Alcohol regulations in Israel

Licences needed

Municipal Business Licence (under Business Licensing Law 5728-1968) and Manufacturer Approval / Producer Registration under the Public Health Protection (Food) Law and 2025 Alcoholic Beverage Regulations.

Authority

Local Municipal Business Licensing Department and Ministry of Health (National Food Service / Sherut HaMazon).

Documents

Engineering and site layout plans, water/sanitation system plans, HACCP/GMP food safety system documentation, manufacturing process descriptions, proof of commercial property rights, fire safety certifications, and tax authority excise registration.

Fees

Statutory municipal business licence application fee (established under municipal fee schedules) plus Ministry of Health licensing review fees.

Time to obtain

3 to 12 months depending on municipal zoning, building inspections, and sanitation clearance.

Who can import

Israeli registered corporate entities or recognized businesses registered as food and beverage importers.

Licences or registrations

Registered Importer status with the Ministry of Health (National Food Service) under the Public Health Protection (Food) Regulations and customs clearance registration with the Israel Tax Authority.

Authority

Ministry of Health (National Food Service) and Israel Tax Authority (Customs Directorate).

Documents

Corporate certificate of incorporation, official health certificate / Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) from the country of origin, product specifications, laboratory test results from an accredited laboratory, and draft Hebrew labels.

Fees

Annual importer registration fees and per-shipment inspection/filing fees payable to the Ministry of Health.

Time to obtain

Importer entity registration takes 2 to 6 weeks; product import pre-approval takes 1 to 3 months.

Required: yes Process: Importers must obtain prior product approval from the Ministry of Health National Food Service before commercial shipment release. The process requires submission of product formulations, lab testing…

Imports must be cleared by a licensed customs broker on behalf of the registered Israeli importer of record through the customs 'World Gate' (Sha'ar Olami) electronic portal. Consignments require commercial invoices, bills of…

0% for originating spirits under free trade agreements (including the US-Israel FTA and EU-Israel Association Agreement) with a valid Certificate of Origin; standard MFN tariff for most spirits under HS 2208 is 0% customs duty, but spirits are subject to purchase tax.

Purchase Tax (Mas Kniya) functions as an excise on spirits under HS 2208, levied as a specific rate per litre of 100% pure alcohol (regularly adjusted for inflation, approx. 85-86 ILS per litre of pure alcohol). Standard Value…

Private liquor shops, supermarkets, convenience stores, and licensed on-premise venues (bars, restaurants, hotels) sell alcohol under municipal business licences. Off-premise retail sales of alcohol in stores, supermarkets, and…

Allowed with restrictions. E-commerce platforms and licensed retailers may sell alcohol online, provided age verification ensures the buyer and delivery recipient are at least 18 years old. Deliveries are subject to the statutory…

Mandatory Hebrew text (original or adhesive sticker) displaying: brand and generic product name, manufacturer name and location, Israeli importer name and address, net volume in ml or litres, alcoholic strength by volume (% ABV),…

Regulated under the Restriction on Advertising and Marketing of Alcoholic Beverages Law 5772-2012. Billboard and outdoor advertising of alcoholic beverages is banned. Advertisements in print, radio, television, and online must…

Regulated under Israeli Standard SI 1572 ('Alcoholic Beverages'). Establishes compositional criteria and maximum safety thresholds for volatile substances and toxic compounds (specifically setting strict maximum limits for…

No regional prohibition exists in Israel. However, drinking alcoholic beverages in public spaces (parks, streets) is restricted between 23:00 and 06:00, allowing police confiscation. Certain predominantly Muslim or ultra-Orthodox…

On February 2, 2025, the Israeli Government implemented the Public Health Protection (Food) (Food that is an Alcoholic Food) Regulations 2025, transferring lead regulatory jurisdiction over alcoholic beverage manufacturing,…

Strong domestic consumer interest drives steady demand for imported premium single malt whiskies, craft gins, tequilas, and aged rums in specialty retail and hospitality venues. Exporters who secure certified kosher status gain…

1. USDA FAS: Updates to Alcoholic Beverage Legislation in Israel (Report IS2025-0010)
2. US TTB: International Alcohol Trade - Export Requirements for Israel
3. PwC Israel Tax Summary: Other Taxes and Value-Added Tax (VAT)
4. Israel Ministry of Health - Public Warnings and Israeli Standard 1572 Enforcement
5. Knesset Economics Committee: Health warnings on alcoholic beverage labels and advertisements