Sending a package to Israel: Customs, transit time and import 2026
From Germany to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Haifa: Prepare properly
Israel is one of the European Union's most important trading partners in the Eastern Mediterranean. For German companies, the market is particularly attractive for machinery, electronics, medical technology, chemical products, and technical components.
- Shipping from Germany to Israel
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- 18% import VAT must be taken into account.
- Check EU customs preference for originating goods
- Check current delivery times before shipping
- EUR.1 and declaration of origin possible
- European product standards are gaining in importance
- Check import permits according to HS code
10.000+
Shipments / Month
220+
Countries worldwide
< 2 seconds
per label
Up to 80%
günstiger
Since 2025, Israel has facilitated the import of many European products.
For business shipments to Israel, the customs tariff number, value of goods, origin and product requirements should be determined before collection.
Since 2025, Israel has also simplified the import of numerous products that comply with European regulations.
For some goods, this eliminates the previously required separate Israeli inspection.
Include 18% VAT in your calculations.
The standard Israeli value-added tax rate has been 18 percent since January 2025. This rate generally also applies to taxable imports of goods.
Making the most of EU preferences
The EU-Israel Association Agreement includes a free trade area. Goods with preferential EU origin can therefore receive tariff advantages depending on the HS code.
European product regulations can facilitate imports
Numerous products can be imported via the so-called European Regulation Track if the requirements of the adopted European regulations are met.
Shipping from
23.18 €
Delivery in
1-16 days
Guaranteed total cost for Platinum customers
Checkout-ready
for international orders
DDP / DAP
directly controllable
Carrier selection
including price & duration
More transparency
for dealers & customers
“We have automated our international shipping with the Billbee connection from Paket International and save several hours every day – especially with customs issues.”
Besler-Scharf – DLA Proficiency Tests
Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Israel: Who handles the import?
Before a business shipment, it should be clear who will handle customs duties and taxes.
For DAP The seller organizes the transport to the agreed destination.
The recipient generally assumes:
- Import clearance
- Import duty
- 18% VAT
- Purchase Tax (if applicable)
- local handling fees
For DDP In contrast, the seller assumes the agreed import costs and further obligations.
Therefore, the following should be checked before making a DDP offer:
- HS code
- Customs duty
- EU preferential origin
- VAT
- Purchase Tax
- Product approvals
- local handling charges
Especially when there are several cost components, it is worthwhile to Landed Cost Calculation, before the customer is given a binding final price.
What is the import duty in Israel?
Israel does not have a uniform, flat-rate customs duty.
The actual applicable tariff depends on, among other things:
- HS code
- Type of goods
- Origin
- Free Trade Agreements
- possible Purchase Tax
- further product-related taxes
The Israeli tax administration publishes an electronic customs tariff for this purpose.
The customs tariff number is also important to determine whether:
- An import license is required.
- an Israeli standard applies
- Another official approval is required
For goods originating in the EU, the agreement between the EU and Israel can reduce or eliminate import duties.
Tax and customs duties should still be considered separately.
Even duty-free goods can still be subject to 18% VAT.
The correct value of the goods or customs duties should also be used for import calculations. You can find out more at Calculate customs value correctly.
What is the value-added tax (VAT) rate in Israel?
Since 1 January 2025 The standard Israeli VAT rate is:
18% VAT
Previously, the standard rate was 17 percent.
The 18 percent also generally applies to the import of taxable goods.
Additionally, certain products may have a so-called Purchase Tax attack.
For example, certain:
- Vehicles
- Tobacco products
- alcoholic products
- other legally defined goods
to be affected.
The exact tax status should therefore be checked using the current Israeli customs tariff.
VAT: 18%
“What is good for Europe is good for Israel”: What does the import reform mean?
Israel has significantly changed its system for product standards.
Since 1 January 2025 The reform will be implemented gradually:
“What is good for Europe is good for Israel”
applied.
