Q:Shalom,
I am trying to find an experienced customs broker to assist me in setting up a precious metals business in israel. I have thus-far been unsuccessful in contacting a customs official who can provide me with relevant information of customs and tax laws.

can you help me with this? Nathan

A:Dear Nathan,

As a rule, any licensed Customs Broker can help you with information about importing virtually any item. I emphasize the word licensed.

At the same time, keeping in mind there are over 5000 items in the internationally recognized "Harmonized System," no single Customs Broker can know all the categories and all the codes and regulations. However, they should be able to investigate and get you this information.

You will be best served by a Broker who specializes in the field you need. For example, at Sonigo, we specialize in household goods, concerts and fine art. We are expert in clearing these types of shipments as we do it all the time.

When a new client came to us needing help to import pet food, we learned the field and today have expertise in this area as well.

While any of us can learn a new field, I think you would be best served by a Customs Broker who knows precious metals and can help you with all the regulations.

All the best,

Shmuel