On May 5, 2025, the American National Standards Institute, in collaboration with the International Trade Administration (ITA), co-hosted a U.S. stakeholder dialogue for a visiting delegation of ten government officials from Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry. This dialogue was part of a broader study visit, preceding meetings with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and other agencies on May 6-9.
The event focused on strengthening U.S.-Israel collaboration on standardization policies, providing insight into the U.S. standards system, and exploring avenues for U.S. goods that meet U.S. standards and requirements to enter the Israeli market—similar to Israel’s approach to EU goods under its "What's Good for Europe is Good for Israel" set of economic reforms.
U.S. Stakeholder Participation and Key Discussions
ANSI-accredited standards developing organizations (ASDs), industry experts, ITA representatives, and Israeli government officials highlighted the role of standards in consumer safety products and regulatory compliance development processes in the U.S., as well as the U.S. approach to safety standards and regulations. Particular focus was given to Israel’s areas of interest: toys and juvenile and electrical products.
Presentations from ANSI, ASTM International, the Toy Association, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) highlighted the collaborative development of safety standards that support global trade and consumer protection in the U.S. standards system. Discussions also emphasized the importance of technical merit, innovation, and creating standards that facilitate global trade while assuring product safety.
Israel’s Standardization Reform
The Israeli delegation outlined a comprehensive five-year strategy to align national standards with European market standards. This opens a potential opportunity for U.S. companies to leverage their existing European certifications to enter the Israeli market, avoiding the need to start the certification process from scratch and enhancing market access for U.S. manufacturers in Israel. They also highlighted some of the challenges they have encountered in implementing EU regulations, such as Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS).
ANSI thanks all participants in the dialogue, which reinforced a mutual commitment to reducing technical barriers and enhancing understanding of each country’s standardization systems, and set the stage for future information-sharing initiatives.
