Israel Post tracking

What is Israel Post?

Israel Post is the national postal operator of Israel, responsible for the collection, sorting, routing and distribution of mail and parcels across the entire Israeli territory. Founded in 1948 with the establishment of the State of Israel, this historic enterprise has been providing all of the country's postal services for over seven decades, from ordinary letter shipments to the most complex international parcels. The company's headquarters is located in Jerusalem, at 217 Jaffa Road, in the heart of the Israeli capital.

Israeli postal history traces its roots to the British Mandate period over Palestine. When the British ceased all postal services in April 1948, just before the declaration of independence, the entire postal infrastructure of the new country had to be rebuilt from scratch. Starting May 16, 1948, the first business day after the independence declaration (Saturday being a day of rest), Israel Post issued its first series of stamps entitled "Doar Ivri" (Hebrew Post), the country's final name not yet having been chosen at that time.

After independence, the Ministry of Transport initially assumed responsibility for postal services, before a dedicated ministry was created in 1951, the Ministry of Postal Services, which would later become the Ministry of Communications. In 2002, facing financial losses, political scandals and technological developments in communications, major reforms were implemented. A new government company, Israel Postal Company Ltd., was founded and began operations in March 2006.

• Date of establishment: 1948, with the founding of the State of Israel and the issuance of the first "Doar Ivri" stamps
• Headquarters: Jerusalem, Israel, located at 217 Jaffa Road
• Workforce: Approximately 4,000 employees, including 1,650 professional mail carriers ensuring daily distribution
• Distribution network: Over 1,500 service points, including approximately 400 postal units and nearly 700 pickup and deposit points
• Annual customer base: 38 million customers served each year throughout the country
• Mobile application: Over 1.4 million active users on the Israel Post application

A major milestone was reached in the company's history with the successful completion of the call for tenders for the privatization of Israel Post. A consortium of investors led by Milgam (51.7%) acquired the company for several hundred million shekels, alongside Phoenix Insurance Company (21.1%), Phoenix Pension and Provident (13.2%) and Layman Schlissel (15%). This privatization marks a turning point in the history of the national postal operator, while maintaining its public service mission.

Israel Post currently operates through three main business verticals: the Mail, Express and Parcel (CEP) sector which forms the core traditional business, the Postal Bank which offers financial services to the population, and traditional mail which maintains basic services to individuals and businesses. This diversification allows the operator to meet the evolving needs of Israeli society while ensuring the sustainability of its activities.

What countries does Israel Post deliver to?

As a member of the Universal Postal Union, Israel Post actively participates in the global postal network and handles the transport of international shipments to and from Israel. The operator serves the entire Israeli territory, from major metropolises like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa to the most remote rural areas of the Negev and Galilee. Domestic distribution takes place six days a week, with carriers visiting every household and business in the country on a daily basis.

Internationally, Israel Post offers particularly extensive geographic coverage thanks to its partnerships with postal operators around the world. The EMS (Express Mail Service) allows shipping parcels to approximately 200 countries and territories, covering virtually all worldwide destinations. This international presence is made possible by Israel Post's membership in the EMS Cooperative since 1999, which facilitates exchanges and coordination with other national postal operators.

• National coverage: Entire Israeli territory, with over 1,000 service points distributed throughout the country
• International destinations: Over 200 countries and territories served worldwide via the international postal network
• ECO POST service: Available to approximately thirty countries including Austria, Australia, Italy, Ireland, the United States, Belgium, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, South Korea, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Greece, Japan, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Poland, Portugal, Finland, France, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand and Russia
• EMS Express service: Expedited delivery to major worldwide destinations in 2 to 3 business days

International distribution is carried out in cooperation with postal operators partnering in each destination country. When a parcel leaves Israel, it is routed by air to the destination country where the local postal operator takes over for final distribution. This international collaboration ensures continuous end-to-end traceability and allows senders and recipients to track their shipments throughout the journey.

Israel Post maintains privileged relationships with major European, American and Asian postal operators, enabling optimization of delivery times and ensuring consistent service quality. Shipments to the United States notably benefit from the Israeli-American free trade agreement which facilitates customs procedures and may exempt certain products from customs duties.

What are Israel Post's services and delivery times?

Israel Post offers a comprehensive range of postal services adapted to the different needs of individuals and businesses, whether for domestic or international shipments. The offering is structured around several levels of service, from economical standard mail to the fastest express solutions. Each service has specific characteristics in terms of delivery times, tracking and delivery options.

