05.05.2020 1. Measures aiming to Facilitate the Cross-border Movement of Relief and
Essential Supplies 1.1 Establishment of a designated working group aimed to address challenges given
the Covid-19 situation and for facilitation purposes. The group has made available
contact details of relevant customs officials in order to support the trade community. 1.2 Giving preference in the clearance and reduction of physical checks of medical
supplies and other essential goods as appears in the HS classification reference list
composed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) together with the World Health
Organization (WHO). 1.3 At these times, Israel Customs' paperless procedures allow to streamline
commerce electronically. This includes import declarations that are transmitted to
Customs prior to the arrival of the goods into Israel as about 95% of which are cleared
within 20 min from the time of transmission. 1.4 In terms of enforcement, in case of a violation of customs regulations, currently
Israel Customs only detains goods upon necessity as we avoid severe enforcement
measures as stated in the law such as seizures of goods or foreclosure of bank
accounts. 2. Measures aiming at Supporting the Economy and Sustaining Supply Chain Continuity 2.1. As part of the collaboration with countries with which Israel has a Free Trade
Agreements (FTA), certificates of origin are accepted electronically as Israel Customs
currently waives the obligation to arrive physically and to submit the original certificate
to Customs. 2.2. With regards to ATA Carnet, Israel Customs prolonged their validity automatically
as it is understandable that the goods cannot be taken out of Israel as long as the
current situation is in effect. No payments or no taxes are required for this
prolongation. 2.3. In terms of legality of importation, the validity of licenses and permits was
extended. 3. Measures aiming at Protecting Customs administrations’ Staff 3.1. With regards to protection of employees, Israel Customs is instructed by the
Ministry of Health and the Civil Service Commission follow the below measures: - At the headquarters, as of this week of 4 May 2020, all employees are allowed to
come to the office following the rules of the past month: only 25% of the
employees was allowed to do so. - Employees are requested to avoid gatherings and to wear masks at all times.
- Meetings take place electronically using the Zoom application.
- Employees, who are regarded at risk, in case of exposure to the Coronavirus, are
allowed to work from home. - Every day, before coming to work, employees are requested to complete an online
statement as to their physical state (how are they feeling, had they been exposed
to a person infected with the Coronavirus, is their body temperature normal, do
they exhibit any symptoms related to the virus, etc.) - Before entering our facilities, employees have their temperature checked by the
security officer.
4. Measures aiming at Protecting Society 4.1. Customs placing great emphasis on inspection of goods to make sure this
situation is not exploited to import counterfeit goods that may harm society. Medical
suppliers are especially being checked using our profiling system. 4.2. Israel Customs has a close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the
Population and Immigration Authority of the Ministry of Interior to protect the society. Forthcoming |