Eighth Edition

• The vehicle is of a make and model permitted by the Ministry of
Transport and Road Safety.
• The vehicle is of current production year or one previous production
year. One may import a vehicle only up to the 31st of December
of the production year. For example, in October 2014, one may
import a vehicle from a new 2015 production series, or from a 2014
production series.
Customs Duties for Returning Residents
Returning Israelis pay Customs duties on vehicles according to the make
and model of the vehicle, as well as whether a member country of the
European Union produced the vehicle, the United States, or another
country. Customs rates on used cars are usually lower. In all cases, it is
recommended to consult with the Customs Authority in Israel for complete
details. See Useful Addresses.
Vehicles Imported for a Visit to Israel
Israeli citizens living abroad may import a vehicle into Israel for a visit,
without paying Customs duties, according to the following criteria:
• The total number of days of one visit to Israel, or the total number of
days of several visits per year, does not exceed four months. Each
year’s visits are counted separately.
• During the period of the visit, the individual does not utilize any rights
to purchase tax-exempt household goods.
• The individual must have been absent from Israel for at least one
year, and the vehicle is for their personal use only. They must hold
a valid driving license, and prove through consular authorization,
passport documentation, or authorization from an employer that
their permanent place of residence is abroad. It is also necessary
to present a return flight ticket, and sign a form ensuring that they
will take the vehicle upon departure from the country at the end of
the four-month period. Persons who remain in the country for longer
than four months must send the vehicle back abroad. It is necessary
to make insurance arrangements for the vehicle at the port of entry.
Vehicles During Their Warranty Period
All new vehicles must have a warranty. This warranty varies from vehicle
to vehicle, from importer to importer, and in the scope of coverage.
The importer must give the customer the original guarantee of the
manufacturer of the vehicle and its parts. A customer who discovers
problems during the warranty period may submit a complaint to the
Ministry of Transport and Road Safety (see Useful Addresses).
If a vehicle is damaged prior to receipt by the customer, the importer
must inform the customer if the damage is valued at more than 5% of
the cost of the vehicle, or if the damage reduces the value of the vehicle.
The importer must submit a detailed letter of the measures taken, copies
of the registration, letters from the importer, and the purchase invoices.
Purchasing a Used Car
It is important to be cautious when purchasing a used car. The Ministry
of Transport and Road Safety offers the following tips:
• Be sure that the seller is the registered owner of the car. Check
for discrepancies between the seller’s personal information (name,
21