Parallel food importers: compliance challenges

Food importers must submit a number of documents as a prerequisite for importation, and state authorities continue to monitor the process even after the food has been imported. In recent years, regulatory reforms - such as the 'What is good for Europe is also good for Israel' initiative - have reshaped the landscape for food importers in Israel, simplifying procedures for imports from the European Union while introducing new complexities for imports from other regions. This article examines the activities of a parallel importer who does not purchase directly from the manufacturer, and who only imports 'regular' foodstuffs, such as pasta, snacks or dried fruit, which are not defined as 'sensitive' foodstuffs.