November 1 deadline set
Israel’s customs authority will introduce new requirements on November 1, according to David Mendel, marketing officer in the SA Embassy in Tel Aviv.
From that date it will be obligatory to deliver bills of lading, waybills, airway bills and shipping manifests with the full name of the importer and supplier as well as their VAT registration numbers, as well as a clear description of the goods, including the first four digits of their classification number.
But, while November 1 is the kick-off date, the Israeli customs are allowing shippers and importers a bit of leeway before penalties will be imposed for insufficient data on these documents.
Said the official notice: “During the introductory stage, from November 1, 2003 until February 1, 2004, the Israeli customs authority will adopt a supervisory policy, advising and furnishing importers with information concerning any missing data in their documents.”
During this period no punitive steps will be taken by the authority.
But, come February next year, the Israeli customs will not accept what they term “anonymous import documents” - those not showing the VAT registration numbers of both importer and supplier or without a clear description of the imported goods and their first four digits H.S.N. classification number.
“Goods transported to Israel under transport documents lacking such required data will undergo comprehensive as well as intensive checks with a possibility of long delays,” the notice said.
And, although November 1 is the target date for full implementation, Israeli customs advises that all parties participating in trade with that country should begin the new procedure as early as possible.
