How to transport work clothes from China to Israel

Author：HAIYUAN TIME：2025-06-18Read：

Shipping work clothes from China to Israel requires attention to customs regulations, documentation, and optimized shipping methods. Below is a concise guide to ensure efficient delivery:

1. Key Requirements & Regulations

Product Compliance:
- Work clothes must meet Israeli SI standards (especially safety gear like flame-resistant clothing).
- Labels in Hebrew/English (fiber content, care instructions, size, origin).
Customs Duties:
- Import duty: 0–12% (based on material; e.g., cotton = 6%).
- VAT: 17% on CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight).
Banned Items:
- Used clothing (without special permits).
- Items with military/counterfeit branding.

2. Shipping Methods Compared Calculator

Method	Best For	Cost Estimate (Example: 500 kg)	Transit Time	Pros & Cons
Courier (DHL/UPS)	Urgent, <70 kg	$500–$900	3–6 days	√ Fast, door-to-door × Expensive for bulk
Air Freight	70–1,000 kg	$5–$9/kg	5–12 days	√ Faster clearance × Higher cost
Sea Freight (LCL)	1–15 CBM (e.g., 500–2,500 kg)	$1,000–$1,800/CBM	30–45 days	√ Cost-effective × Port delays possible
Sea Freight (FCL)	15+ CBM	$2,800–$4,000/20ft container	25–40 days	√ Best for large volumes × Slowest

CBM Calculation:
Volume = Length × Width × Height (meters) × carton count.
*Example: 30 cartons (0.4m³ each) = 12 CBM.*

3. Essential Documents

Commercial Invoice (with HS code, e.g., 6203.29 for men’s work jackets).
Packing List (carton dimensions, weight, contents).
Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill.
Certificate of Origin (Chamber of Commerce certified).
Import License (if applicable; required for industrial safety gear).
Importer’s TAX ID (Israeli receiver).

Incoterms: Use FOB Shanghai (buyer handles Israel costs) or DDP Tel Aviv (seller pays all fees).

4. Step-by-Step Process

Choose a Forwarder:
- Opt for Israel-specialized agents (e.g., ZIM Logistics, DHL Global).
Packaging:
- Use waterproof wrapping + reinforced cartons. Label in Hebrew.
Export Customs (China):
- Forwarder submits China export docs (no textile export restrictions).
Shipping & Tracking:
- Monitor via BOL/AWB. Major Israeli ports: Haifa (fastest), Ashdod.
Israel Customs Clearance:
- Submit docs via MATIEF system. Pay duties/VAT.
- Inspection likely for safety gear (e.g., EN/ISO compliance).
Last-Mile Delivery:
- Forwarder trucks goods to final address (e.g., Tel Aviv, Jerusalem).

5. Cost-Saving Tips

Consolidate Shipments: Combine orders for LCL discounts.
Pre-Clear Customs: Use a customs broker to submit docs pre-arrival.
Ship to Haifa: Lower congestion vs. Ashdod.
Duty Exemptions: Claim if goods are for "industrial use" (provide end-use certificates).

6. Prohibited/Restricted Items

Clothing with:
- Nazi/terror-linked symbols.
- Counterfeit brand logos.
- Non-compliant safety gear (e.g., lacking CE/ISO marks).

7. Recommended Forwarders (China-Israel)

Company	Specialty	Contact
ZIM Logistics	Sea freight experts	info@haiyuanworkclothes.com
DHL Israel	Air/courier	+(86)15373692030
Freightos	Online marketplace	https://daerben.com/

Key Checklist

Verify SI standards for workwear (e.g., flame resistance).
Label all items in Hebrew.
Insure shipments at 110% value.
For first-time shipments: Send samples via courier to test compliance.

Note: Israel has strict inspections for textiles. Include a test report (e.g., SGS) for safety-critical work clothes to avoid delays. For large shipments (>5 CBM), request a door-to-door quote including Haifa port fees and VAT.

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