Customs Processes in Imports

Familiarity with the clearance process will prevent surprises: how can we help with the rapid release of import shipments, and what processes do shipments go through customs before clearance?

Import Declaration

The process of clearing import shipments through customs begins from the moment the goods are received at a port gate in the State of Israel. After the shipment has been collected and is already in the air, the customs agent receives and compiles all the shipment data, including details that indicate the contents of the shipment and the purpose of its arrival in Israel. (Country of origin, value of goods, classification and legality of imports if required).

When the goods arrive in Israel, and if the customs broker does not encounter problems of import legality and customs assessment, he transmits the file to customs through a global gate system. The Customs operates an internal system of "risk assessment" that checks for suspicious signs about the importer and the customs agent, and it determines the routing of the files according to the data entered into it. The system examines the file in a computerized manner for 45 minutes.

Each import declaration undergoes a rating and according to the rating, the file will be routed. If the bag is not required for additional actions, the shipment will be cleared and released. If additional inspections are required, the customs assessor inspects the paperwork in person.

After reviewing the attached documents, the assessor will decide whether to release the goods, transfer them for physical examination, or request supplementary paperwork. The reasons can be paperwork problems, general information about the sender, recipient, goods, etc., or random inspection. After fulfilling all the appraiser's requests, the goods will be released.

In addition, the security authorities in Israel may delay shipments due to security or criminal suspicions.

Process Description: 

What is required of an importer starting with the introduction of a global gate system: 

Since the introduction of the global gate system, Israel Customs has required the importer to provide the following details: 

• Shipment over $1000 requires a power of attorney. Without a power of attorney, it will not be possible to release the shipment.
• Shipment over $5000 must require an importer's affidavit. Without an affidavit, it will not be possible to release the shipment.

Importer's affidavit:

• As of 2025, the affidavit will be uniform for all suppliers and there is no need for an affidavit per supplier.
• Commercial imports – in order to fill out the affidavit, the importer must have a smart card and a digital signature. Click here for contact details for the authorized parties from which the card can be purchased. 
• Valid for one year from the moment the affidavit was issued. For example, if the affidavit was issued on January 1, 2024, it will be valid until December 31, 2024.
• An approved financial entity is not required to file an affidavit.
• Click here for the Importer's Affidavit Guide

Power of Attorney:

• The importer can choose the length of the power of attorney validity. Limited to up to 10 years from the moment it is issued.
• The power of attorney is issued through the Global Gateway system and requires a smart card to be issued. Our team of import experts is at your disposal for any questions you may have:

Our team of import experts is at your disposal for any questions by email: ilcsi2@dhl.com