One of the most common questions from importers is: "Do I need to label my product in Hebrew before marketing it in Israel?"

The short answer is: In many cases, yes — but it depends on the product type, applicable laws, relevant standards, and the supervising authority.

What Is the Product Labelling Law?

Israel has various regulations that require businesses and importers to label products with specific information, generally in Hebrew. One of the central frameworks is the Consumer Protection Order (Goods Marking). Alongside this order, labelling requirements also arise from official standards, directives of the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Communications, the Tax Authority, and other regulators — depending on the product type.

The purpose of labelling is to allow consumers to know what they are buying, who is responsible for the product, how to use it correctly, and what warnings or limitations apply.

Does Customs Check Product Labelling?

In practice, for a large proportion of products, labelling compliance is enforced at the marketing and sales stage in Israel — not at customs clearance — by bodies such as the Ministry of Economy and the Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Authority.

The Responsibility Lies with the Importer

An importer bringing goods into Israel must verify — either independently or with the help of a customs agent, standards consultant, commercial lawyer, or other professional — which labelling requirements apply to the product.

The obligation to check labelling requirements falls on whoever imports, markets, or sells the product in Israel. It is therefore important to check requirements before the goods arrive in the country, and certainly before sales begin.

What Information Is Typically Required on Labels?

Requirements vary by product type, but commonly required details include:

• Product name
• Manufacturer's name
• Country of origin
• Importer's name and address or contact details
• Model or catalogue number
• Quantity, weight, volume or dimensions
• Instructions for use and safety instructions
• Warnings
• Manufacturing date or expiry date (where relevant)
• Ingredients or materials (for certain products)
• Storage instructions
• Standard, approval, or regulatory marking where required

Does Labelling Have to Be in Hebrew?

For many products — yes. The question is not only whether a label exists, but whether it meets the requirements applicable to that type of product. In some cases, foreign-language labelling can remain alongside Hebrew; in others, a clear translation of instructions, warnings, or importer details is required.

The Link Between Labelling and the Standards Institution

When a product is subject to an official standard, labelling requirements may form part of the standard itself. Beyond technical or safety testing, the standard can specify what must appear on the product, on the packaging, or in the user manual.

For products handled through the Standards Institution, labelling should not be treated as a separate matter — the labelling is often an integral part of obtaining standard approval.

Products Where Labelling Is Checked Before Clearance

Tobacco and Smoking Products

These products are subject to strict requirements regarding warnings, labelling, and packaging. Customs and the relevant authorities may verify labelling compliance before releasing the shipment.

Vehicle Parts and Transport Products

Vehicle parts are subject to Ministry of Transport requirements, standards, approvals, and specific markings. In some cases, even personal importation of certain transport items requires Ministry of Transport approval or a labelling check.

Products Under Standards Institution Supervision

When a product is subject to an official standard, labelling requirements may be reviewed as part of the standard approval process — common for electrical products, toys, infant products, safety equipment, power tools, and more.

Products Where Labelling Should Be Checked in Advance

• Electrical and electronic products
• Chargers, cables and batteries
• Toys and infant/children's products
• Food products and dietary supplements
• Cosmetics
• Textiles, clothing and footwear
• Kitchen utensils
• Cleaning products and household chemicals
• Vehicle parts
• Tobacco and smoking products
• Medical devices
• Communication equipment
• Safety equipment and protective gear

What to Check Before Importing

Common Mistakes

What to Send for an Initial Check

• Photos of the product and packaging
• Link to the product on the supplier's website
• Technical specifications, exact model number, manufacturer name, country of origin
• Intended use and target audience
• Commercial invoice, existing test certificates and approvals
• A photo of the existing markings on the product or packaging

Bottom Line

Product labelling laws are an important part of importing into Israel. Even if customs does not check every product for labelling, the importer is still responsible for ensuring the product is labelled in accordance with the law before it is sold in Israel.