Israel to Restrict 'Small Series' Car Imports Starting 2027
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Starting in 2027, Israel's Ministry of Transport will restrict "small series" car imports to light commercial vehicles only, ending an eight-year loophole for importers, particularly of Chinese brands. This change will likely remove non-compliant passenger cars, including older electric models, from the market unless manufacturers meet full European standards. Commercial electric vehicles will continue to be supported under the new regulations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel will limit "small series" car imports to commercial vehicles from 2027.
- The change ends an eight-year import privilege, mainly benefiting Chinese carmakers.
- The "small series" exception allowed non-compliant cars into Israel in limited numbers.
- This loophole was used to boost electric vehicle imports, including older models.
- Passenger cars not meeting full European standards will likely be removed from dealerships.
Israel's Ministry of Transport has informed importers that beginning in 2027, the import of "small series" vehicles will be permitted only within the light commercial vehicle category. This decision significantly curtails a privilege that has benefited importers of Chinese automobiles for the past eight years. Israel allows vehicle imports that meet European, Canadian, or American standards. The European standards include an exception for "small series", vehicles that do not fully comply with requirements and can therefore be imported in limited quantities. This exception was originally intended for exotic supercars.
In Israel, the Ministry of Transport utilized this exception to boost the electric vehicle market, allowing the import of up to 400 passenger and commercial vehicles annually. However, most electric vehicles, including those from China, no longer require these special permits as Chinese manufacturers have long established a presence in the European market. The "small series" scheme has primarily been used for older models or vehicles with fewer airbags, such as the BAIC EU5 sold at Rami Levy branches.
Conversely, commercial electric vehicles still require support due to a limited number of models with European certification. Consequently, "small series" passenger cars are expected to disappear from dealerships unless manufacturers adapt them to full European standards.
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