The Israel Consulate here announced today that American Jews can send gifts to friends in Israel up to $112 in value, without an import licence, provided the articles are intended for the personal use of the recipient.
“A family in Israel may receive annually up to four such shipments, each of which must not total more than $112,” the announcement said. Excluded are food, refrigerators and motor vehicles, which are subject to special regulations.
Food to relatives and friends in Israel may be sent “in reasonable quantities,” for their own consumption. Each parcel must contain at least six different items of food and must not exceed 55 lbs. in weight. Customs duty on self-packed parcels is payable by the recipient in Israel.
The Consulate also released lists of forwarding agents in the United States authorized to collect Israel customs duty on food and clothing parcels, if the senders wish to include the duty in the gift. A list of firms authorized to sell “dollar certificates” of various denominations has also been released. The recipient in Israel can redeem these certificates at certain designated shops where he may choose from a variety of articles available at the time.
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