviewed 2026-10 · 4 sections

Israel is a sophisticated, relatively easy market to reach commercially and a regulated one to enter formally: mandatory standards, a certification mark, and Hebrew labelling all sit in front of the shipment.

Mandatory standards and the standard mark

A defined set of products is covered by mandatory standards, and compliance is evidenced through the standard mark or a permit allowing import without it. The standards institution is the certifying authority.
Coverage clusters around electrical and electronic goods, toys, pressure equipment, food and chemicals.
For some categories, a route exists to import under a permit or exemption with testing at or before customs; for others the mark must exist before shipment. Which route applies depends on the product and changes with the standard.

Food, labelling and kosher

Imported food is subject to health requirements and Hebrew labelling with prescribed content; the health ministry is the relevant authority.
Kosher is in most cases a commercial requirement rather than a customs one — but for much of the retail food market it is effectively a condition of listing, so treat it as a market-access decision even though the law may not demand it.
Israeli food standards are specific: confirm the standard that applies to your product rather than assuming a European equivalent will be accepted.

Duty, preference and tax

Duty follows the Israeli tariff. No India–Israel free-trade agreement is in force — negotiations have taken place, but do not price as if a preference exists; check the current position.
Israeli VAT applies on import and is handled by the importer.
Payment terms are typically conventional; Israel is a low-friction market once the product approvals exist.

Documents

Commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, certificate of origin.
Standard mark certification or import permit for in-scope products; health certificates and Hebrew labelling artwork for food; kosher certification where the buyer requires it.
Where a standard requires testing, confirm that the test route and laboratory are recognised — a test report from the wrong body does not convert into a mark.

Use the tools

Sources & further reading

Standards Institution of Israel Israel Tax Authority — customs Israeli Ministry of Health

These guides summarise public material from the bodies named above. They are general information, not advice on a specific shipment, and they are not a substitute for a ruling from your customs authority or a qualified customs broker / consultant.

Alamdar Export Toolkit