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On October 20, 2022, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) notified draft amendment standards (Number 1) to SLS 1725-2:2021 for Processed Grain-based Food Products, Part 2: Cornflakes to the World Trade Organization (WTO). WTO members are invited to submit comments on notification G/TBT/N/LKA/51

On October 20, 2022, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) notified its draft amendment standards (Number 1) to SLS 894:2003 for bottled (packaged) drinking water to the World Trade Organization (WTO). WTO members are invited to submit comments on notification G/TBT/N/LKA/51. The comment period closes on December 20, 2022.

On October 20, 2022, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) notified draft amendment standards (Number 1) to SLS 1725-3:2021 for Processed Grain-Based Food Products, Part 3: Rolled Oats to the World Trade Organization (WTO). WTO members are invited to submit comments on notification G/TBT/N/LKA/51.

On October 20, 2022, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) notified draft amendment standards (Number 1) to SLS 1036:2020 for processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children to the World Trade Organization (WTO). WTO members are invited to submit comments on notification G/TBT/N/LKA/51.

On October 20, 2022, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) notified draft amendment standards (Number 1) to SLS 1725-4:2021 for Processed Grain-Based Food Products, Part 4: Rice Flakes to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Sri Lanka does not produce genetically engineered (GE) crops or animals. There is some GE research at the laboratory level, but there is no commercialization. The lack of a legal framework and biosafety procedures are a major setback; the country is in the process of finalizing regulatory biotechnology policies.

As of September 2022, Israel does not have a policy restricting the use of imported genetically engineered (GE) commodities or derivative products. There are no changes in Israel’s policy towards plant, animal biotechnology, and microbial biotechnology compared to 2021.

On September 12, 2022, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) notified draft amendment standards (number 1) to SLS 917:2018 for milk added drinks to the World Trade Organization (WTO). WTO members are invited to submit comments on notification G/TBT/N/LKA/51. The comment period expires on November 12, 2022.

The impact of the COVID-19 on the Israeli hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) sector was nothing short of devastating. According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, accommodation and foodservice activities declined by forty percent in 2020. The sector started to recover during 2021, and it is expected to recover, with a return to pre-COVID-19 sales by 2023.

Sri Lanka’s market year (MY) 2021/2022 (October-September) rough rice production of 2.57 million metric tons (MMT) was sharply lower, severely disrupted by the Sri Lankan government’s banning of chemical fertilizer imports.

• Israel passes amendments to the Public Health Protection Act (Food) to ease and reduce the regulatory burden on food importation. Among the amendments is an importation track called the “European Track” which will come into force on January 1, 2023. • New temporary provision easing the importation of certain sensitive foods, “Public Health Protection Act Food (Certificate of Release for Certain Sensitive Foods) (Temporary Provision)- 2022.” • Cancellation of the additional requirements for importing and releasing food products imported without direct contact with the manufacturer.

The report lists and describes certificates that should accompany food and agricultural products to Israel. It also includes the purpose of each certificate and the governmental agency responsible. In general, an original invoice, bill of lading, packing list, weighing list, health certificate, batch number certificate, invoice declaration, and insurance certificate are required to accompany any shipment. An export certificate matrix is included in this report.