Israel has imposed updated safety and operational requirements for air conditioners to ensure consumer protection and product reliability.
Israel Tightens Safety Rules for Air Conditioners
All units must meet new electrical, efficiency, and noise standards.
What changed
New safety standards for electrical safety, thermal efficiency, and noise levels.
HS code coverage expanded to include 841582, 841510, and 841590 for all unit types.
Immediate effect from date of notification for all air conditioner imports.
Who it affects
Air conditioner importers must ensure all units meet the new safety and performance standards.
Manufacturers of split, window, and room air conditioners must comply with HS codes 841582, 841510, and 841590.
Compliance Overview: Updated Safety and Operational Requirements for Air Conditioners in Israel
Israel has recently updated its regulatory framework for air conditioners to enhance consumer protection and product reliability. The key changes include revised safety and operational standards under SI 994 part 1 and a temporary prohibition on certain flammable refrigerants. Below is a structured breakdown of the requirements, timelines, and responsible authorities.
Regulation Analysis
1. SI 994 part 1 – Air Conditioners: Safety and Operational Requirements
The first amendment to SI 994 part 1 (originally published in September 2013) was published and entered into force on 25 August 20251. This amendment introduces updated safety and operational requirements for air conditioners, including testing protocols, performance standards, and labeling obligations.
- Key Requirements:
- Products must comply with the amended standard, which may include new technical specifications for electrical safety, energy efficiency, and refrigerant handling1.
- During the transition period (25 August 2025 – 24 October 2025), manufacturers and importers may choose to test products under either the old standard or the amended standard1.
- After 24 October 2025, compliance with the amended SI 994 part 1 becomes mandatory for all new products1.
- Authority: The Standards Institution of Israel (SII) is responsible for enforcing this standard, including testing and certification1.
2. Temporary Prohibition on A3 Refrigerant Gases
A separate Temporary Provision under the Standards Order (Amendment of the Fifth Annex) bans the import and production of air conditioners using A3-class flammable refrigerants (e.g., certain hydrocarbons) due to safety risks2. This provision was extended until 7 October 20252.
- Key Requirements:
- Prohibition: Air conditioners containing A3 refrigerant gases (highly flammable) are banned, except for portable air conditioners with a refrigerant charge of less than 200 grams2.
- Exceptions Process: A special Exceptions Committee will evaluate public safety concerns and risks to professional service personnel (e.g., installers and maintenance workers) during the temporary period2.
- Rationale: The ban aims to mitigate fire hazards associated with A3 refrigerants, which pose risks to both consumers and technicians2.
- Authority: The Minister of Economy and Industry issued this provision under Section 281(12)(1) of the Standards Law and the Import and Export Ordinance2.
3. Standards Law (Adoption of Mandatory Provisions Applicable in European Law)
The Standards Law (Amendment No. 19) 5784-2024 aligns certain Israeli standards with European Union (EU) regulations, though the specific implications for air conditioners are not detailed in the provided sources2. This may include harmonization of safety and performance criteria.
Compliance Timeline
| Regulation | Key Deadline | Requirement | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| SI 994 part 1 (Amended) | 25 August 2025 (entry into force) | Transition period begins; products may comply with old or new standard1. | Standards Institution of Israel |
| 24 October 2025 | Mandatory compliance with amended SI 994 part 11. | ||
| Temporary Prohibition on A3 Refrigerants | 7 October 2025 | Ban on A3 refrigerants (except portable units <200g) remains in effect2. | Minister of Economy and Industry |
Summary Answer
Israel has implemented two key regulatory updates for air conditioners:
- SI 994 part 1 (amended) introduces revised safety and operational requirements, with a transition period until 24 October 2025 for compliance1. After this date, all products must meet the new standard.
- A temporary ban on A3 flammable refrigerants (e.g., hydrocarbons) is in effect until 7 October 2025, with exceptions for portable units containing less than 200 grams of refrigerant2. The ban aims to address fire safety risks and will be reviewed by an Exceptions Committee2.
- The Standards Law (Amendment No. 19) 5784-2024 may further align Israeli standards with EU regulations, though specific impacts on air conditioners are not detailed in the sources2.
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must ensure compliance with both the amended SI 994 part 1 and the temporary refrigerant restrictions to avoid penalties under the Standards Law and Import and Export Ordinance1, 2. For full technical details, refer to the official texts available via the Standards Institution of Israel (SII) or the WTO-TBT Enquiry Point1, 2.
Sources
- ↩ Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade – Notification – Israel – Air conditioners – Addendum https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/TBTN21/ISR1193A1.pdf&Open=True
- ↩ Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade – Notification – Israel – Air conditioners https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/TBTN25/ISR1394.pdf&Open=True