You decided to make the move to Israel. Mazel Tov!

You start looking around and thinking about what you plan on bringing and the when you get to the car in your driveway, you start to wonder if it is worthwhile importing.

The Ministry of Economy and Industry has a webpage that walks you through the steps needed:

The personal import of transportation products is permitted only if the following conditions are met:

  • The import is undertaken by an individual and not by a dealer in the transportation products.
  • The products are intended for personal use, and if the importer is a dealer – for own business use.
  • The import is not intended for the purposes of supply, manufacture or provision of services in the area of motor vehicles.
  • The import is of reasonable quantity and for the individual’s personal use under Section 112 of the Licensing of Services and Professions in the Vehicle Industry Law, 5776-2016.
  • The import is not for the purpose of sale to another.

Nefesh B’Nefesh also has a very good webpage that describes the steps. The process involves the following authorities:

  • Misrad Hatachbura: Licensing and standardization
  • Meches (Customs Authority): Customs taxes and VAT
  • Shipping Companies: Shipment of the vehicle from overseas to Israel
  • Customs Agent: Releasing the vehicle from Meches
  • Insurance Agencies: Insuring the vehicle for marine transport

The question you have to ask is, what are the pros and cons of importing my car to Israel.

We asked Yoni Framowitz, an American mechanic working in Israel. He advises cautions Olim about the hidden side of importing cars to Israel.  He said, “Why NOT TO IMPORT your car from abroad? A quick example that we encountered recently was a Toyota Yaris 2013. The car is a popular car in Israel, however the drums for the tires are not the same size as the model sold in Israel. Not only are they not the same size, they are only availble as a special order! Spending time, trying to locate and ordering the parts will be an added expense the owner did not expect.

Yoni runs an automotive garage in Maale Addumim, Israel.  He offers American quality full service. Call and he’ll pick up your car, repair it and have your yearly inspection completed without hassles. 02-940-4455