Tax on packages from abroad: how not to overpay at the post office

Israelis are increasingly ordering goods from abroad: from clothing and electronics to rare books and spare parts. However, the joy of a purchase can be marred by an unexpected bill at the post office — a tax on the package. Many are unaware that there are legal ways to avoid overpaying or significantly reduce customs fees. In this article, we will break down how the package taxation system works in Israel, what limits and benefits exist, and how to properly place an order to avoid paying extra shekels. And if you sell goods yourself, remember: on our free classifieds board From Hand to Hand, your listing will be seen by thousands of buyers, and automatic translation will make it accessible in Hebrew, Russian, English, and Arabic, expanding your audience and speeding up the sale.

Limits and duties: what you need to know before ordering

In Israel, the tax on a package depends on its value and contents. According to tax authority rules, all packages worth up to $75 (inclusive) are exempt from duty and VAT. If the price of the goods exceeds $75, tax is charged on the difference between the invoice amount and this threshold — typically 17% VAT plus possible customs fees. However, there is an important nuance: for gifts sent by a private individual, the limit rises to $475. But in practice, customs often requires confirmation that it is indeed a gift and not a commercial shipment. To avoid surprises, always ask the seller to state the real value on the invoice and do not deliberately undervalue it — this can result in fines. If you plan to receive goods from abroad regularly, study the list of categories subject to additional duties (e.g., electronics or textiles). It is better to check the product code in the Israeli customs classification in advance.

Legal saving methods: group orders and proper packaging

One of the most popular methods is declaring a lower value for the package, but this is a risky approach. A much safer option is to combine several orders into one large one: if the total does not exceed $75, you pay nothing. Sellers on AliExpress, Amazon, or eBay often offer a “local warehouse” service — the item ships from Europe or already within Israel, which eliminates international customs control. Another legal trick is to order items in parts if the total price exceeds the limit. For example, instead of one $150 package, split the purchase into two of $75 — each will be tax-exempt. It is important to remember: tax is charged not only on the item’s cost but also on shipping, so factor that amount into your calculations. If you frequently trade or exchange items with fellow countrymen, use the From Hand to Hand section — it’s free, and the automatic translation of the listing into four languages will help you find a buyer even among Russian-speaking, English-speaking, or Arabic-speaking residents of the country.

What to do if tax has already been charged: step-by-step at the post office

You arrive at the post office, and they say: “Pay 200 shekels.” Don’t rush to get upset — follow a clear plan. First, ask the employee to show the calculation breakdown: errors often arise from an incorrectly declared customs value or exchange rate. Second, check if the package exceeds the $75 limit. If it does, ask if it can be declared as a gift — sometimes a written statement is enough. Third, if the tax amount seems inflated, you have the right not to collect the package and file an appeal with the customs service within 14 days. To do this, write a complaint in Hebrew or English, attach the original invoice and proof of payment. Remember: the storage period for the package at the post office is limited (usually 7–15 days), so do not delay. If you decide to return the item to the seller, request an official refusal of receipt from the post office — this will help avoid additional payments. For those who do not want to take risks with foreign purchases, an excellent alternative is to search for items within Israel on From Hand to Hand, where there are no customs issues, and listings are automatically translated into four languages.

How a platform with automatic translation helps sellers and buyers

Many sellers in Israel lose customers due to the language barrier. Even if the item is already in the country, a Hebrew-only listing will not be seen by thousands of Russian-speaking, Arabic-speaking, and English-speaking users. Our free classifieds board solves this problem: when you create a listing, its content is instantly translated into Russian, Hebrew, Arabic, and English. For example, you are selling a car — just post the text in one language, and the system will automatically create versions for all four audiences. This increases views by 3–4 times compared to regular platforms. The same applies to real estate — an apartment or house will be visible to locals, new immigrants, and tourists. You can post a listing in any section: Cars, Real Estate, Jobs, Services, or From Hand to Hand. Saving on taxes when ordering from abroad is great, but it’s even more profitable to find the needed item or service in Israel, without risking overpayments and long delivery waits.

Conclusion: key tips and the advantage of a smart platform

Now you know that a tax on packages from abroad is not a death sentence. The main thing is to stay within the $75 limit, properly prepare documents, and not be afraid to dispute erroneous charges. If you want to save both time and money, consider items and services within Israel. By posting listings on our board, you not only get free access to a huge audience but also automatic translation into four most popular languages: Russian, Hebrew, English, and Arabic. This means your offer will be seen not only by native Israelis but also by new immigrants, tourists, and workers from various countries. No customs duties, no additional payments — just a convenient and fast way to buy, sell, or find a job. Publish listings in the sections Cars, Real Estate, Jobs, Services, or From Hand to Hand — and be confident that you will be understood and appreciated.