Israel Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Israel customs guide provides essential information for individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation, or the import of personal effects into Israel. Customs is overseen by the Israel Tax Authority – Customs Division and requires accurate documentation and compliance with import regulations.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients moving from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada with international moves to Israel, handling export packing, freight, customs support and delivery across Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Be’er Sheva and surrounding regions.

1. Moving to Israel – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import for New Immigrants (Olim Hadashim)

New immigrants (“Olim”) are entitled to significant duty exemptions for personal household goods if:

You have approved Aliyah status from the Ministry of Immigration & Integration
You import approved goods within the allowed timeframe (usually up to 36 months)
You do not resell items during the exemption period

1.2 Returning Residents

Returning Israelis who lived abroad for a qualifying period may be eligible for reduced duties on used goods.

Important: Israel enforces strict valuation checks on electronics, tools, musical equipment and new items.

1.3 Non-Immigrant Foreign Residents

Individuals relocating to Israel for work or study may import used goods duty-free provided they meet residence requirements.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Passport copy
Israeli ID (if applicable)
Bill of lading / air waybill
Detailed packing list with item descriptions
Aliyah approval or residency documentation
Power of attorney for customs broker (if needed)

2.2 Inventory Requirements

List electronics individually with brand, model and serial number
Avoid vague descriptions like “miscellaneous household goods”
New goods require invoices and may incur duty and VAT
Multiple identical items can be considered commercial

H-H Relocations Tip: Israel often inspects electronics, tools, high-end appliances and musical instruments. Keep receipts for anything purchased recently.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Israel

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Importing a vehicle into Israel is possible but expensive due to high duties and strict technical compliance checks.

Vehicle must meet Israeli Ministry of Transport standards
Left-hand-drive vehicles only (Israel prohibits RHD)
Taxes depend on age, engine size, emissions & market value

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original registration/title
Invoice for valuation
Bill of lading
Proof of ownership (usually 6–12 months minimum)

Important: Vehicle import taxes in Israel are among the highest globally. Confirm cost-benefit before shipping.

4. Bringing Pets to Israel

Pets may be imported into Israel, but strict veterinary rules apply. Dogs and cats are the most commonly permitted pets.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

ISO microchip identification
Rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days before travel)
Veterinary health certificate issued by an approved authority
Import permit issued by Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture

Pet Travel Tip: Israel may restrict certain dog breeds and can require quarantine depending on origin country.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Israel enforces strict import rules on alcohol, including duties and quantity limits. Alcohol must be declared, and commercial quantities require permits. Undeclared alcohol may be seized and penalties applied.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products must be declared on arrival. Duty and taxes apply for all tobacco imports. Excess quantities require special authorization.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

Israel maintains tight controls on food imports to protect public health and local agriculture:

Meat, poultry and dairy products require veterinary permits
Plant-based items may require phytosanitary certificates
Non-compliant food goods may be denied entry or destroyed

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicines require a doctor’s letter and may need approval
Import of chemicals, lab equipment and controlled substances requires permits
Weapons, ammunition and protective gear are tightly restricted

Important: Israel has some of the strictest rules on printed media, electronics and religious materials. Customs may review books, documents and digital content for compliance.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Israel

Israel prohibits the import of the following goods:

Narcotics and illegal drugs
Weapons, explosives and ammunition without permits
Pornographic or obscene materials
Counterfeit goods and pirated software
Hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials
Items violating safety, security or religious guidelines
Right-hand-drive vehicles
Products from endangered species (CITES)

Violation of import rules may result in fines, confiscation or legal action. Israel closely inspects high-risk categories such as electronics, media, tools and medical products.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Israel

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

To ensure a successful international move from Toronto to Israel, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Prepare detailed inventories with accurate descriptions
Keep receipts for new electronics and household appliances
Ensure Aliyah or residency documents are ready before shipment arrival
Check access restrictions in older neighbourhoods and urban apartments

7.2 Why choose an Israel relocation specialist

Israel’s customs rules are more complex than many Western countries. Working with an experienced international moving company ensures:

Accurate customs documentation and declarations
Support for Aliyah eligibility and returning resident rules
Reduced inspection delays and customs queries
Door-to-door delivery coordination throughout Israel

Relocation Tip: Electronics and new items are the most scrutinized by Israeli Customs. Avoid packing unopened products without receipts.

8. Useful Official Links – Israel

Use these official resources for updated customs information:

This guide supports those planning international relocation to Israel. Final customs decisions rest with the Israel Tax Authority and relevant ministries.