The modern nation of Israel dates from only 1948, however, its land bears the stamps of millennia of history. Also known as the Holy Land, Israel is the spiritual home to Jews, Christians, and Muslims - each of whom have left their marks in numerous ways.
In Jerusalem alone, a few iconic structures known to all include:
The Western Wall
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Temple Mount
In spite of their long history, today's Israelis are planted firmly in the 21st century. Their rate of internet penetration is the highest in the Middle East and close to the European average.
As a result, e-commerce revenue is expected to grow at an annual rate of 13.8% through to 2024.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Israel through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Israel. in case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Israel
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jul 26, 2021
8:49 am
EILAT, EI, IL
Delivered
Jul 25, 2021
7:18 am
BEERSHEVA, BE, IL
In transit
Jul 24, 2021
9:03 pm
HERZLIYA, HE, IL
International Clearance
Jul 24, 2021
8:14 am
ACRE, AC, IL
In transit
Jul 24, 2021
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Jul 23, 2021
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Israel before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
Document shipments to Israel have a limit of 5 kg per shipment. Above this, an invoice is required if the value of the contents is $5 USD per kilogram.
CD-Roms and diskette attachments are not considered documents.
Typical examples of documents include:
Annual reports
Bids
Drawings
Examination papers
Intercompany mail
Negotiable bonds and drafts
Passports
The following may be sent as document shipments if they abide by the conditions listed.
Item
Restriction
Brochures
Maximum 5 kg per shipment; invoice required if greater than 5 kg and contents' value is $5 USD or greater
Anything above this limit will require an invoice with a minimum value of US$5.00 per kg
Catalogues
Maximum 5 kg per shipment; invoice required if greater than 5 kg and contents' value is $5 USD or greater
Cheques
Only if cheques are completed; blank cheques are non-documents
Company newsletters
Only if shipment weight less than 3 kg
Diplomas
Only if shipped in a document envelope
Event tickets - football (soccer) matches, concerts, and stage performances
Cannot be sent from a printing company to an event organiser or ticket sales office
Gift shipments to Israel from Canada are exempt from customs duties and VAT up to a value of $75 USD (about $100 CAD).
Conditions:
The exemption does not apply to tobacco products and alcoholic beverages
The gift is for personal use
Shipments valued greater than $75 USD but less than $500 USD (about $665 CAD), will incur VAT but no customs duties. From $500 USD and up, both duties and VAT will be incurred.
Certain items, notably televisions and cell phones, will incur a purchase tax.
NOTE:
If 2 shipments sent from the same individual arrive to the same person in Israel within 72 hours of each other, their values are added together for the purposes of calculating taxes owing.
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in Israel is exempt from duties and VAT up to a value of $75 USD (about $100 CAD).
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in Israel will incur duties and taxes.
Gifts of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are not exempt from taxes.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
There is no information available at this time regarding gift shipments from a business in Canada to a business in Israel.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
There is no information available at this time regarding a gift shipment from a business in Canada to an individual in Israel.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
S.Y. Agnon 16 Klausner St. Talpiyot Jerusalem 933 8814 Israel
Phone: 972 02-6716498
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Personal effects can be shipped to Israel from Canada exempt from duties and taxes.
Personal effects include items such as:
Clothing and footwear
Toiletries
Portable handheld tools
Furniture and electrical devices - 1 item of each type
Conditions for a tax exemption include:
A maximum of 2 televisions and 2 personal computers per family
Personal effects may be shipped in up to 3 shipments
The goods are to arrive in Israel within 3 years from your date of entrance to the country
NOTE:
You must be able to show proof of having made living arrangements in Israel, i.e. a contract or lease for a residence.
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving temporarily to Israel to study.
Non-Students
There is no information at this time regarding non-students moving temporarily to Israel.
Moving Permanently
If you are an Israeli resident returning to Israel from Canada, you may ship your personal effects exempt from import taxes providing:
You are 18 years of age or older and have lived in Israel
You have lived in Canada for 2 or more years
You have visited Israel for no more than 4 months - either continuously or in total - in each year you were away
Personal effects shipped are for the personal use of the individual or family for a period of 6 years. And they are not to be given away or donated during that time.
Personal effects shipped are for the personal use of the individual or family for a period of 6 years. And they are not to be given away or donated during that time.
Eligible items include:
Clothing and footwear
Sports equipment
Home office equipment
Furniture
Handheld portable tools used for your profession or trade (maximum value of $1,650 USD - about $2200 CAD)
Electric and electronic devices ( a maximum of one item of each type)
Two televisions and 2 personal computers per family
NOTE: All eligible household effects are to enter Israel using a maximum of 2 shipments.
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
A detailed description of each item is provided
Proof of home ownership or a lease on a residence in Israel
An Israeili citizen returning to Israel permanently must show that he or she has arranged their compulsory IDF service
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Commercial samples are shipped to promote products and encourage sales.
Typically, samples with little or no commercial value may enter Israel exempt from duties and VAT.
Commercial Sample Checklist
A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Equipment that was shipped to Canada for repair will incur taxes on the value of the repair when it returns to Israel.
Items Under Warranty
Goods and equipment shipped to Canada for repair done under a warranty are exempt from Israeli import taxes providing the work was done without charge and during the warranty period.
NOTE: For items valued up to $200 USD (about $265 CAD), one of the following documents must accompany the shipment:
Correspondence with the Canadian supplier
Import declaration
Purchase invoice
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment no longer under warranty that is repaired in Canada will incur taxes on the value of the repair when it returns to Israel.
Sending Product for Repair to Israel
There is no information at this time regarding sending equipment to Israel for repair.
Returning Repaired Product to Israel
Equipment repaired in Canada and returned to Israel will incur taxes on the value of the repair.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Israel or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Temporary imports to Israel are expected to be for a specific purpose and are to undergo no changes during their stay in Israel.
Goods that qualify as a temporary import are those for public display at an exhibition, trade show, or fair. It is expected that they return to Canada once the event is finished, but no longer than 2 years after the date of importation.
Goods shipped without an ATA Carnet will require a bank guarantee to cover the duties owing.
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Israel, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details are shown in the table.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find more information here:
http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently
travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 2 years in Israel
NOTE:
If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods of temporary nature)
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
Occasional Shipper
If you occasionally ship goods to Israel, for e.g. through eBay, they will be exempt from VAT and duties if the shipment's value is $75 USD (about $100 CAD) or less.
Regular Shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Israel, we recommend using a licenced Israeli customs broker.
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels -
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Israel. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Israel, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Television
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Israel from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2-3 months to complete the delivery.
