What is forbidden or restricted to order to Israel from AliExpress

Updated: October 2026. This is a general guide and not legal advice. The lists and requirements are updated, so before ordering a problematic product, check with the responsible body.

Why it is important to check first

A parcel held because of a restricted product may be seized, destroyed or bring you back into a long process, and a refund is not guaranteed. It is easier to check before buying.

Categories worth checking

• **Weapons, parts and accessories, pepper spray and certain knives:** weapons require a license, and personal import of them is forbidden or restricted.
• **Tobacco, e-cigarettes and alcohol:** subject to restrictions and high taxes, and do not enjoy the regular personal import exemption.
• **Medicines, supplements and medical products:** import is subject to the Ministry of Health.
• **Food, plants and animal products:** subject to permits from the Ministry of Agriculture.
• **Communications and broadcasting equipment (walkie-talkies, transmitters, amplifiers):** subject to approval from the Ministry of Communications.
• **Drones:** subject to the Civil Aviation Authority regulations (registration and operating restrictions), and to additional laws on operating a drone.
• **Lithium batteries and products with batteries:** airlines and couriers restrict their transport, and delays or refusal may occur.
• **Copyright-protected or counterfeit products:** a parcel may be held in the customs check.
• **Smoking equipment and dangerous substances:** some products are absolutely forbidden.

How to check

1. Search the Tax Authority and customs site and the site of the responsible body (the Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Communications, and the Civil Aviation Authority).
2. If you are not sure, don't order.
3. Don't use a low-value declaration to get around a check: a false declaration is an offense.

Taxes on regular parcels are explained in the [customs and VAT guide](/blog/import-tax).

How to recognize a problematic product before ordering

Read the product name and description carefully. Words such as "electric", "battery", "lithium", "drone", "supplement", "cream" or "knife" point to a category that may be restricted. Cosmetic and personal care products may also require registration or approval in Israel, so don't assume a product is completely ordinary.

Products for events

Event decorations, balloons, signs and gift bags are usually not a problem. However, activation products such as fireworks, pyrotechnic confetti, color powders or explosive liquids may be considered restricted. If you want a special effect for an event, choose a product suited for home use and an enclosed space, and check the standards.