The basic idea is simple:
Products that comply with the adopted European regulations should not have to be fully tested again according to separate Israeli standards in many areas.
The reform affects, among other things:
- technical product standards
- Electrical devices
- Energy requirements
- Food products
- Cosmetics
Go to the July 1, 2026 Another stage of the standardization reform came into effect.
This makes the Israeli market more interesting, especially for European manufacturers.
Automatic approval is not available for every product.
The Israeli Standards and Import Catalogue must still be checked for the specific HS code or standard.
Sending a package to Israel: Check customs and product regulations together
Israel has a highly developed import market with highly digitized customs and regulatory processes.
Important economic and logistics locations include:
- Tel Aviv
- Jerusalem
- Haifa
- Ashdod
- Be'er Sheva
International air transport plays a central role in parcel and express shipments.
The Mediterranean ports of Haifa and Ashdod are particularly important for container and larger freight volumes.
What documents do I need for Israel?
For a standard commercial delivery, the following should be prepared in particular:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing List
- Air Waybill or Bill of Lading
- HS code
- cart value
- Country of origin
- Proof of preference, if applicable
- Import license (if applicable)
- Standard or regulatory approval may apply
A commercial invoice should be used for a regular sale of goods.
For free samples, warranty replacements, or other non-commercial goods movements, a pro forma invoice may be useful.
Complete digital documents simplify processing, especially for regular exports. Learn more at Automate shipping and customs documents.
Is there a free trade agreement between Israel and the EU?
Yes.
Trade relations are based on the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
It came into force in 2000 and includes a free trade zone for goods.
For German exporters, this means:
Goods with a corresponding EU preferential origin may be subject to a more favorable customs duty rate when imported into Israel, depending on the customs tariff number.
However, the origin of the goods is decisive.
A product does not automatically become an EU-origin product just because it is shipped from Germany.
Which proof of preferential treatment will be valid in 2026?
Israel is part of the Pan-Euro-Med system.
Further developed rules of origin have been in effect there since 2026.
For Israel, German customs currently lists the following in particular:
- EUR.1 movement certificate
- Declaration of origin according to the prescribed wording
as evidence according to the revised rules.
A declaration of origin can generally be issued without any simplification requiring approval up to:
6.000 euros in originating products
should be used.
For regular or higher-value deliveries, it should be examined which simplification is suitable for the company.
How long does it take for a package to reach Israel?
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time estimate of:
12 to 16 working days.
However, there is currently one important point to note:
Air traffic to Israel has resumed. Due to the situation in the Middle East, DHL continues to advise of possible significant delivery delays.
The published standard runtimes should therefore currently only be understood as a guideline.
DHL Express typically quotes a significantly shorter transit time of approximately:
1 working day in the main run.
Even with express shipping, the actual delivery time for the shipping date and recipient address must be checked regularly.
Which language should I use for the customs declaration?
DHL currently accepts:
- English
- French
- Arabic for online data entry
- National language for online data entry
For German B2B broadcasts, English is usually the easiest choice.
The product description should be specific.
Instead of:
“Electronic Parts”
better:
“Electronic control module for industrial water pump, 24 V”
This makes it easier to classify the goods in tariffs and regulations.
Correctly write an address in Israel
DHL recommends the use of Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
An example:
Example Technologies Ltd.
16 Yafo Street
9422108 JERUSALEM
ISRAEL
Israel uses seven-digit postal codes.
The recipient's phone number and email address should also be provided.
This makes it easier to have questions from customs and delivery.
Check product standards before shipping
For goods subject to a binding Israeli standard, the procedure depends on the product and import group.
For products in import groups 2 and 3, a declaration from the importer can often be used.
For products in import group 1, however, a formal standard release may still be required.
In addition, there is now a separate European Regulation Track.
Whether it can be used can be checked via the official Israeli databases based on the specific product.
This applies, for example, to many electrical and household products.
