For businesses looking to test new products before placing large commercial orders, importing samples is a legal and valuable tool.
However, this type of import requires a precise understanding of regulatory requirements in Israel.
This is not just a formal procedure: a single mistake in documentation, exceeding the allowed quantity, or misunderstanding the regulations can result in delays, additional costs, or even destruction of the goods.
That’s why it’s essential to know all the rules-especially regarding the authority that oversees product standards in Israel: the Standards Institution under the Ministry of Economy.
What Is a Sample According to Israeli Law?
In Israel, a sample is defined as goods imported for the purpose of testing, display, or evaluation, and not intended for sale.
In other words, these are items an importer brings in solely for examination before placing a larger order or making a business commitment.
The maximum quantity allowed for importing samples into Israel under HS code 64 is up to 5 units per item, according to the official guidelines of the Standards Institution under the Ministry of Economy.
However, the number alone does not tell the whole story.
Enforcement authorities also consider the purpose of the import, the declaration process, and the overall commercial context.
Samples that appear to be imported in excess quantities, with unusual frequency, or for marketing purposes may be considered an attempt to circumvent regulations and could face customs objections or sanctions.
Exemptions and Approvals for Importing Samples – Who Decides?
The main authority that determines what is allowed and what is prohibited when importing products into Israel is the Standards Institution under the Ministry of Economy.
In justified cases, it is possible to import more than 5 units per item as samples.
However, this is only allowed after submitting a detailed written request to the Director of Standards, including full information on the purpose of the import, the intended use of the samples, and an explanation of why an exemption is required. Approval is granted on a case-by-case basis and only after professional review.
The implication is clear: even when dealing with samples, importers must act carefully, in coordination, and with full transparency toward the authorities.
Attempting to “stretch the limits” when importing samples can be costly.
The request typically includes:
- Product description
- Purpose of the import
- Storage method
- Intended use of the samples
Such approvals are usually limited in time, quantity, and the location where the samples can be kept.
Many importers assume that samples are automatically exempt from standards requirements-but in reality, this is not always the case.
For products subject to official standards, it is necessary to verify in advance whether an exemption can be granted, based on the intended purpose of the samples.
To facilitate this, importers submit a declaration form to the Director of Standards, in which they confirm that:
It is crucial to understand that this declaration does not serve as an automatic stamp of approval or exemption.
The Commissioner of Standardization examines each case individually and determines whether to grant approval only after a professional review.
Therefore, even before executing the import, it is advisable to check the following:
Is the product in the sample subject to a mandatory standard? If so, is the declaration alone sufficient, or is a specific, individual approval also required?
Do Not Declare a Value of 0 – Even Samples Have a Cost
A common mistake when importing samples is issuing a commercial invoice with a value of 0.
Suppliers or manufacturers may provide samples for free, but for Israeli customs, the importer must include a realistic monetary value for every item brought into the country-even if symbolic.
Customs uses this value for valuation, classification, and sometimes to verify whether the import qualifies as “personal” or “commercial.“
If the invoice shows a value of 0, customs may hold the shipment and request corrected documentation, causing delays or even fines.
Best practice: even if the samples were received for free, issue an invoice with a real value (e.g., $1 per unit) and include a note that these are samples provided without payment.
Samples Are Commercial Imports-Treat Them Accordingly
Even if you’re importing just a few individual items, bringing in product samples is treated as commercial import in every respect. The only difference is the purpose, not the volume.
This means all regulatory obligations that apply to commercial importers also apply to sample imports: registration with the authorities, compliance with regulations, proper documentation, and sometimes even the use of professional customs brokerage services.
Moreover, if the shipment includes items that require specific licensing-such as cosmetics, medical devices, dietary supplements, chemicals, or electrical products-you may also need to coordinate with additional government agencies (e.g., Health, Environmental Protection, Energy), even if it’s only a sample shipment.
Importers are expected to handle documentation and interact with the authorities just as they would for regular commercial imports. In some cases, extra caution is required due to the sensitive legal status of samples.
