Upcoming reduction in customs duties on the importation of fresh produce in Israel

In order to reduce the cost of fresh produce, the Israeli government has announced a plan that will relax regulations and lower tariffs on imported products.

 

 

After the measures announced to overhaul import policies, the government unveiled a plan to reduce the cost of fresh produce and open the sector to competition. The plan provides for a relaxation of regulations on imports of fruit and vegetables, the abolition or reduction of taxes on numerous fresh products, and the adoption of European standards.

 

 

This easing should lead to a significant increase in imports and a development of the range of products offered in the country.

 

 

In Israel, the prices of fruits and vegetables had increased by more than 80% in recent years. Beneficial for Israeli farmers, import barriers and the quota policy had pushed up prices.

 

 

The plan includes a package of aid to farmers, both direct and indirect, and is expected to save consumers ILS 2.7 billion (USD 820 million) per year, according to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture.