Q: I just want to send gifts of a few consumer electronic items (MP3 players and accessories) from the U.S. to relatives in Israel.
The total value may be $300-$400.
What is the best way to send them (in one or more packages - doesn't matter) and pay in advance whatever customs/taxes would be due, so the recipients are not subjected to any expense?
Thanks,
Eric

A:Dear Eric,
While there may be a way with one of the courier companies like Fedex, UPS or DHL etc to be billed for Customs Duties, I am not aware of how to do this.

In general, Duties will be based on the invoiced or declared value of the items *plus* the cost of shipping.

However, if the value of the goods is less than $50, there will be no taxes at all. So, if you can break the gifts into seperate packages where the gifts in each are worth less than $50 - you will have no taxes to pay!

One final caveat, I understand the post office has started charging NIS 35 for customs handling. So you may want to add this when calculating the best way to ship.

Good luck, Shmuel