Economy Minister Nir Barkat held a press conference today in which he presented four legislative measures that he is initiating, most of which were published in recent weeks.
"The idea is that the Free Import to Israel Law will make history. It opens the gates to tens of thousands of products. This bypasses all the barriers at the Standards Institute."
Benjamin Netanyahu and Nir Barkat present the economic plan // Photo: Moshe Ben-Simhon:
"With the new law, every importer will be able to bring in any product that complies with European regulation. 25% of products in Israel are imported and involve Israeli regulation. The goal is to reach 50% – and it's not in heaven to do that. If Carrefour products are 40% cheaper, it means how much the new law can lower prices," the economy minister said.
Barkat emphasized that "we are adopting an import method based on an open border. Until now, they have tried to amend the law so that Israeli regulation will be compatible with European regulations, but it is impossible to get out of it.
There will be exceptions to the exceptions. We start in the food and toiletries market, but we won't stop there. Our recommendation is to expand to other areas because there is no difference."
Regarding the timetable, he said: "We presented the model to the Ministerial Committee on Legislation. We hope that in another month and a half we will be able to pass this law, which is being read. We will present the bill in a few weeks after public comments. Our goal is to reach inter-ministerial coordination in August and in the winter session to lay legislation."
Barkat, Smotrich, Netanyahu and Cohen, Archive, Photo: Jonathan Zindel/Flash90
The second expected law is the law of dismantling monopolies in the food market. "This is a law that came up as part of the Arrangements Law. We wanted to see it as part of the Arrangements Law and there was no agreement and we are bringing it back to the table. We returned it for public scrutiny in preparation for the Ministerial Committee on Legislation. I am committed to increasing competition in the food and toiletries market. We are looking at other sub-areas. The idea is to open competition and open the European market and prevent parallel imports."
Regarding the companies' refusal to present their financial data, Barkat said: "I didn't understand what they had to hide. We want to know that they are not oppressing the public. Global inputs are declining. Transportation prices are going down and prices are going up. How does that make sense? It's within our authority and regardless, we'll pass an orderly law that will force them to do it even if they think they don't."
Amnon Merhav, Director General of the Ministry of Economy, commented on the Free Import Law: "The minister often says there is no health travel warning for Irtopa. There is no reason why the State of Israel has standards that limit the possibility of bringing products from Europe. We are stricken to be part of a multibillion-person market. Most exports are to Europe. These are products that meet European standards and they can be exported."
Regarding the Standards Institute: "The Standards Institution of Israel is not the problem. He does what the regulator asks of him. Anyone who wants to enter according to the Israeli standard will be tested at the port and those who do not will be checked on the shelf. Israeli manufacturers will be able to choose which standard they choose."
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