How much customs and VAT you pay on AliExpress purchases (updated for 2026)

Last updated: October 25, 2026. The rules on this subject changed several times in the past year, so before a large purchase it is worth checking with the Israel Tax Authority and customs.

The short answer

On a parcel from abroad where the value of the goods is up to **$75**, under the current rules there is no customs and no VAT. Above that and up to **$500** you pay **VAT only** (18%). Above $500, **customs and purchase tax** are added according to the product's classification, and then VAT on everything.

What is checked against the threshold

The threshold is checked on the **value of the goods** only, without shipping and insurance. But if you pass it, VAT is calculated on the value of the goods **together with** shipping and insurance. The check is on the whole parcel: several products that arrive in the same parcel are counted together, while separate parcels are each checked on their own.

Three brackets

• **Up to $75:** exempt from customs and VAT.
• **Above $75 and up to $500:** VAT of 18% on goods + shipping + insurance.
• **Above $500:** customs and purchase tax (which depend on the product's classification, called the HS code) and VAT on the whole amount.

Certain products, such as tobacco and alcohol, do not enjoy the regular personal import exemption.

What is not included in the estimate

• **Fixed fees** under the customs regulations (such as a computer fee), which are added to a parcel that passed the threshold.
• **The release fee** of the courier, which differs between companies.
• **Storage fees**, if the parcel is not collected on time.
• **The currency conversion fee** of the credit card company, and the exchange rate difference.

AliExpress does not give affiliates the product's classification code, so above $500 the customs cannot be estimated without knowing it.

How to estimate before you buy

1. Check on the product page at AliExpress the final price and how much the shipping costs.
2. Enter them in the [customs and VAT calculator](/tax-calculator).
3. If you are close to the threshold, consider splitting or not combining products in one parcel, but remember that the threshold is set by the actual parcel and not by the number of orders.

Important to remember

The amounts on the site are an estimate. Only the Israel Tax Authority and customs set the actual charge. Official information: [Kol-Zchut: personal imports](https://www.kolzchut.org.il/he/זכותון_בנושא_יבוא_אישי_(חבילות_מחו״ל)) and the Tax Authority website.