On 25 March 2024, Israel's Ministry of Health notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a new draft amendment to the Pharmacists Ordinance.

The proposed amendment seeks to decrease trade barriers by aligning the Israeli import system with the European Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on Cosmetic Products, which addresses prohibited and restricted compounds in cosmetics, dyes, sunscreens, and preservatives.

Details of the Proposed Amendment

The draft includes the following significant amendments:

• Implements EU regulations in Israel.
• Allows cosmetic importers from EU member countries, the UK, or Switzerland to import without access to product information or safety assessments.

Objectives and Justification

The objectives of the proposed amendment include:

• Harmonization
• Reduce trade barriers and facilitate trade
• Cost savings and increased productivity  

Harmonization will ensure consistency with international standards, reduce complexity for importers and exporters, and promote smoother trade relations. By aligning with EU regulations, Israel aims to streamline processes and increase efficiency in the cosmetic import sector, ultimately benefiting consumers and businesses alike.

Comments deadline

The last date for comments on the draft was 31 March 2024.

A draft Regulation governing the creation, marketing, and import of cosmetic items has been published by Israel's Ministry of Health. Israel sent the draft to the WTO on January 24.  Comments are accepted until 25 March and the draft does not indicate a timeline for implementation.

There are annexes with a list of 329 banned ingredients and 1,683 chemicals that cannot be used in cosmetic products; it also contains affirmative lists of UV filters, preservatives, and color additives that are allowed.  With a few minor exceptions, these are virtually identical to those in the annexes to the EU cosmetic products Regulation.

The Israeli list is stricter than the EU one as some chemicals on Israel's list of prohibited substances are not listed on the EU equivalent list. These include; troxerutin, SD alcohol 40, and desmedipham.

The nation's proposal also complies with EU regulations on testing procedures and guidelines for designating a responsible individual for each cosmetic item.