International Orders: AliExpress, Amazon and Customs Regulations
Reading time: 5 minutes
Key Points
- Main Platforms: AliExpress and Amazon
- Customs Limits: $75 USD for duty-free import
- Taxes: 17% VAT when exceeding the limit
- Resale Opportunities: Sections for listings on Second Hand and Services
Article Contents
- Popular Platforms for International Shopping
- Customs Limits and Taxation
- Practical Steps When Ordering and Receiving
- Sale and Exchange of Imported Goods Within the Country
- Conclusion
Popular Platforms for International Shopping
The most popular among Israeli buyers are the Chinese giant AliExpress and the American Amazon. AliExpress attracts with incredible product variety and low prices, while Amazon is famous for branded electronics, books, and fast delivery through Amazon Global service. However, the key difference for Israelis lies in the customs clearance approach. Orders from AliExpress often consist of multiple small packages from different sellers, which can affect the total cost for customs. Amazon, when processed through Global, often includes duties and taxes in the final price upfront, making the process more transparent. After receiving the package, many users decide to sell items that didn’t fit or aren’t needed, and for this, the Second Hand section is perfect, where your listing will be seen by everyone.
Customs Limits and Taxation
It’s important to clearly understand the financial framework established by Israeli legislation. Currently, the duty-free import limit for personal use goods is $75 USD per package. If the order value exceeds this amount, you will have to pay value-added tax (VAT), which is 17% of the excess amount. It’s important to note that shipping costs are also included in the total amount for customs payment calculations. If the total cost of goods and shipping exceeds $500, customs duty is added to the VAT, the amount of which depends on the product category. These rules are the same for everyone, and knowing them will save you from unexpected expenses.
Practical Steps When Ordering and Receiving
To minimize risks and problems, follow a simple algorithm. First, before purchasing, always check with the seller how they declare the product value on the customs form. Some may indicate a lower value, which is a violation. Second, combine orders from the same marketplace reasonably to not exceed the $75 limit per package. When receiving a notification from the postal service or courier about the need to pay taxes, do so promptly to avoid delaying package release. If you engage in reselling goods from abroad on a regular basis, this is considered commercial activity, and to advertise your services, you can use the Services section.
Sale and Exchange of Imported Goods Within the Country
After you’ve figured out the intricacies of ordering and received your package, it might turn out that the product didn’t suit you or you want to sell it to buy something else. In this case, free listings become an ideal solution. You can easily sell imported gadgets, branded clothing, or unique items that are hard to find in local stores. Thanks to automatic translation of listings into four languages, your product will be seen by Russian-speaking buyers, Hebrew, Arabic, and English speakers. This significantly expands the audience and increases the chances of a quick and profitable sale. For example, to sell an imported car or its parts, the Auto category works perfectly.
Conclusion
Thus, ordering goods from abroad is an accessible and convenient option for Israeli residents, which, however, requires awareness of customs regulations. Knowing the $75 limit, VAT rates, and clearance procedures allows for budget planning and avoiding unpleasant surprises. If the product doesn’t meet expectations, it can always be sold profitably on the domestic market. Our free listing platform not only provides an ideal venue for this but also breaks down language barriers. Every listing you post instantly becomes available in Hebrew, Russian, Arabic, and English, maximizing your potential audience. Effectively use these opportunities for profitable and convenient buying and selling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to properly choose a product on AliExpress or Amazon?
- What to do if the product doesn’t arrive?
- How to avoid additional customs fees?