Those who ship such goods can find additional practical information at Securely ship kitchen appliances internationally.
These errors often lead to delays in shipping to Israel.
In Israel, problems often arise not from the transport itself, but from missing product or customs data.
Typical causes include:
- HS code not correctly determined
- Commercial invoice incomplete
- EU preference accepted without valid proof of origin
- Import license not verified
- Israeli standard not taken into account
- European Regulation Track misapplied
- Recipient information is missing
- Current runtime not checked
With electronics, there is often another point to consider.
Devices such as laptops, measuring instruments or mobile technology may contain lithium-ion batteries.
Then, in addition to the import regulations, the transport regulations for dangerous goods must also be checked.
Further information can be found at Shipping lithium-ion batteries internationally.
What goods are shipped from Europe to Israel?
The European Union is Israel's largest trading partner.
In 2025, the EU exported goods worth approximately 28 billion euros to Israel.
Particularly strong were:
- Machinery and transport equipment
- chemical products
- technical products
- Industrial products
Machinery and transport equipment accounted for more than 40 percent of EU exports to Israel in 2025.
Therefore, the following are of particular interest to German companies:
- Machinery and equipment
- Spare parts
- Electrical Engineering
- Measurement and testing technology
- Medical Technology
- Pumps and fittings
- car parts
- Laboratory and research equipment
- Computers and IT technology
- high-quality consumer goods
Especially with computers and technical electronics, additional considerations must be given to packaging, battery and transport regulations.
Further information can be found at Securely ship laptops and PCs internationally.
Shipping information: Israel
Standard or express shipping to Israel.
A standard package can be used for less time-critical shipments.
DHL Parcel currently lists:
12 to 16 working days.
However, due to the current traffic situation, additional delays may occur.
For urgent spare parts or time-critical business goods, express shipping is significantly faster.
DHL Express typically states that the main delivery time for key destinations is approximately one working day.
The actual duration should be checked immediately before booking.
For larger machines, multiple pallets or heavy goods, individual air and sea freight solutions are also an option.
Haifa, Ashdod and air traffic connect Israel with Europe
Air freight plays an important role for small and time-critical business shipments.
For larger quantities of goods, the ports on the Mediterranean coast are particularly relevant.
The most important logistics locations include:
- Haifa
- Ashdod
- Ben Gurion International Airport
This means that, in principle, different transport routes are available for goods from Germany.
For urgent spare parts, express shipping or air freight is often suitable.
Machines and larger industrial products, on the other hand, can be transported by sea or combined freight.
What are the import costs in Israel?
Depending on the goods, several cost components may arise.
These include:
- product-specific import duty
- 18% VAT
- Purchase Tax (if applicable)
- possibly testing or approval costs
- Customs broker and carrier fees
If the goods have EU preferential origin, the actual customs duty can be reduced or eliminated through the EU-Israel agreement.
VAT and any applicable purchase tax are not automatically eliminated as a result.
Therefore, when considering a DDP offer, the complete final price should always be taken into account.
What are the import costs in Israel?
Depending on the goods, several cost components may arise.
These include:
- product-specific import duty
- 18% VAT
- Purchase Tax (if applicable)
- possibly testing or approval costs
- Customs broker and carrier fees
If the goods have EU preferential origin, the actual customs duty can be reduced or eliminated through the EU-Israel agreement.
VAT and any applicable purchase tax are not automatically eliminated as a result.
Therefore, when considering a DDP offer, the complete final price should always be taken into account.
Online trade to Israel: Understanding the $75 limit correctly
Simplified value limits apply to private imports into Israel.
Goods for personal use with a total value of not more than:
75 US Dollars
are generally exempt from import taxes.
Alcohol and tobacco are specifically excluded.
Personal imports with a value of more than US$75 up to US$500 are generally exempt from import duties.
VAT and, where applicable, Purchase Tax may still apply.
The standard VAT rate is 18 percent.
