Can I send books to Israel?
Allowed
Yes.
Personal books are fine. They count toward the value limits.
Before you ship to Israel
- Tax-free limit
- Shipments worth up to USD 75 (about ILS 228) are tax-free, whether they hold purchases, gifts, or used goods. Shipping and insurance billed separately don't count toward the USD 75. Alcohol, tobacco, and e-cigarettes get no exemption. From USD 75 to USD 500 (about ILS 1,520), you pay VAT and any purchase tax but no customs duty. Above USD 500 all taxes apply, and above USD 1,000 (about ILS 3,040) the box is taxed like a commercial import. Boxes sent by the same sender to the same receiver within 72 hours count as one shipment.
- Receiver ID
- Teudat zehut (Israeli ID number), or passport number for foreign residents needed. Customs Form 130 asks for the goods owner's ID number or passport number, and lists the ID card among the documents for clearing a personal import. Give the receiver's number when you book so the courier's customs agent can file the declaration in their name.
- Transit
- 2-5 business days from Europe; 3-6 from North America; 4-7 from Asia
Questions
Can I send books to Israel?
Yes. Personal books are fine. They count toward the value limits.
Ask about a specific item
Official sources
- 1.
Israel Tax Authority (Customs)
Guide to Personal Importation via Parcel Post or Courier Services (opens in a new tab) - 2.
Ministry of Economy and Industry
צו יבוא אישי – מהדורה דיגיטלית (opens in a new tab) - 3.
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Plant Protection and Inspection Services
רישיונות יבוא לצמחים ומוצרי צמחים (opens in a new tab) - 4.
Ministry of Health, Pharmaceutics Division
Personal Importation of Medicines (opens in a new tab) - 5.
Israel Tax Authority (Customs)
Import Tax Guide for New Immigrants (Olim) (opens in a new tab)
General guidance, not legal advice. Customs in Israel makes the final decision on every box.