Ministry of Economy is expanding the possibility of importing alcoholic beverages in parallel imports

The Ministry of Economy is expanding the possibility of importing alcoholic beverages in parallel imports, as part of a comprehensive and significant move to reduce the cost of living and enable consumers in Israel to purchase these products at fair prices.
The Industries Administration, in the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the trust for licensing the import of beverages, worked to open up the possibility of parallel imports, in the framework of which a directive was issued by the Director General of the Ministry of Economy
As part of the new procedure, which extends the directive of CEO 2.5, which regulates the conditions for issuing import permits for intoxicating beverages, it will be permitted to import beverages (other than wine) that have already been imported into Israel, purchased from an authorized beverage manufacturer. It is now expected that this move will increase the range of products and competition in the alcoholic beverages market, which is expected to lead to a decrease in the prices of these products by tens of percent.
In order to protect public health, importers will be required, among other things, to pass a laboratory test required for the compatibility of the imported product with its direct import counterpart and to show a direct connection between the product supplier and the manufacturer. It should be noted that the prices of alcoholic beverages in Israel are on average higher than in the OECD countries by 55% and the purpose of the directive is to reduce this huge gap.
David Lefler, Director General of the Ministry of Economy and Industry: "There is no reason for Israeli consumers to pay hundreds of shekels for alcoholic beverages, while their price worldwide is tens of percent lower. It is time for the market to open up for parallel imports, which will allow for an increase in the range of products and competition for price. "
Oz Katz, director of the Industrial Administration at the Ministry of Economy and Industry, stated that: "The change that will allow the market to open up for parallel imports has long been examined and requires market expansion, in a controlled manner, which also takes care of consumers' health but also the costs of drinks." The ability to coordinate between all parties and ensure the safety and health of the public enabled the change in the procedure. "