Important for 2026:
A planned increase in the full tax-free allowance to US$150 was not confirmed in February 2026. Therefore, the US$75 limit generally remains relevant for regular personal imports.
Online retailers should always check the specific product, because import taxes and licensing requirements can differ.
A transparent presentation of the total costs is particularly useful. You can find out more at Display shipping and import costs at checkout.
Israel is increasingly adopting European product regulations.
The Israeli import reform is of particular interest to European manufacturers.
Since January 2025, numerous goods can be imported via a European regulatory route.
There is a greater recognition that products that comply with European regulations do not necessarily have to undergo a complete, separate Israeli testing procedure.
Go to the July 1, 2026 Another stage of this reform came into effect.
The Israeli standard system now distinguishes, among other things:
- classic Israeli standard route
- international standard routes
- European Regulation Track
Which variant can be used depends on the product and its classification.
This can simplify market access, especially for manufacturers of European electrical, household and consumer products.
The importer must still be able to document that the respective requirements are actually met.
Which carrier is suitable for Israel?
Several points should currently be considered when comparing carriers:
- current service availability
- Runtime
- Customs service
- Price
- Safety surcharges
- Tracking
- Insurance
- Dimensional and weight limits
DHL Parcel currently states 12 to 16 working days as a standard guideline.
According to DHL, air traffic has resumed. However, DHL continues to warn of significant delays due to the current situation.
For DHL Parcel International, additional insurance up to 5.000 euros is generally available.
DHL Express currently also lists Israel among the countries for which a security surcharge for crisis regions is levied.
Therefore, comparing several services is particularly worthwhile for time-critical or high-value business goods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I currently send a package from Germany to Israel?
Yes. DHL has resumed air service to Israel. However, due to the current situation, significant delays may still occur. Specific service availability should be checked before booking.
How long does it take for a package to reach Israel?
DHL Parcel currently estimates delivery times of 12 to 16 business days. DHL Express can usually reach key destinations significantly faster. However, current delays may extend these delivery times.
What is the value-added tax (VAT) rate in Israel?
The standard Israeli VAT rate has been 18 percent since January 1, 2025. It generally also applies to taxable imports of goods.
What are the customs duties in Israel?
Customs duties depend on the specific customs tariff number, the type of goods, and their origin. Due to the EU-Israel agreement, goods originating in the EU may be subject to a reduced or even completely waived customs duty, depending on the product.
Is there a free trade agreement between Israel and the EU?
Yes. The EU-Israel Association Agreement has been in force since June 2000 and includes a free trade area for goods.
Do I need a EUR.1 for Israel?
An EUR.1 certificate can be used as proof of preferential origin for corresponding EU originating products in 2026. The prerequisite is that the goods meet the applicable rules of origin.
Can I use a declaration of origin?
Yes. According to the current preferential rules, a declaration of origin can generally be used. Without any simplification requiring approval, a value limit of €6.000 applies to originating products.
What does “What is good for Europe is good for Israel” mean?
This is an Israeli import reform. Since 2025, European regulatory requirements have been more strongly recognized for numerous product groups. This can simplify the import of products that meet the relevant European requirements.
Do I need Israeli product approval?
It depends on the goods. Certain products are subject to mandatory standards or import permits. Other products can be imported via a simplified declaration process or the European Regulation Track.
Are private shipments under US$75 tax-free?
Goods for personal use up to a total value of US$75 are generally exempt from import duties. Exceptions apply to alcohol and tobacco. Above this limit, VAT and other taxes may apply.
Which language should I use for the customs declaration?
DHL accepts English and French, and for online shipments, also Arabic and the local language. For German business shipments, English is usually the most practical option.
Can I ship electronics and lithium batteries to Israel?
In principle, many electronic products can be shipped. If the product contains lithium batteries, the dangerous goods regulations of the carrier and transport route must also be observed. Israeli product or communications approvals may also be relevant, depending on the device.