For domestic shipments within Israel, delivery times generally vary from one to three business days depending on the type of service chosen and the distance between origin and destination. A parcel sent from one city to another within the country may be delivered in one to two business days under optimal conditions. The geographic proximity of the different Israeli regions makes it possible to ensure short transit times for the majority of domestic shipments.

• Standard national mail: Basic service for letters and small formats, collected and sorted for standard distribution within 2 to 3 days
• Registered mail: Service with full tracking and signature on delivery, ideal for documents and shipments requiring enhanced traceability
• Domestic parcel: Solution for heavy or bulky shipments, with tracking and suitable delivery options, delivery within 1 to 3 days
• National EMS: Express service for urgent deliveries with reduced timeframes and priority processing

Internationally, Israel Post offers several options depending on the sender's urgency and budget. The EMS (Express Mail Service) is the fastest solution, with delivery times of 2 to 3 business days to major worldwide destinations. This premium service includes real-time tracking and priority processing at each stage of the journey. For less urgent shipments, standard international postal service offers delivery times of 9 to 14 business days at more economical rates.

ECO POST service represents an economical alternative for international shipments to a selection of partner countries. This service prioritizes value for money while maintaining a satisfactory level of reliability. Delivery times may be longer than standard service, but rates are significantly reduced, making it an attractive option for non-urgent shipments.

• International EMS Express: Delivery in 2 to 3 business days to major destinations, full tracking and priority processing
• Standard international postal service: Delivery times of 9 to 14 business days, tracking available, moderate rates
• ECO POST: Economical service to approximately thirty selected countries, variable delivery times, advantageous rates
• Small international parcels: Solution for light and small shipments, with or without tracking depending on the option chosen

Israel Post states that it cannot guarantee delivery times for international shipments due to factors beyond its control, notably customs procedures, weather conditions or geopolitical situations. The stated delivery times correspond to average transit times observed under normal routing conditions. Senders are advised to take these factors into account when planning their shipments.

What are Israel Post's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Israel Post applies a pricing structure that varies according to several criteria: the weight of the shipment, its dimensions, the destination, the type of service chosen and any supplementary options selected. Rates are regularly updated and available on the operator's official website. For shipments in volume, commercial discounts are offered to professionals and businesses that reach certain shipping thresholds.

The operator notably offers a 10% discount for shipments exceeding 300,000 NIS (excluding VAT) during a calendar quarter. This discount applies to all types of grouped shipments, whether sorted, standard, non-standard or unsorted. This advantageous pricing policy allows e-commerce merchants and regularly shipping businesses to benefit from preferential terms.

• EMS maximum weight: 20 kg for international express shipments, allowing the shipping of substantial parcels with the fastest service
• Standard parcel maximum weight: Variable depending on destination, generally up to 30 kg for domestic shipments
• Accepted formats: Letters, small parcels, parcels of various sizes, documents and merchandise
• Restrictions: Certain items are prohibited or subject to special conditions under national and international regulations

For international shipments to Israel from abroad, note that taxes and customs duties may apply. The standard VAT rate in Israel is 17%, applicable to the CIF value (cost, insurance, freight) of the merchandise. The customs duty exemption threshold is 75 ILS, while VAT applies from the first shekel for commercial shipments.

Customs duties vary depending on product category. As an indication, electronic products are generally subject to duties of 5 to 12% in addition to the 17% VAT, while fashion items may be taxed at 12% before application of VAT. The free trade agreement between the United States and Israel does, however, eliminate customs duties on many products exchanged between the two countries.

• Israeli VAT: 17% on the CIF value of the shipment (cost + insurance + freight)
• Customs duty exemption threshold: 75 ILS for customs duties
• Electronic customs duties: 5 to 12% depending on products, in addition to VAT
• Textile/fashion customs duties: Approximately 12% before VAT
• Budget advice: Plan for 20 to 30% additional costs for customs clearance and taxes on international shipments

Israel Post makes available on its official website the complete list of rates for letters, postcards, parcels and grouped shipments, including intra-city, inter-city, office-to-office rates, international shipments and rates for volume shipments. This pricing transparency allows senders to precisely calculate the cost of their shipments before proceeding with shipping.

What are Israel Post's delivery options?

Israel Post offers several delivery methods to adapt to the constraints and preferences of each recipient. The operator has developed a dense network of pickup points and invested in modern technologies such as automated lockers to offer maximum flexibility. In Israel, not all parcels are systematically delivered to the home: the delivery method depends on the size of the shipment, the service chosen and the infrastructure available at the delivery address.

