Sending a parcel to Israel
 

Anybody knows, if I send a newborn gift (baby clothes, shoes, a toy) to Israel, will they pay taxes upon receiving?

Every country has different rules as to "gift" items received by their citizens and the value on which a "duty" may be assessed. I'd check with your friends whether they know if there is a duty and on what amount.

The Israel Tourism/Embassy might be able to advise.

Or better, send them a check (in shekels) so they can purchase what they need.

Every country has different rules as to "gift" items received by their citizens - THIS IS WHY I ASKED!

Dayenu, there's person with the screen name of "yasron" who just posted on the Lounge and she's from Israel. Maybe you can repost over there and she'll catch your post.

Thank you, SF, but these days Yasron will be busy with Passover preparations/celebrations. I'll see if I can catch her later.

Hope it's not too late to reply - by all means a newborn gift is much nicer than a check! According to Israel customs web site, small parcels containing cloths or books up to a value of USD75 are exempt from tax. Your parcel should carry the standard green customs label. Describe its contents as 'Gift-baby cloths', and round down its valus as low as possible ;-)

Eli, no, not late, and Toda Raba for all the details! I don't want to send it before the baby is born, due any day now, just waiting for that joyous e-mails :)

Hi Dayenu

I have posted many packages to family in Israel. I never add the correct value to the customs forms. Also state gift with a low value. The packages arrive fine. Dont send electronics as this will be flagged. I believe some packages go through xray. I once shipped a CD player and my family had to drive to the port to pick it up. They also had to pay taxes. So now i just add gifts, candies for a low value. Send baby cloths from the GAP. Since the quality of the cloths in the baby stores dont seem to be so good. Also baby items are more expensive here in Isreal than the US.

Hope this helps

Mark

Hi Dayenu:
I am trying to find out more about sending a "home decor gift" parcel to Israel. Thank you for your input.
Excuse me if I am ignorant of this. So you need to state the value of the gift? Do you know if there is any cost, customs or taxes that the receiver has to pay?
Thanks for your help
Carol

I know this, thanks to Eli:

Eli on Apr 18, 09 at 06:34 AM
According to Israel customs web site, small parcels containing cloths or books up to a value of USD75 are exempt from tax. Your parcel should carry the standard green customs label. Describe its contents as 'Gift-baby cloths', and round down its values as low as possible.

Whenever you send anything out of the country, you fill out a custom form. You may find more information on the USPS website about what's allowed, if any limits. I didn't check as I didn't think there would be limitation on baby gifts.