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This report serves as a reminder to U.S. exporters and traders that the Hong Kong government does not allow entry of U.S. poultry and egg products originating from affected counties reporting highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) when the bill of lading falls on or after the effective date of a ban.

From September 6-8, 2022, the Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) in Hong Kong hosted the strongest national pavilion at Restaurant and Bar, one of the largest food trade shows in Hong Kong. Seven U.S. exhibitors showcased their quality products to over 8,000 trade visitors.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, travel and dining restrictions decimated tourism to the city and negatively impacted the hospitality sector. Hong Kong’s restaurant receipts dropped from $14.4 billion in 2019 to $11.9 billion in 2021.

Following the success of our virtual seminar at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in March 2022, ATO Hong Kong partnered again with the University to co-host an educational cooking demonstration and lecture on July 18, 2022. The class highlighted versatile, sustainable, and delicious USA foods through the culinary presentations of two dynamic chefs.

• 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.

In June 2022, Israel authorized the import of U.S. processed meat products, thus making the United States the first and only country with market access for processed meat products in Israel.

To assist U.S. exporters, FAS Tel Aviv has translated Israel’s limits on heavy metals in foodstuffs.

Israel is a net importer of all major categories of food products. The United States is the top leading supplier of imported consumer-oriented agricultural products to Israel with a total of $384 million in 2020. The Israel food retail sector was estimated at $12.8 billion in 2021.

Hong Kong does not have any certification changes for food imports since the last report submitted in June 2021. This report lists the certificates required by the Hong Kong Government (HKG) for U.S. agricultural and food exports to Hong Kong.

Despite a small population of 7.4 million people, Hong Kong is the seventh-largest export market for U.S. consumer-ready agricultural products. Hong Kong has always been an attractive market for innovative U.S. food and beverage products as well as a gateway to the region.

The following changes have been made to the 2022 FAIRS report: 1) Section II – Labeling. Effective December 1, 2023, food containing hydrogenated oils must be labeled. 2) Section III – Packaging. Glass and plastic bottles will be subject to additional levies. 3) Section VI – Other Requirements, Regulations, and Registration Measures.