Israeli government bans import of goods produced using forced labor

According to the government decision, the Minister of Economy and Industry is tasked with preparing a regulatory mechanism that will prohibit the import of such products into Israel in accordance with international legal standards.

At the same time, an inter-ministerial group led by the National Economic Council under the Prime Minister’s Office will continue to work on the implementation and control system. Within 90 days, it must submit to the government a mechanism for implementing the new ban.

The government emphasizes that this is not only a moral, but also an economic and strategic step. According to the authorities, the decision should strengthen the position of Israeli exporters in international markets, improve Israel’s trading conditions with key partners and reduce barriers to the competitiveness of the Israeli economy.

The new mechanism is expected to include a designation of an authorized body, professional criteria for identifying products produced using forced labor, a reporting system, and appeal procedures. The government says the decision should strengthen Israel’s status as a trading partner that operates in accordance with international standards and fair trade principles.