For small shipments compatible with standard mailboxes, delivery is made directly into the recipient's mailbox without requiring presence. Larger parcels or those requiring a signature are generally routed to the nearest post office or a designated pickup point. The recipient then receives an SMS or email notification informing them of the availability of their parcel and the pickup location.

• Home delivery: Direct delivery service by the mail carrier, with signature option for registered shipments
• Mailbox deposit: For format-compatible shipments, secure delivery directly into the recipient's mailbox
• Post office pickup: Made available at the counter upon presentation of identification and reference number
• Pickup points (PUDO): Nearly 700 pickup and deposit points distributed throughout the country, often located in neighborhood shops
• Automated lockers: Secure lockers accessible 24/7, allowing pickup at any time

Automated lockers, marketed under the "Shlager" brand and deployed in partnership with ORIAN, represent a major innovation in Israel Post's delivery offering. Following a successful pilot phase, these lockers are now deployed throughout Israel, creating dense networks near residential areas. This proximity encourages recipients to pick up their parcels on foot or by bike, while deliveries to these points are made by electric vehicles, thus helping to reduce the environmental footprint.

Partner HFD (through its subsidiary E-post) also operates a network of approximately 1,000 pickup points and lockers across Israel. When a customer chooses a pickup point as a delivery address and the parcel arrives, they receive an SMS inviting them to pick up their shipment. This system offers great flexibility, particularly appreciated by busy people who cannot be present at their home during distribution hours.

• Availability notification: Automatic SMS or email informing the recipient of the parcel's arrival
• Retention period: 14 days to pick up a parcel at the post office before return to sender
• Mailbox: Possible rental of a mailbox (teivat doar) for those wishing a fixed and secure delivery address
• Mobile application: Manage deliveries, real-time tracking and preference modification via the Israel Post application available in Hebrew and English

To modify the delivery preferences for a parcel in transit, particularly to switch from pickup point collection to home delivery, you must contact Israel Post directly by providing the tracking number. The mobile application also allows you to manage certain options and receive real-time notifications on the status of your shipments.

What should I do if my Israel Post parcel is lost or damaged?

In case of loss or damage to an Israel Post parcel, a claims procedure can be initiated with the operator's customer service. It is essential to act quickly and gather all necessary evidence to support the compensation request. Israel Post handles claims in accordance with national postal regulations and applicable international conventions for cross-border shipments.

The first step is to check the delivery status using the online tracking tool. You should verify that the delivery address and recipient information are correct, and wait for the normal delivery period before considering a parcel lost. For international shipments, delivery times may be significantly longer due to customs procedures or exceptional situations in the destination or transit country.

• Damage claims deadline: Report material damage within 48 hours of receipt of the shipment
• Loss claims deadline: File a formal claim within 15 days of the maximum scheduled delivery date
• Documents to provide: Tracking number, copy of purchase or sales invoice, photos of damage if applicable, proof of shipment
• Processing time: Response generally provided within 2 to 3 business days following submission of the claim

Compensation ceilings vary depending on the type of shipment and the options subscribed. For standard international shipments, compensation is generally limited according to the weight of the shipment, with ceilings defined by international postal conventions. Senders wishing extended coverage may declare the value at the time of shipment, which commits the operator to reimburse the declared amount in case of total loss.

Compensation rules vary depending on the original postal operator and the country of shipment. As a general rule, international postal conventions provide compensation ceilings based on shipment weight, with limited amounts for international shipments. An exception to this ceiling may exist when the postal operator has committed gross negligence in performing its mission.

• Parcel insurance: Value declaration option available for extended coverage in case of loss or damage
• Standard compensation: Based on shipment weight, according to international postal convention rates
• Procedure in case of gross negligence: Ability to claim the full value of the loss with supporting evidence
• Appeal process in case of dispute: Ability to appeal to regulatory authorities after exhausting internal remedies

To submit a claim, it is recommended to send a registered letter detailing the circumstances, accompanied by all supporting documents. Keeping a copy of all documents is essential for tracking the file. In the absence of a satisfactory response within a reasonable period, additional avenues of recourse exist with the competent postal authorities.

Does Israel Post handle international shipments and customs procedures?

Israel Post fully manages international shipments, both on export and import, in close collaboration with Israeli customs authorities and postal operators partnering worldwide. The operator offers solutions adapted to international trade, including the preparation of necessary documents and electronic transmission of content information required for customs clearance.

