Customs, Duty Exemptions, and Shipping

Allowances for New Olim Moving to Israel

A comprehensive guide for importing your personal belongings

Moving your household goods to Israel can be one of the most complex parts of relocation. Between customs declarations, duty exemptions, and the timing of your shipments, the process can seem intimidating — especially for first-time Olim. Fortunately, Israel offers significant **customs and tax benefits **to new immigrants (Olim Chadashim) and returning residents, provided you meet specific conditions and follow the correct procedures.

1.  Customs Clearance Basics

All goods arriving in Israel — whether by sea, air, or courier — are subject to inspection by Israeli Customs. Your shipment is classified as **“personal effects” **when it contains items for private, non-commercial use.

When your container arrives at the port (Ashdod or Haifa), customs officials require:

ï           Your Israeli ID number (Teudat Zehut) or Oleh certificate

ï           A detailed packing list in English and Hebrew

ï           Your **passport **(and your spouse’s, if applicable)

ï           An **Aliyah certificate **or proof of status from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration

ï           A Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Air Waybill (for air freight)

ï           The **customs agent’s power of attorney **authorizing them to clear your goods

Your shipping company or customs broker in Israel typically handles this paperwork and coordinates inspection, clearance, and delivery.

2.  Duty-Free Import Rights for New Olim

Israel grants new immigrants **customs and VAT exemptions **for importing personal belongings — including furniture, appliances, and household goods — under the following conditions:

Eligibility

ï           You are recognized as an **Oleh Chadash **by Misrad HaKlita or the Jewish Agency.

ï           Your Aliyah occurred within the past **three years **(five years in certain cases).

ï           The goods are for personal use, not resale or commercial purposes.

ï           You have not used up your exemption quota in previous shipments.

Number of Shipments Allowed

You are entitled to **up to three shipments **under your Oleh benefits:

1.        The first must arrive within **nine months **of your Aliyah date.
2.        The second and third can arrive within **three years **(occasionally extended to five with permission).

Each shipment must be declared under your Oleh file and approved by customs before clearance.

Duty-Free Categories

The exemption generally covers:

ï           **Furniture, household appliances, and electronics **for personal use

ï           Clothing, linens, and personal effects

ï           **Tools or equipment **necessary for your profession (limited value)

ï           **One computer and printer **per family (for personal use)

Luxury goods, quantities suggesting commercial use, or items not typically considered “household” may be taxed at standard import rates.

3.  Vehicles: Special Conditions for Olim

Olim are permitted to import one private vehicle duty-reduced, subject to very specific terms:

ï           Must be **personally owned abroad **before Aliyah (typically six months or more).

ï           Must arrive in Israel within three years of Aliyah.

ï           Customs applies a **partial tax exemption **— typically reducing purchase tax from ~83% to roughly 40–50%, but VAT (17%) still applies.

ï           The car must be used personally, not sold or transferred for **four years **after import.

ï           Imported vehicles must meet Israeli road safety and emissions standards.

Many Olim find it easier to buy a car in Israel rather than import due to the complex testing and certification process.

4.  Import Restrictions and Prohibited Items

Certain goods are restricted or prohibited by Israeli customs and should **not **be included in your shipment:

ï           **Firearms, ammunition, and pepper spray **(require special import permits)

ï           **Drones or advanced communication devices **(require approval)

ï           **Live plants, soil, or seeds **(require Ministry of Agriculture permits)

ï           **Fresh or perishable food items, alcohol, and tobacco **(taxable and often confiscated)

ï           Liquids and chemicals, including cleaning agents or aerosols

ï           **Commercial quantities **of any item

If in doubt, declare the item and let your customs agent confirm whether it’s eligible.

5.  Customs Duties and VAT for Non-Exempt Goods

If an item does not qualify under the Oleh exemption — for example, a second television or luxury item — it will be subject to:

ï           **Customs duty **(typically 12%–40%, depending on the product category)

ï           **Value-Added Tax (VAT) **at 17%

ï           Occasionally, **purchase tax **on specific luxury goods (e.g., electronics, jewelry, alcohol)

The total tax is based on the item’s **CIF value **(cost + insurance + freight), converted into shekels at the official customs exchange rate.

6.  Timing and Customs Storage Fees

Containers arriving in Israel can take 6–10 weeks, depending on your shipping route. Once the container lands, you have limited time to clear it before **port storage charges **begin — typically within 5–7 days.

To avoid delays and unnecessary fees:

ï           Notify your customs broker and provide all documents before the shipment arrives.

ï           Keep your Israeli ID and Aliyah certificate readily available.

ï           Be reachable by phone or WhatsApp — customs may request clarification or in-person identification.

If your shipment is delayed or your status is not yet finalized, customs can store your goods temporarily in a bonded warehouse — but you’ll pay daily storage fees.

7.  Returning Residents (Toshavim Chozerim)

If you are an Israeli citizen returning after living abroad for at least two years, you may also qualify for customs benefits, though slightly reduced compared to Olim.

Returning residents can usually import:

ï           Household goods duty-free (once per family)

ï           One vehicle at reduced tax (conditions similar to Olim)

ï           Professional tools within reasonable limits

Customs will ask for proof of time spent abroad (passports, visas, work contracts, utility bills, etc.).

8.  Shipping and Insurance Recommendations

ï           **Use a reputable international mover **familiar with Israel’s customs rules (Kef International, Aliyah Lift, Sonigo, AGS Movers, etc.).

ï           Always **insure your shipment **for full replacement value (marine insurance).

ï           Prepare an **itemized inventory **with declared values.

ï           Mark boxes clearly (“Kitchen,” “Bedroom,” “Electronics”) — customs often inspects only a sample, but random checks can happen.

ï           Keep **receipts or proof of ownership **for high-value items like computers, cameras, or jewelry.

9.  Common Pitfalls to Avoid

ï           Shipping too late: benefits expire after three years from Aliyah.

ï           Using non-authorized shippers unfamiliar with Israel’s customs documentation.

ï           Failing to register all shipments under your Oleh file — each must be logged to claim exemptions.

ï           Including items that look commercial (new, multiple units, still in retail packaging).

ï           Not budgeting for customs storage or demurrage fees caused by paperwork delays.

Final Thoughts

Israel’s customs system can appear bureaucratic, but Olim are given generous exemptions that significantly reduce the cost of relocation — if handled correctly. The key is to prepare early, work with an experienced customs broker, and keep your paperwork perfectly organized.

With the right mover and proper planning, your container will clear customs efficiently, your furniture will arrive intact, and you’ll be able to start your new life in Israel without unnecessary stress or expense.

Updated on: 01/02/2026