Israel
Israel Customs Contacts
DEPARTMENT OF CUSTOMS & VAT
Website: http://ozar.mof.gov.il/ita2013/eng/mainpage.htm
Telephone: +972 2-666-4000
Fax: +972 2-666-4011
Address: Bank of Israel St.,Government Complex POB 320, Jerusalem
Israel is a country situated in the Middle East, on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea. It is bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestina and Egypt. Israel maintains diplomatic relations with 157 countries, and has open borders with Egypt and Jordan. The country is a member of the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Trade Organization and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Tariffs
Israel applies the Customs Valuation principles of the WTO. Import taxes are calculated on the Cost, Insurance and Freight value of products and are based on the Harmonised System. The duty rates vary according to their classification in the Harmonised Customs Tariff and the country of origin (Israel has free trade agreements with the European Union, European Free Trade Association countries, USA, Canada, Mexico, MERCOSUR members, Colombia and Turkey).
Product certification, labelling and packaging
Some of the imported products require licenses issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, as well as a certificate from the Standards Institute, proving that the product is in conformity with the Israeli standards.
Food products, drinks, pharmaceuticals and fertilisers can not be imported; washing and cleaning products which contain hard detergents are prohibited.
Products must be marked under the Marking of Goods Order and must contain the following information:
- item description and quantity
- country of origin
- name and address of the importer
There are products requiring Hebrew marking:
- food products
- alcoholic beverages
- cigarettes
- cleaning supplies
- cosmetics
- ceramic products
Food products must have the true ingredients listed on the label in Hebrew, the name and address of the manufacturer and the importer.
Pharmaceuticals must be labelled in Hebrew and contain the name of product, instructions for its use, the quality. The text in Hebrew must be as large as that in other language present on the label.
Live animals and plants require additional certification issued by the Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Transportation, Industry and Commerce. Certificates of origin are required for fruits, plants, seeds and vegetables.
Documents for import and export:
Commercial invoice indicating:
- country of origin
- place and date of preparing invoice
- names and address of seller and buyer
- quantity and description
- marks and numbers of packages
- full description of the goods
- unit and total gross weight
- legal and net weights
- agreed price and terms of supply
- shipping and payment, including any rebates
- harmonised tariff number to facilitate clearance
Bill of lading, 2 copies indicating:
- consignee's name and address
- gross weight in metric and imperial measurements
- import licence number
Sources:
http://ozar.mof.gov.il/ita2013/eng/mainpage.htm
https://en.portal.santandertrade.com/international-shipments/israel/customs-procedures
http://www.product-certification.com/israel-import-regulations/