For outbound shipments from Israel, the parcel is first processed in the domestic network before being directed to the international exchange center responsible for export. Electronic content information (description of goods, value, origin) accompanies the shipment to facilitate customs procedures in the destination country. The parcel is presented for preliminary inspections then handed over to the international carrier for routing to the destination country.

• Shipping documents required: Customs declaration CN22 or CN23 depending on value, commercial invoice for business shipments, certificate of origin if necessary
• Electronic transmission: Content data is electronically transmitted to partner operators and customs authorities before the physical arrival of the parcel
• Export controls: Compliance verification before departure from Israeli territory
• Handling by destination operator: The parcel is handed over to the postal operator of the destination country for customs clearance and local distribution

Upon arrival in Israel, international shipments are received by the import exchange center and presented to customs authorities for inspection. If taxes or additional documents are required, a tracking message clearly indicates this and the recipient must intervene to allow processing to continue. Once cleared by customs, the shipment joins the national distribution network for delivery to the indicated address.

Customs clearance of incoming shipments may require payment of duties and taxes by the recipient. As mentioned earlier, Israeli VAT of 17% applies to the CIF value of the merchandise, and additional customs duties may be due depending on product category. The average customs clearance time is 2 to 5 days under normal conditions, but may be extended if documents are missing or additional verification is required.

• Import duties and taxes: 17% VAT on CIF value, plus variable customs duties depending on products
• Exemption threshold: 75 ILS for customs duty exemption (excluding VAT)
• Tax payment: The recipient must generally pay taxes before the parcel is released
• Customs clearance time: 2 to 5 days on average, variable depending on file complexity
• Exemptions for new immigrants: Olim (new immigrants) benefit from three shipments of personal goods and household equipment exempt from taxes

To facilitate customs clearance, Israel Post recommends senders provide accurate and detailed information about shipment contents. Consistency between the label, content declaration and electronic information promotes smooth processing. Items subject to restrictions or prohibitions should be clearly identified, and certain products may require special import authorization in Israel.

It is important to note that geopolitical conditions may affect delivery times for shipments to and from Israel. In certain situations, foreign postal operators may temporarily suspend their services to the region or significantly extend delivery times. Israel Post regularly communicates about these disruptions via its official website and customer service.

How to contact Israel Post?

Israel Post provides multiple contact channels to answer customer questions, handle complaints and provide information on services offered. Customer service is available by phone, email and via the internet, with hours adapted to user needs. Teams are trained to assist customers in Hebrew and English, facilitating communications with international customers.

Israel Post's call center is accessible via several numbers depending on the caller's location and type of request. From Israel, the short number 171 allows quick access to customer service. For international calls or from a mobile phone, the numbers +972-76-887-1216 and +972-76-887-5909 are available. Wait times are generally shorter mid-week, with Mondays traditionally being the busiest days.

• Short number from Israel: 171
• International number: +972-76-887-1216
• Telephone assistance: +972-76-887-5909
• Toll-free number: 972-1-800-213-141 (from Israel)
• Email contact: [email protected]

Post offices welcome the public according to extended hours to facilitate access to services. Monday through Thursday, counters are open from 7:00 AM to 6:45 PM, allowing customers to deposit shipments, pick up parcels or benefit from postal and financial services. On Friday and holidays, hours are reduced from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM due to Shabbat preparations.

For written requests, the announced response time is 2 to 3 business days. Complex complaints or those requiring thorough investigation may take longer. The official Israel Post website, available in Hebrew and English, offers many self-service features: parcel tracking, office location, rate calculation and service information.

• Website: www.israelpost.co.il (Hebrew and English versions)
• Mobile application: Available on iOS and Android for tracking and managing shipments
• Office hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00 AM-6:45 PM, Friday and holidays 7:00 AM-2:00 PM
• Email response time: 2 to 3 business days
• Postal Bank: +972-73-263-3555 (from Israel) or +972-73-263-3555 (from abroad) for banking services

The Israel Post mobile application is a practical tool for managing your shipments on a daily basis. With over 1.4 million active users, it allows you to track your parcels in real time, locate the nearest post offices and pickup points, receive notifications about your shipment status and modify certain delivery preferences. The application is available for free download on Apple and Google stores.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track an Israel Post parcel online, different statuses may appear to inform you of the progress of your shipment. These statuses reflect key stages of the logistics journey, from shipment preparation to final delivery or possible return to sender. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: