New USA Tariffs

Heads-up for our U.S. customers: Import tariffs are coming (but we've got you!)

If you’ve ever ordered from our store and breezed through checkout without a second thought about import taxes — well, you’re not alone. Most U.S. shoppers are used to getting international packages without any surprise fees. But starting August 29, that’s changing.

What’s New?

Due to recent U.S. policy changes, all shipments from Israel will now be subject to import tariffs, even small orders. We know — this isn’t great news. But we want to be upfront and help you navigate it.

A Global Perspective

While this might feel like sticker shock, it’s actually the norm in most parts of the world. Our customers in Europe, Australia and elsewhere have always paid import duties. U.S. shoppers are just now catching up to what’s been standard practice globally.

Domestic ≠ Duty-Free

Thinking of switching to a U.S. vendor to dodge the fees? Here’s the twist: most Judaica products sold in the U.S. are still imported, meaning retailers pay customs and pass those costs on to you. So the price tag might look different, but the math usually works out the same — or higher.

We’re Making It Clear

We’re working hard to make these new tariffs as transparent as possible. You’ll see clear notices at checkout, and we’re exploring options to eventually set up prepay duties so there are no surprises when your package arrives.

Why It Still Matters

We believe our customers will continue to support Israeli businesses, especially given the unique challenges Israel has faced in recent years. Every purchase helps sustain the Israeli manufacturers, distributors and families.

Good News on Tallit Prices!

Here’s a silver lining: thanks to increased competition among tallit makers, prices have actually dropped in recent months. We’ve passed those savings directly on to you, which helps offset the new tariffs.

Is there still time to receive an order before the tariffs take effect?

The new tariff schedule will apply to parcels that are received by US customs before 29 Aug. So it doesn't help to get an order in on the 28th. We need time to tie on tzitzit, do sewing work in some cases, prepare the order for shipping, dispatch it and then wait until the shipping country gets it out of the country and out to the other side of the Atlantic. All that typically takes 5-10 business days, and sometimes a bit longer.

If I do get hit with a customs bill to pay, how much will it cost me?

The new tariff is a flat 15% on shipments from Israel. The shipping company (we have options to ship via Israel Post/USPS, DHL and UPS) may add a modest broker/administrative fee.

Are there any good workarounds?

Not really. We've always have customers who assume they should wait til their next trip to Israel to stock up on Judaica purchases. But that doesn't help, given the 18% VAT added to all consumer goods in Israel. When we ship abroad, the order is exempt from VAT.

We've always had customers in Canada or Mexico who try to arrange a shipping address in the USA to avoid their country's duties, and then figure out a way to get it to them with a friend or relative. Obviously that's not going to happen anymore, and now customers in the USA are sort of in the same boat in terms of having no duty-free options.

But can't you list it as a gift or a sample or write a low value on the customs declaration?

Well, in a word, no. We don't do that sort of shtick. And in today's digital world, even vendors who are less honest can't really get away with it. Shipping is not the way it was a decade ago when the sender took out a pen and wrote out the label and shipping declaration on carbon-copy. Nowadays the invoice, shipping label and payment info all have to match up.

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