Importing IT Hardware into Israel, with MoC and SII Compliance

Home to the innovation hubs of Tel Aviv and the high-tech corridors of Herzliya and Haifa, Israel stands as a beacon of global technological advancement. To ensure seamless imports of IT hardware, Israel enforces strict compliance through two key regulatory bodies: the Ministry of Communications (MoC) regulates wireless products, and the Standards Institution of Israel (SII) regulates electrical equipment. 

Whether you're shipping wireless routers, power adapters, or other IT hardware, understanding these regulations is essential to avoid delays, penalties, and costly mistakes. This article guides you through the compliance process, from securing type approvals to handling self-declarations for IT hardware, ensuring your shipments arrive on time and fully compliant with Israeli law.

What is the MoC?

In Israel, wireless products like routers, access points, and other devices that transmit or receive wireless signals fall under the MoC's regulation. The MoC ensures that wireless devices comply with Israeli communication standards, which safeguard public safety and the integrity of communication networks.

Laptops are typically exempt from MoC’s approval requirements, even though they contain Wi-Fi cards. Any other device with wireless functionality must undergo this approval process.

How to Get Started with MoC Certification

Each shipment of wireless products into Israel requires a separate, one-time, non-recurring type approval. You can complete this process through the MoC's online portal, where you’ll submit various documents to prove compliance with Israeli regulations.

The following documents are required for approval:

• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) test report: Verifies the device's compliance with international electrical safety standards

• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test report: EMC testing ensures that the device’s wireless signals do not interfere with other communications equipment

• Manufacturer specifications: Confirms the device’s technical details

• Invoice and shipping documentation: Serves as proof of the shipment and the specific product being imported

When working with a homologation service or consultant, a valid power of attorney must be attached to the application. This document grants the third party authority to manage the application process, which streamlines approval and ensures compliance with all regulations. When working with a third-party Importer of Record (IOR), they are able to interface with the MoC directly.

Once you’ve submitted the application and supporting documents, the MoC’s approval process is typically quick. Most approvals are granted within 2-5 working days.

This article focuses on non-recurring type approvals, which is the most relevant for importing IT hardware into Israel. Other approvals, such as Classified Type Approval and Continuous Type Approvals, apply to specific end uses. These other approvals are better suited for manufacturers or specialized products, rather than standard items.

What is the SII?

The SII is the national body responsible for regulating the safety and quality of electrical and electronic products being imported into Israel. Unlike the MoC, which regulates wireless devices, the SII oversees a wide range of products that must comply with safety standards, particularly those with power plugs. This includes products in consumer electronics and IT hardware, ensuring compliance with both Israeli and European safety and performance standards.

SII classifies products based on their level of risk, determining the type of approval required. Below are the four main groups under SII’s classification system:

• Group 1: Products with the highest inherent risk, requiring both model approval and shipment approval by an accredited testing laboratory

• Group 2: Moderate-risk products that need a model certificate and a declaration signed by the importer, confirming compliance with official standards

• Group 3: Low-risk products, which only require a declaration of conformity signed by the importer to confirm that the product meets the necessary standards

• Group 4: Industrial products that are subject to factory inspections and must comply with mandatory standards

Israeli standards align with global norms, including the IEC 62638 safety standard for Audio/Video, Information, and Communication Technology equipment. If you search for “62638,” into the classification search tool provided by the SII, you will see that devices with an internal power supply of less than 3000 watts—covering nearly all standard IT hardware—fall under Group 3.

Products in compliance with regulation in Europe and the U.S. are often in compliance for Israel as well.

How to Get Started with SII Certification

The SII compliance process is straightforward, as long as you make sure the key documents are in place. Here’s how you can navigate the process:

1. Understand the Product Classification

First, you’ll need to confirm that your product falls under SII’s regulations. If it plugs in or connects to the electrical grid, it likely requires compliance with SII standards. You can find more detailed information about product categories on the SII website.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

If your IT hardware falls under Category 3, the SII self-declaration process requires compiling a document pack that includes:

• Test reports: Confirm the product meets electrical safety standards

• Manufacturer’s specifications: Outline the product’s technical attributes

• ISO certification: Ensure the manufacturer’s processes meet quality standards

3. Sign the Self-Declaration

For products in Category 3, after gathering the necessary documentation, the next step is signing a self-declaration confirming compliance with required standards.

4. Keep Documentation Ready

Unlike MoC’s structured approval process, SII’s system relies on the importer to maintain their own records. Be prepared to present your documentation if SII conducts an audit.

Following these steps ensures your electrical products comply with Israeli standards and helps avoid delays or penalties in the import process. 

MoC vs. SII: Key Differences

Both the Ministry of Communications (MoC) and SII play key roles in regulating imports into Israel, but they govern different aspects of product compliance:

MoC: The MoC regulates wireless devices, such as routers, access points, and any product with wireless communication capabilities. MoC usually requires non-recurring type approval for each shipment, meaning every import must undergo a separate approval process. This includes submitting IEC and EMC test reports. The MoC process typically takes 2–5 working days.

SII: SII focuses on products that plug into the electrical grid, such as power adapters, desktops, and consumer electronics. For IT hardware, often categorized in Group 3, SII’s process may require self-declaration, where the importer confirms compliance with safety standards. While this process is more streamlined, higher-risk products still require more rigorous testing and approval. Importers must keep relevant documentation on file for audits.

The MoC regulates wireless functionality, while SII focuses on electrical safety. The MoC typically requires a hands-on approval process, while SII’s compliance often relies on a self-declaration for low-risk items. For higher-risk items, the SII may require more testing and shipment inspection.

Key Takeaways for Importing Hardware into Israel

Importing IT hardware into Israel requires compliance with both MoC and SII regulations. The MoC regulates wireless devices, and requires non-recurring type approvals for each import. The SII oversees products with electrical plugs through a streamlined self-declaration process.

Ensuring compliance with these agencies is crucial for smooth customs clearance and avoiding delays or penalties. From securing the right documentation to understanding each approval process, a proactive approach is the key. Whether handling the process in-house, or working with an experienced IOR service or compliance consultant, staying organized and informed is key to navigating Israel’s regulatory requirements.

Many multinational enterprises trust FGX to deliver seamless, best-in-class global IT shipping solutions for their infrastructure. We provide coverage to 174 countries and maintain a 99.98% customs clearance and delivery success rate even in highly regulated markets such as Brazil, India, and China. Please reach out if you’re interested in learning more.