Israel Humanitarian Customs Regulations
This document was submitted in response to a questionnaire distributed by Global Hand regarding humanitarian customs information. It provides regulations for importing humanitarian aid into Israel.
Required Documents
- bill of lading/airway bill
- commercial invoice (Pro Forma Invoice)
- packing list
- fumigation certificate
- deed of donation
- certificate of origin
Prohibited Goods
- Goods that are prohibited entry into Israel are:
- alcohol
- intoxicating beverages
- tobacco products
Tax Exemption
- In paragraph 428 in the Israeli Customs Tariff and Purchase Tax Document, the following goods intended for victims of a natural disaster are exempt from tax:
- Food, drugs, apparel, blankets, tents, prefabricated houses and other vital commodities, but with the exception of alcohol, intoxicating beverages and tobacco products, which is received as a present by an organisation approved by the Director for the purposes of this heading, and is freely distributed, under the supervision of the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, as aid to victims of a natural disaster (conditional)
- Free equipment received by an organisation approved by the Director, and used to alleviate the results of a natural disaster, as long as the equipment be exported within a period to be determined by the Director (conditional) Goods destined for Palestine must have the Palestinian Authorities approval before being exempt from taxes.
PreShipment Application
In all cases pre-shipment approval is highly recommended. If the final destination of the shipment is Israel then the Customs Authorities should be contacted. If the final destination is Palestine the request should be forwarded to the Minister Jamil Tariff Office in Ramallah.
Monetary Valuation
Customs sometimes require monetary valuation for the shipment on an item by item basis, and sometimes for the consignment as a whole. No currency preference is specified.
Restrictions
Fumigation is required on specific second hand products. Contact the Israeli Customs Service for further information.
Other Info
It is highly recommended by the Israeli Customs Authorities to use a customs broker services.