Universal Cargo Argentina has specialised in international moves and shipments to Israel for many years. Our team of international moving experts assists numerous clients each year in transporting their personal belongings to Israel.

Who is eligible to ship personal effects to Israel?

• New Immigrants
• New immigrants are entitled to three duty-free imports of household goods and personal effects within the first three years after their arrival. To use this benefit, the consignee must hold a New Immigrant Booklet (Teudat Oleh).
• Duty-free entry applies to all personal and household items.
• Appliances: only one of each type of appliance is allowed, plus up to two computers and two televisions per family.
• Expiry of benefits: goods must arrive at the port of entry no later than three years from the date of arrival.

Israeli Citizens Who Have Lived Abroad for More Than Two Years

If the consignee is an Israeli citizen who has lived abroad for over two years and annual visits do not exceed 120 days, they may qualify for Returning Resident status.
Once Israeli Customs confirms this status, the consignee may import personal effects and household goods duty-free, including one of each appliance, plus two computers and two televisions per family.
Some items are not exempt at all, such as alcohol, communication equipment, and others.

Expiry of benefits: goods must arrive at the port of entry no later than nine months after the consignee’s return date.

Foreign Workers (B-1 Visa)

Unlike in most countries where a work permit allows duty-free import of personal effects, Israel follows a different procedure.
The consignee’s employer must provide a bank guarantee equal to the amount of duties assessed by Israeli Customs in order to clear the shipment instead of paying the taxes. This guarantee must be renewed annually and can only be cancelled once the goods are exported out of Israel.

Restricted / Customs-Controlled Items

• Cigarettes (250 units) and tobacco products (250 g)
• Gifts (non-residents may import gifts valued at approximately USD 125)
• Electrical appliances (no special privileges except a 25% discount on sales tax)
• Alcohol (taxable)
• Communication equipment, including phones, fax machines, etc. (taxable)
• Curtains, drapes, and carpets (taxable)
• Appliances powered by natural gas (methane, propane, etc.)
• Must be approved by the Israel Standards Institute, including gas-powered items such as grills, cooktops/burners, stoves, ovens, heaters, and more.

Without approval, items are subject to confiscation and destruction by customs authorities, and the owner is liable for any related costs.

Prohibited Items

• Firearms and ammunition
• Hazardous chemicals
• Explosives
• Drugs
• Gas barbecues/grills (any type)
• Electric bikes / scooters / mopeds (any type)
• Food (2 kg limit)
• Wine/alcohol (2 L limit)
• Biological products (seeds, plants, raw wood, etc.)

Source: FIDI IMPORT CUSTOMS GUIDE

Start Your International Move with Universal Cargo Argentina

At Universal Cargo Argentina, we make your move to or from Israel simpler, safer, and free of unexpected issues. Contact us today to receive a personalised quote backed by specialists in international relocations.