Customs clearance is where most importers lose time and money: a wrong classification, a missing document or a permit filed late leads to delays, port storage charges and higher duties than necessary.
At The Lion Logistics, customs clearance is part of managing the whole import. Our licensed customs broker reviews the documents before the goods leave the supplier, classifies them, files the import declaration in Israel Customs' Sha'ar Olami system and coordinates release and delivery – so the shipment doesn't get stuck.
What our customs service includes
- Tariff classification and a check of duty, purchase tax and VAT rates
- Import requirements for your product: Standards Institution, Ministry of Health and other authorities as needed
- Preparing and filing the import declaration in Sha'ar Olami, including the power of attorney and importer declaration
- Paying import duties on your behalf and billing them transparently in the final invoice, when needed
- Attending a physical customs inspection, if one is required
- Coordinating release from the port and delivery to your warehouse
How it works
- 1
Send us the documents
Commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading – ideally before the goods ship.
- 2
Review and classification
Our customs broker reviews the documents, classifies the goods and tells you the expected duties and required permits in advance.
- 3
Filing and payment
We file the import declaration in Sha'ar Olami and handle the duty payment.
- 4
Release and delivery
Once released, we arrange delivery to you and send a detailed final invoice.
Why work with us
- A licensed customs broker on our team – not a middleman passing your file along
- One contact for the whole process: freight, customs, trucking and storage
- Duties and costs estimated up front, and a detailed, transparent final invoice
- Experience importing from Turkey, China and Europe
Frequently asked questions
Is a customs broker the same as a customs agent?
Yes. In Israel the licensed profession is called a customs agent; customs broker is the common international term. It's a professional licensed by the Israel Tax Authority to file import and export declarations on the importer's behalf.
How long does customs clearance take?
When the documents are complete and permits are ready in advance, release usually takes a few days from arrival. Delays mostly come from missing documents, standards approvals or a physical inspection – which is why we check everything before the goods arrive.
What documents do I need to clear a shipment?
Usually a commercial invoice, a packing list and a bill of lading (or air waybill). Depending on the product, a certificate of origin and standards approvals may also be needed. We'll send you an exact list for your shipment.
Can you pay the import duties for us?
Yes. We can pay the duties on your behalf and bill you in the final invoice, with the payment receipts attached.
Where are you located?
Our office is in Haifa, and we handle shipments for the whole country – at Israel's sea ports and Ben Gurion Airport.
Have another question? Talk to us: +972-54-362-9472 · office@thelionlogistics.com