Israel’s ministry of finance has authorised the tariff free importation of a group of food products for the benefit of the local economy. The goal of this move is to overcome certain shortages which have been created in the local market over the previous year, as well as to control expected price increases and maintain reasonable prices for consumers.
According to the order, imports on potatoes, onions, carrots, horseradish, cabbage, lettuce, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, parsley and peppers will be free from import tax all year round. Imports that will qualify under this new rule will be subject to growing conditions as well as local demands over the course of the year.
During the holiday seasons in Israel, (22.3.16 until 5.5.16, and from 2.9.16 until 2.11.16) other specific imports applying to lettuce, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, parsley and peppers will receive a full tax break on import taxes without being subject to the needs of the local market.
The finance ministry additionally stated that “the ministry is weighing the possibility of proactively allowing increased importation of certain fruit and vegetable products ahead of periods of high demand, in order to avoid price spikes such as the ones experienced in the previous year.”
