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Israeli Import Tax Rules Make Splitting Online Orders Complex and Costly

How 6 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

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First reported by Ynet · 1 day ago

What happened

Israel has reinstated a $75 import tax exemption threshold, complicating online orders from abroad. Splitting purchases into smaller shipments can sometimes reduce VAT but risks combined taxation if orders from the same seller arrive within 72 hours. Consumers must weigh shipping costs, seller identity, and timing to avoid higher fees or logistical problems.

01Israel lowered import tax exemption threshold back to $75, affecting online orders.
02Orders valued over $75 face 18% VAT and possibly purchase tax; shipping costs excluded if listed separately.
03Splitting orders can save VAT but only if shipments are from different sellers or spaced over 72 hours.
04Multiple packages from the same seller within 72 hours may be combined for tax purposes.
05Extra shipping fees and handling charges can negate savings from splitting orders.
06EU will impose a €3 fee on small packages from outside starting July 2026, signaling global tightening of rules.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

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Tova Or