Tips for going about a personal import in the right way
Verify with the overseas supplier that it specifies the real value of the goods on the invoice
This, in order to avoid delays at Customs and additional collection. Israel Customs may inspect the value written on the invoice and if it does not reflect the real value of the product compared to similar goods imported in the past, Customs will issue a “deficit”, that is, demand for payment of the difference in taxes between what was declared on the invoice and the value of the goods as determined by Customs.
Avoid duplicate payment of taxes
If, after receipt of the shipment in Israel, you want the overseas supplier to replace the product, you must check with the courier company what steps are required in order to prevent duplicate payment of taxes on the return import shipment.
Quick clearance of a shipment over US$ 100
In order to clear a shipment quickly whose value for tax purposes (CIF) is defined as over US$ 100, you must transfer to the service representative of the courier company your ID card number and the bill of lading number of the import shipment that you ordered, immediately upon receipt of notification to the effect that the shipment is on its way to you.
To avoid the shipment getting lost along the way
Make sure that the sender completes your exact address on the bill of lading, including up-to-date contact details.
To avoid the shipment being held up in Customs
To avoid the shipment getting lost along the way
- Verify that the description of the goods on the purchase invoice includes: details of all the goods including model, country of manufacture, quantities, purpose of the import, and the value in foreign currency.
- Declare the contents of the package: if the items in the shipment do not match the items written on the import declaration or on the package label, the Customs manager may seize the goods or impose a fine on you that is double the amount of the taxes in addition to payment of import tax as a condition for your receiving the package. It is therefore recommended that you verify with the supplier in advance that the declaration on the package matches the goods contained in the package and that the declaration specifies the details of the purchase transaction, including the price of the goods.
Packages in the mail
It is a good idea to acquaint yourself with the following definitions if you want to import a package by mail (post):
- Package: a package that contains goods of weight and dimensions defined in the Postal Regulations.
- Small packet – a package where the weight of the goods does not exceed 2 kg and the package is of the dimensions defined in the Postal Regulations.
- EMS – refers to express mail (by air) for immediate handling by the customs and postal authorities. The sender’s declaration arrives attached to the transmittal letter providing details of the contents of the package.
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