The ‘Interpretative Notice on indication of origin of goods from the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967'(1) does not constitute new legislation. It clarifies certain aspects linked to the interpretation and the effective implementation of existing EU legislation.

In particular, it aims to provide Member States, economic operators and consumers with information relevant to the correct indication of origin of products originating in Israeli settlements located in the territories occupied by Israel in 1967. In issuing the notice, the EU's objective was to ensure that the indication of origin of products coming from Israeli settlements is not misleading for consumers.

EU Member States are aware of the need to apply EC law in line with the interpretative notice and regularly have the opportunity to consult the Commission in the relevant Council working groups. The Commission will continue to oversee the implementation of EC law relevant to the indication of origin, notably based on information originating from National Market Surveillance Authorities of the Member States.

The indication of origin of settlement products is consistent with EU's policy on the Middle East peace process, whereby the EU consider Israeli settlements as illegal under international law and not a part of Israel. Accordingly, trade facilitation measures under EU legislation or agreements do not apply to goods originating in Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the Golan Heights.

This does not constitute a boycott of settlement products. Products from Israeli settlements exported into the EU can enter the EU market upon payment of the relevant World Trade Organisation Most Favoured Nation customs duty.

(1) http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52015XC1112(01)