Sending to Israel: at a glance
- Duty-free limit
- The exempt value has changed several times; ask the courier for the current limit. Value excludes separately charged shipping and insurance.
- Tax above the limit
- VAT of 18% on personal imports above the exempt value. Letters and documents are VAT-exempt.
- Used personal items
- Assume there is no special relief for used personal items sent by post or courier; the ordinary parcel thresholds apply.
- Put in the parcel
- Commercial or pro-forma invoice with item descriptions and values
- Recipient name, address and phone
These are the usual rules. Customs and courier rules can change at any time, so confirm with Israel Tax Authority (Customs and VAT) before sending.
Israel Tax Authority (Customs and VAT)What can you usually send?
MedicinesUsually limited
- Medicines: Some couriers treat prescription medicines as controlled; confirm with the Ministry of Health and the courier before sending.
Alcohol and tobaccoUsually not allowed
- Tobacco, alcohol and intoxicating products: Excluded from the low-value exemption; the item may still be allowed.
Anything not listed here (clothes, bags, toys, your own used things) usually follows the standard parcel rules and the duty-free limit above.
Send it yourself
- Ask the office holding it whether they post items, or who may collect it for you (a written authorisation and a copy of your ID).
- Someone collects it and packs it securely.
- Book a courier with a clear description and value; outside the EU it needs electronic customs data.
- The receiver pays any import duty or tax on arrival.
Offices usually work Greek office hours, and staff may answer in Greek. A service we recommend can make the calls and handle the pickup for you.
Rather not do it yourself? Couriers we recommend
Ask whether they can collect it from the office that has it, pack it and send it, and help with the customs paperwork. Ask for the price first.
Family-run Athens courier since 1988. Sends parcels within Greece and abroad, helps with customs clearance, and can store extra bags for travellers and deliver them later. Ask for a price on their website.
We recommend services we think are useful; some may pay us a fee if you book. Prices and terms are set by the service, so check them before you book.
More details
In short
Israel exempts low-value personal imports from VAT and duty, but the limit has changed several times. Tobacco, alcohol and goods subject to purchase tax are excluded from the exemption. Check the Tax Authority before shipping.
Good to know
- The Tax Authority does not publish the limit in English; ask your courier to confirm the current limit when you book.