Australia and Israel have a substantial commercial relationship with two-way trade worth approximately $ 825 million. Australia’s major merchandise export to Israel is coal ($ 53 million) followed by live animal trading ($ 41 million) and pearls and gems ($ 12 million – all figures 2006-2007).
In most cases, general import licences are issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Israel. They are normally valid for 6 months. In Israel licenses are required for a specified list of goods. Application to import goods must be submitted on an import license application form, together with the order offer and copy of a pro-forma invoice or price quotation of the supplier or manufacturer.
Product certification, labelling and quoting
Frozen meat requires 2 sanitary certificates: a certificate indicating ante- and post-mortem inspection and a further certificate that the meat has been properly frozen until the time of shipment. All cattle require the usual veterinary certification of examination (within 24 hours of shipment). Mineralised methylated spirits require a supplier's certificate stating the materials and proportions used in denaturing the spirits. Whisky requires a certificate of age stating that it has been stored in wood for not less than 3 years.
On the whole, Israel has very strict requirements to labelling. Labelling must be in Hebrew. Imports must be labelled with the country of origin, the contents, weight, volume of the goods, the producer’s name and address, the importer’s name and address.
Quotes usually FOB (Incoterms 1990) unless otherwise specified in Australian dollars or US dollars. Usually payment is on CAD basis.
Documentary requirements
Commercial invoice has no prescribed form. The Israeli Customs require 3 copies. The invoice must indicate:
• country of origin;
• names and addresses of seller and buyer;
• description;
• place and date of preparing invoice;
• quantity;
• a full description of the goods;
• marks and numbers of packages;
• terms of supply;
• unit and total gross;
• legal and net weights;
• agreed price;
• the harmonised tariff number should be indicated as it facilitates clearance;
• shipping and payment, including any rebates.
Certificates of origin is required for fruits, vegetables, plants and seeds. Two copies of bill of lading are usually required. They must indicate:
• Consignee's name and address
• Gross weight in metric and imperial measurements
• Import licence number, when applicable
Public health requirements
The Ministry of Health is the certifying authority for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Medical preparations must be labelled in Hebrew with the name of product, a statement of its qualities, and instructions for its use. Household pesticides and pharmaceutical preparations require a licence from the Ministry of Health.
Foodstuffs must have the true nature of their contents stated on the label in Hebrew and also show the name and address of the manufacturer and the importer. Foodstuffs may not be packed or sold in containers intended to hold poisons or non-consumable liquids. | 
