Tax Thresholds
Full Exemption (Up to $75)
Packages valued up to $75 (value of goods only, excluding shipping and insurance) are completely exempt from import taxes.
- Exceptions: Exemption does not apply to tobacco, cigarettes, and alcohol.
- Consolidation: Two or more packages from the same seller to the same recipient arriving within 72 hours are treated as a single shipment for tax calculations.
VAT & Purchase Tax ($75-$500)
Packages valued between $75 and $500 are exempt from customs duty, but subject to:
- VAT (MAAM): 18% calculated on the total transaction amount (goods value + shipping costs).
- Purchase Tax (mas konya): Applies to specific product categories (e.g., car spare parts, alcohol, tobacco).
Key Shopping Recommendations
Accurate Value Declaration
The importer bears legal responsibility for the declared value. Under-declaring can lead to double taxation, heavy fines, or confiscation by customs.
- Tip: Ask the seller to state the actual item value:
Please declare the real price and product.
Standard vs. Express Shipping
Standard mail (Israel Post) undergoes random customs inspections. Express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) clear every package through customs systematically.
- Warning: Express couriers charge high clearance, handling, and storage fees, which can make a bargain purchase expensive.
Tax Relief Categories
The Israel Tax Authority offers import tax reductions or exemptions for new immigrants (Olim Hadashim), returning residents, returning students, and active-duty soldiers.
- Details: Check eligibility criteria and submit required documentation via the Tax Authority portal to claim these benefits.
Customs Contacts & Appeals
If you have been overcharged or want to contest the customs valuation of your package, you can file an appeal online or contact the customs administration directly.
- Appeal Form: Submit the tax assessment dispute form before releasing the package from the post office.
- Customs Inquiry Fax: 03-9421736
- Contact Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
- Tel-Aviv Customs Office: 03-9421730
- Customs Status Tracking: 03-6303383 (Shulamit)
- Israel Post Customer Service: 02-9290079
Tip: prefer standard mail for small packages and always declare correct values to avoid customs penalty fees!