Testing Laboratories in Israel: Development and Importance
In Israel, testing laboratories play a central role in ensuring the quality and safety of imported products.
Until a few years ago, the Israel Standards Institute was the only body authorized to perform compliance testing for products.
However, in recent years, as part of efforts to increase competition and improve service, the market has opened up to additional laboratories.
Today, several accredited laboratories operate in Israel, authorized to verify products against official standards.
You can find a complete list of accredited laboratories on the Ministry of Economy and Industry website.
What is ILAC?
The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) is a global organization that unites accreditation bodies for laboratories and inspection authorities.
ILAC works to ensure the quality and reliability of tests and calibrations conducted in accredited laboratories worldwide.
Laboratories accredited by ILAC-member bodies are required to meet strict international standards, ensuring that the tests they perform are both reliable and of high quality.
The Importance of Understanding ILAC for Importers
Many importers face regulatory requirements when bringing products into Israel.
Familiarity with ILAC can help in several ways:
- Recognition of Foreign Test Certificates
When an importer wants to bring in a product tested in a foreign laboratory, it’s important to ensure that the lab is accredited by an ILAC-member body.
Test certificates from such laboratories may be recognized by Israeli authorities, potentially saving time and costs during the import process. - Reducing the Need for Additional Testing
Products accompanied by test certificates from ILAC-accredited laboratories may pass through customs more smoothly, without requiring additional testing in Israeli labs.
However, it’s important to note that not every certificate from an ILAC-accredited lab is automatically accepted in Israel.
Importers must check the specific requirements for each product and ensure that the certificate complies with Israeli standards.
How to Verify if a Laboratory is ILAC-Accredited
To ensure that the laboratory testing your imported product is accredited by an ILAC-member body:
1. Visit the ILAC Website
The ILAC website provides a complete list of all member accreditation bodies and the laboratories accredited by them.
2. Contact the National Laboratory Accreditation Authority
In Israel, the National Laboratory Accreditation Authority can provide information about accredited laboratories both domestically and abroad.
How to Choose the Right Laboratory for Your Product
When selecting a laboratory to test or certify a product, it’s crucial to ensure that the lab has specific expertise and experience in the relevant field. Not every accredited laboratory is qualified to test every type of product.
For example, electrical products, children’s toys, dietary supplements, or medical equipment each require specialized knowledge, equipment, and procedures.
For this reason, it’s important to verify that the laboratory is authorized to perform tests for the standards applicable to your specific product.
It’s recommended to request a copy of the lab’s accreditation scope and confirm that the relevant standard for your product is included.
This ensures that the resulting test certificate will meet Israeli regulatory requirements and facilitate a smooth customs clearance process.
What Happens if You Import a Product Without a Recognized Test Certificate?
Importing products without a test certificate from an accredited laboratory can lead to:
- Delays in Customs Clearance: The products may be subject to additional testing in Israel, causing significant delays.
- Additional Costs: Extra testing involves both time and financial expenses.
- Risk of Non-Compliance: In severe cases, products may fail to meet Israeli standards, which could result in a ban on marketing them in the country.
In Summary
Importers who are familiar with ILAC in advance avoid costly mistakes. Choosing an accredited laboratory can completely change the import process.
An importer who verifies the type of certificate beforehand is already taking steps to prevent unnecessary delays.
ILAC-recognized laboratories operate according to strict international standards, and if a certificate meets the relevant requirements, Israeli authorities may approve it. That’s why it’s important not just to obtain a certificate-but to understand exactly what it covers.
Don’t be tempted to settle for any document that looks “official”-check whether the accreditation body is listed as a member on the ILAC website.
Make sure the certificate corresponds to the standard that applies to your product.
An accredited laboratory doesn’t guarantee customs clearance, but it’s a smart and proper starting point. By preparing in advance, you can avoid surprises.
Every test that can be preemptively handled in Israel saves you time, money, and risk.
If you’re not thorough and make an error at the ordering stage, it could prevent your product from entering the market.
Therefore, prepare all documents in advance and review every certificate carefully.
Keep in mind: each laboratory specializes in specific product industries. Being ILAC-recognized alone is not enough-you must also ensure that the lab has expertise in the type of product you intend to import.
