Restricted and Prohibited Items When Shipping to Israel
One of the most common questions we receive is:
“Can I ship this to Israel?”
The answer depends on the item and your immigration status.
Most household goods can be imported without difficulty. However, some items are tax-free, some are taxable, some require special permits, and others cannot be imported at all.
Understanding these differences before packing day can help you avoid delays, unexpected expenses, or the need to remove items from your shipment.
Tax-Free Household Goods
If you are making aliyah as an oleh hadash or returning to Israel as a toshav hozer with shipping rights, many normal household goods may be imported tax-free under your rights.
Examples include:
- Clothing
- Linens
- Furniture
- Kitchen utensils
- Pictures and decorations
- Books, CDs, DVDs, and media
- General household effects
- Two televisions
- Two computers
- Refrigerator
- Oven
- Dishwasher
- Washer
- Dryer
- One non-electric bicycle per family member
- Limited quantities of food
Although these items are generally eligible for tax-free importation under your rights, Customs may still request documentation or inspect the shipment.
Items That Are Permitted but Taxable
Some items may certainly be shipped to Israel but are not covered by aliyah shipping rights and are generally subject to import taxes.
Examples include:
- Rugs and carpets
- Outdoor furniture
- Charcoal grills
- Camping equipment
- Sports equipment
- Pool tables
- Ping pong tables
- Outdoor swings
- Building materials
- Commercial or non-household goods
- 3D printers (generally limited to one machine)
New gas grills have special import requirements. If you plan to include one in your shipment, please let us know before packing.
Items That Cannot Be Imported
Certain items are prohibited and cannot be included in your shipment.
Examples include:
- Electric bicycles
- Electric scooters
- Used bicycle helmets
- Baby car seats
- Firearms
- Hunting knives
- Corrosive materials
- Explosives or flammable materials
- Pornographic or otherwise prohibited materials
If you’re unsure about a specific item, it’s always better to ask before packing rather than discovering the issue during customs clearance.
Some Items Require Special Approval
Certain products may require permits or approval from Israeli government agencies before they can be imported.
These requirements can change periodically and may depend on the specific model or intended use of the item.
If you plan to ship unusual equipment, commercial items, specialized electronics, construction materials, or other uncommon goods, please let us know early in the planning process so we can determine whether additional documentation may be required.
Shipping Without Aliyah Rights
If you are:
- Shipping before your aliyah rights become active,
- Moving as a student,
- Shipping as a foreign resident, or
- Importing household goods without aliyah benefits,
your shipment will generally be subject to Israeli import taxes.
For standard household goods, the combined customs duties, purchase tax, and VAT are often around 35% of the declared value, although some products—particularly electronics and specialty items—may be taxed at higher rates. Tax rates and regulations may change over time.
Our Recommendation
Before packing begins, take a few minutes to think about any unusual items you plan to ship.
Questions are much easier—and much less expensive—to resolve before your shipment leaves North America.
If you are uncertain whether an item is permitted, taxable, or prohibited, simply ask us. With more than 16 years of experience helping families move to Israel, we’re happy to help you determine the best course of action before packing day.
A little planning today can prevent costly surprises later.
