Releasing a parcel from abroad: who charges what, and why

Updated: October 2026. Details differ between couriers, so it is worth reading the message you receive with the parcel.

What happens after the parcel lands

The parcel arrives in Israel, goes through a customs check and is released for delivery. For low-value parcels the process is usually automatic. A parcel that passes the duty-free threshold is charged taxes before delivery.

Who charges what

• **Taxes (VAT, and above $500 also customs and purchase tax):** they go to the Tax Authority. The courier or Israel Post collects them on its behalf.
• **Fixed fees under the customs regulations:** these are also a state charge, not a company fee.
• **Release fee and handling fee:** a charge of the courier or the post, according to their price list. The amount differs between companies.
• **Storage fees:** if you did not collect the parcel by the set time, according to the carrier's price list.

Why you receive a payment message

When the parcel passes the threshold, a message is sent with an amount to pay and a link. It is worth making sure the message is real: it comes from the post or from the courier shown in the tracking details, and payment is made on their official site. Don't pay through a link in a suspicious message.

If the charge looks wrong

• Check what value of goods was declared and whether it matches the invoice.
• Contact the courier and ask for a breakdown of every component.
• For the charge itself, the contact is the Tax Authority and customs.

For an estimate before buying: [customs and VAT calculator](/tax-calculator). Background: [how much customs and VAT you pay](/blog/import-tax).

What to prepare and keep

Save the order number, the tracking number and the invoice or purchase confirmation. If you are asked to explain the value of the goods, these documents will help you prove what you paid. Don't delete the messages from the courier, because they contain the payment details.

Common delays

The parcel may be held at release if the address details are missing, if the declared value looks unusual, or if the product requires approval from a government body. In that case you will receive a message asking you to complete documents. It is worth answering quickly, because every extra day at customs may add storage fees.