Comparison: Old vs. New AliExpress Rules in Israel
The updated AliExpress terms solve two of the biggest complaints from Israeli consumers: unpredictable customs fees and inconvenient pickup points.
| Feature | Old System | New System (As of July 2026) | Value for Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAT Collection (>$75) | Paid in Israel during clearance | Paid at checkout (like Amazon) | No surprise carrier release fees (₪30-₪80) or customs holds |
| Pickup Locations | Arbitrary routing | Optimized based on exact address | Prevents parcels from ending up in distant neighborhoods |
| Shipping Speeds | 14–30 business days | 7–10 business days | Fast standard logistics from China despite local conflicts |
| Local Warehouses | China shipments only | Domestic Israeli warehouses | Ultra-fast local delivery on select popular goods |
VAT Pre-payment at Checkout
Previously, orders valued above $75 faced clearance bottlenecks. Shipping partners (such as Exelot or Cheetah) assessed a 18% VAT charge plus handling fees.
- New Method: AliExpress now computes and collects the 18% VAT directly in your shopping cart. Parcels land pre-cleared and flow directly into local distribution without surprise bills.
How to Configure a Pickup Point Near Your Home
One of the most common complaints was packages arriving at stores or lockers located very far from the customer's home. AliExpress has introduced an upgrade that allows for a precise pickup address configuration.
Step-by-Step Address Update Guide:
- Log in to your account on the website or app: Go to Account.
- Navigate to Settings -> Shipping Address.
- Update your exact residential address and mark your location on the map. This syncs the AliExpress system more accurately with local delivery partners, preventing packages from being routed to lockers outside your immediate neighborhood.
Update your address in AliExpress settings to guarantee delivery to the nearest local pickup points.
