🇮🇱 Import Customs & Duties: Israel
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$75
Packages under $75, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
17%
CIF value + duty + purchase tax (if applicable). Purchase tax applies to luxury goods, vehicles, tobacco.
Clearance Time
2-5 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-10% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 6-12% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 12% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-50% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 0-8% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-12% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $75 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Israel Customs (part of Israel Tax Authority) uses SHAAR electronic customs system. Customs broker required for most commercial imports. FTA with EU, US, EFTA, and others provide preferential rates.
What to Actually Expect
Modern and efficient system. Express couriers clear 1-2 days. Postal parcels 3-7 days. Security inspections can cause additional delays. SII standards testing can add 2-4 weeks for regulated products.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Standards Institution of Israel (SII) approval for many consumer goods. Ministry of Health for food and cosmetics. AMAR system for import licensing. Kosher certification may be required for food products.
Certificate of Origin
EUR.1 for EU/EFTA preferential rates. Special form for US-Israel FTA. Required for all preferential tariff claims. Israeli Export Institute issues certificates for exports.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Israel:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $2 | $17 | $19 |
| $200 | $10 | $36 | $46 |
| $500 | $34 | $91 | $125 |
| $1000 | $74 | $183 | $257 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Israel?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Israel is $75. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Israel?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Israel is 17%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty + purchase tax (if applicable). Purchase tax applies to luxury goods, vehicles, tobacco.
How long does customs clearance take in Israel?
Typical customs clearance in Israel takes 2-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Israel?
To import into Israel, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Israel?
Israel prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.