Israel Eases Import Restrictions on Color Photocopiers

The Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry has officially launched a public consultation process on a proposed amendment to the Free Import Order, aiming to remove the national security licensing requirement for the importation of color photocopiers (HS Code 8443.300000). This marks the most significant regulatory shift in the country's office equipment sector since the 2019 trade liberalization reform, and is expected to reshape the office supplies trade landscape across the Middle East.

The proposed amendment focuses on items classified under HS Code 8443.300000 and introduces two major changes:

Elimination of the requirement for importers to obtain national security clearance from the Ministry of National Security.

Replacement of the approval process with a Technical Compliance Assessment Report issued by accredited third-party agencies.

Introduction of a mandatory Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) certification to assess RF radiation levels of imported devices.

Establishment of an E-Tags 3.0 digital traceability system for imported devices.

Mandatory quarterly submission of self-assessment reports by importers, confirming compliance with usage regulations.

Introduction of a product dismantling and recycling deposit scheme, requiring a refundable fee of 50 shekels per unit.

According to Eitan Cohen, Director of Trade Policy at the Ministry of Economy and Industry, "The new regulation is designed to balance trade facilitation with national security. It is expected to reduce the import approval process from 45 calendar days to just 7 business days."

Data from the Asia-Pacific Office Equipment Association indicates that 37% of Israel's existing color copier inventory will be released to the market. The Regional Director of HP Middle East noted that its Tel Aviv logistics hub has expanded capacity by 40% to meet the anticipated surge in demand. The annual import volume of color photocopiers in Israel is projected to increase by 55% in 2025, reaching 280,000 units.

Estimates from the Ministry of Education show that the new regulation could reduce procurement costs for schools by 22%, saving approximately 120 million shekels in government expenditure annually. A procurement officer from a secondary school in Jerusalem commented, "Previously, acquiring such equipment required coordination with three government agencies. Under the new process, all we need is to submit an online compliance report."

The recycling deposit scheme is catalyzing innovative business models. Three electronic waste management startups have already set up operations in the Negev Technology Park. An official from the Environmental Protection Agency stated, "The regulation will help Israel achieve its target of a 75% e-waste recycling rate three years ahead of schedule."

This policy shift not only advances Israel's trade facilitation agenda but also demonstrates a progressive approach to aligning national security, sustainability, and industrial competitiveness.