Early Planning Saves Headaches
Experienced importers know that nothing is costlier than a “small mistake” in the import process…
A sample brought in without proper approval, an invoice with an incorrect value, or quantities exceeding the allowed limit can result in delays of weeks, hefty fines, or even loss of the shipment.
Proper planning starts with the very first conversation with your supplier-requesting an accurate invoice, confirming the nature of the shipment, and preparing all necessary documents in advance. If there’s any uncertainty, seek professional advice rather than assuming “it will all work out.”
This is especially crucial for expensive, sensitive samples or items imported for exhibitions and demonstrations-any delay can directly impact future sales.
What Happens After the Samples Enter Israel?
Once the shipment clears customs, the real work begins. The importer must ensure the samples are used correctly, maintain thorough documentation of testing or display processes, and guarantee that they are not sold or distributed without proper licensing.
In most cases, samples approved under a standards exemption cannot be marketed-even for live demonstrations to clients-unless explicit permission is granted. Violating these rules can result in sanctions, fines, or even restrictions on future imports.
Importing samples is not a “loophole” to bypass regulations-it’s a legal and valuable tool for businesses evaluating products before making commercial decisions. However, it is a sensitive area that requires strict compliance and full transparency, including precise wording on all documentation.
This is taken from the appendix titled “Importer’s Declaration for the Import of Goods as Samples.”
In the declaration form for importing goods as samples, there’s a clause requiring the importer to state, “if the goods are imported on behalf of a third party”-underscoring the legal responsibility even when dealing with a small shipment for testing purposes.
When handled correctly, samples save costs, prevent mistakes, and enable an organized process. But ignoring the guidelines can turn them into a real business obstacle.
Importing Samples on a Private or Commercial Flight – What Documents Are Required at Customs?
Many business owners travel abroad themselves to select products and try to save on shipping by bringing samples back in their luggage.
It may sound simple, but from the perspective of Israeli customs, even in these cases it counts as formal importation, and all regulatory requirements fully apply.
For example, imagine an importer in the cosmetics industry flying to the Czech Republic to collect several samples of new products from a supplier. Upon returning to Israel on a commercial flight with the samples in her bag, she must be prepared with the following documents:
- Commercial invoice – Clearly indicating a real monetary value (even if symbolic), never zero.
- Importer’s Declaration Form for samples subject to standards – Including a clause confirming that the items are not intended for public sale or distribution (the official form is available for download above).
- Clear information on the purpose of the import, the quantity of samples, and their intended use.
Upon landing at Ben Gurion Airport, after collecting luggage, there are two customs lanes: green and red.
- Passing through the green lane implies that you declare you have no items to report. Even if your ultimate goal is to go to the red lane, you cannot “trick” the system.
- Therefore, you proceed directly to the red lane, approach a customs officer, and request to declare commercial import goods.
The process is brief: the customs officer will ask you to present your goods and relevant documents.
At the conclusion of all checks (including scanning all other luggage, since everything must be declared), the customs officer will issue a “Goods Delay Certificate” for your items.
This ensures that your imported samples are properly declared, compliant with regulations, and legally accounted for.
The goods-which are contained in the suitcase or box you brought to customs-will be sealed with a Customs Seal and sent to the freight terminals at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). From there, you will be required to collect the merchandise after it has been released by a customs broker.
(Yes, even for importing samples, you still need a professional customs broker to release the consignment.)
Maman Cargo Terminal Operating Information
Maman Operating Hours:
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Sunday to Thursday: 08:00-16:30
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Fridays and Erev Chag (Holiday Eves): 08:00-12:45
Address: Hativa 8 Road, Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Important Note: It is highly critical that you plan your flight arrival in accordance with these operating hours, as every day the consignment is stored there incurs storage fees. Payment for storage is made at the TLV Seizure Warehouse (enter the gate, turn left, and their offices are on the right side-adjacent to the fence).
