TL;DR: According to Israel Post's price lists, a 0.5 kg parcel to Germany costs ₪64 by Eco Post, ₪131 as an air parcel and ₪174 by EMS. DHL, FedEx and UPS publish no price list; their price comes from a quote on their website. For personal imports, a parcel worth up to $75 is exempt from import taxes.
This guide brings together what each company publishes about its own service (price, delivery time and limits) and the Israel Tax Authority's rules for parcels arriving in Israel.
Comparison Table
A 0.5 kg parcel to Germany. Israel Post prices are from its price lists (in force from 1.7.2026 for EMS and Eco Post, and from 1.8.2026 for air parcels), handed in at the counter. In brackets: the price when the shipment is prepared in advance with "Post Click". Delivery times are what each company states.
| Service | Price | Delivery time (per the company) |
|---|---|---|
| Eco Post (Israel Post) | ₪64 (59) | 7-10 business days, not guaranteed |
| Air parcel (Israel Post) | ₪131 (126) | Not published |
| EMS (Israel Post) | ₪174 (169) | 3-5 business days |
| DHL Express | Quote on website | Most shipments by the next possible business day |
| FedEx International Priority | Quote on website | 1-3 business days |
| FedEx International Economy | Quote on website | 2-5 business days |
| UPS | Quote on website | Depends on service and destination |
Israel Post
- EMS: according to Israel Post, shipments of up to 20 kg to over 200 destinations, in 3 to 5 business days, with tracking and SMS updates. EMS is handed in at a post office. Liability can be extended with insurance of up to ₪25,000, at ₪6.90 per ₪1,000. Israel Post says that if the schedule is not met, the shipping fee is refunded subject to the regulations.
- Eco Post: up to 2 kg (up to 5 kg to the UK and Singapore), to 190 destinations, at a fixed shekel tariff. Estimated delivery is 7-10 business days to most destinations and 12-15 to some, and the terms of service say there is no commitment to an exact delivery time. Most destinations get a tracking number. It can be handed in at a branch, or a courier can be ordered to your door for an extra fee.
- Air parcel: up to 20 kg. According to the price list, each additional half kilo to Germany costs ₪13.50. Israel Post publishes no delivery time for this service.
DHL Express
According to DHL, most international shipments arrive by the next possible business day, and times vary with origin, destination and service. The price comes from a quote on the website and is based on the greater of the actual and the volumetric weight, plus surcharges such as fuel and remote area. DHL advertises up to 60% off for a business account and up to 50% for guests shipping online. You can schedule a pickup or drop off at a DHL ServicePoint.
FedEx
According to FedEx's Israeli website: International Priority arrives in 1-3 business days, and to most destinations in 1-2. International Economy arrives in 2-5 business days and includes customs clearance. International Connect Plus is for e-commerce businesses and arrives in 1-4 business days. The price comes from a quote on the website.
UPS
UPS offers, according to its website, Worldwide Express (delivery in a specified time slot) and Worldwide Saver (delivery by end of day). UPS's Israeli website publishes a fuel surcharge adjusted weekly, and says duties and taxes are paid by the receiver unless the shipper chose DDP (Delivery Duty Paid). The price comes from a quote on the website.
Customs and VAT
According to the Israel Tax Authority's personal import guide (updated 21.6.2026), for a parcel arriving by post or with a shipping company:
- Up to $75: exempt from import taxes, except tobacco, alcohol, alcoholic drinks and e-cigarettes. Shipping and insurance are not counted when charged separately from the goods.
- $75-$500: exempt from customs duty; VAT and purchase tax, if it applies, are due.
- $500-$1,000: VAT, customs duty and purchase tax (where they apply) under the customs tariff order.
- Over $1,000: taxed as for a commercial importer.
Two or more parcels from the same supplier to the same customer within 72 hours count as one shipment. The VAT rate is 18% (VAT order, from 1.1.2025).
An EMS parcel and a shipping company's parcel are cleared through customs by the customs agent of Israel Post or of the shipping company, and according to the Tax Authority they charge a fee for this on top of the shipping cost. A regular mail parcel goes to a post office, where taxes are paid in cash only, or in advance by credit card in the Tax Authority's application. Israel Post asks for a power of attorney for shipments worth over $1,000. DHL says duties and taxes are not included in the shipping rate.
How to Compare
- Weight: Eco Post up to 2 kg (5 kg to the UK and Singapore). EMS and air parcels up to 20 kg.
- Time: from the next possible business day with DHL and 1-3 days with FedEx International Priority, through 3-5 days by EMS, to 7-10 days by Eco Post, not guaranteed.
- Price: Israel Post prices are in its price list. Courier prices come only from a quote by weight and destination, plus surcharges such as fuel.
- Taxes: the same Tax Authority rules apply to every service. What differs is who clears the parcel through customs and whether a fee is charged for it.
Sources: Israel Tax Authority (personal import guide), VAT order (Nevo), Israel Post (price lists, EMS page, Eco Post page and terms of service), and the websites of DHL, FedEx and UPS.
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