The Packaging Law

The Regulation of Processing of Packaging Law, 5771-2011 ("Packaging Law") requires a manufacturer or importer of packaged products or packaging materials, to, inter alia, recycle packaging waste of packaged products or packaging materials manufactured or imported by them, in accordance with the recycling targets set forth in the Packaging Law (different targets for different packaging materials).

The manufacturer or importer is also required to submit half-yearly and annual reports on the packaged products or packaging materials sold by them in Israel annually, in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Packaging Law and by the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

The Packaging Law also stipulates that in order to fulfill their above obligations, a manufacturer or importer is required to enter into an agreement with a company that has received a license ("recognition") from the Ministry of Environmental Protection as a "recognized body" and which will act to ensure that the manufacturer or importer complies with the above obligations.

Failure to enter into a contract with a recognized body constitutes a violation of the Packaging Law and may result in penalties.

Text of the Law — Regulation of Processing of Packaging Law, 5771-2011

What are the objectives of the law?

The law’s objectives are to minimize the negative impact of packaging materials on the environment by reducing the amount of waste generated from packaging, preventing waste dumping and encouraging the recycling of packaging transferred to landfills.

What is a recognized body?

A recognized body is a non-profit, public benefit company, which has been recognized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection as a "recognized body" and whose sole purpose is to fulfill the obligations of the manufacturer or importer under the Packaging Law.