INHERITANCE SHIPMENT

A person who has no rights left as an Ole hadash and who wishes to bring in an "inheritance lift" must produce a copy of the testator's will as well as a copy of the death/burial certificate, which must be authorized by a legal entity.
The legal papers must be notarized by a lawyer licensed in Israel.
The inheritor must also show his/her rental or purchase home contract to confirm the address that the shipment will be delivered to.
When the shipment arrives, all these documents must be produced in order to release the shipment.

Before release of the shipment however, an assessment of the goods will be made by the customs officer at the port.
Be sure to have an exact itemized list.
All goods must be used items.
The shipment will then be released after payment of Customs duties and VAT on the items. Inherited items are exempt from purchase tax.

If the inheritor wishes to check what the customs assessment will be before contemplating shipment, please send an itemized list to: National Customs Office
5 Bank of Israel St.
P.O.B. 320
Jerusalem 91002
Tel: 972-2-666-3789 Fax: 972-2-666-3819
Contact person: Mr.Yossi Steinmitz, Director,

Personal Import Division

Alternatively, one can write directly to the Personal Imports Division via email: Yishi@customs.mof.gov.il

Customs Authority website: www.mof.gov.il/

IMPORT OF BUSINESS EQUIPMENT BY AN OLEH

An Ole is entitled to a Customs exemption on imported equipment for business if he/she is registered as ‘’Self-Employed’’ or has established a business and is the owner of the business and fulfills the Meches (Customs) requirements listed below:

Requirements:

1. The Ole hadash must submit documents to Meches showing he/she is a business owner or self-employed in order to release the equipment tax-free. For example: a contract for rent or purchase of a premises, license from the local authorities or permits from The Misrad Ha-Briut, Misrad Ha-Ta’Asiah, or Mischar (Ministries of Health, Industry or Commerce).

2. Produce a certificate showing that he is registered as the owner of a business or is Atzmai (self employed) with VAT (value added tax) registration.

3. The maximum total value of goods that can be exempt is $36,000. If the value of the goods exceed $36,000, Customs Duties will be charged on the excess amount.

4. The equipment will be used in the Ole's declared work place only and must be related to the business (ie, dental chairs will be exempt, however a table and chairs for the waiting room will not be exempt). Supplies are also not exempt. For example, dental X-ray film is not exempt, while the X-ray machine is exempt.

5. The Ole proves (to the satisfaction of Meches) that he/she works in the business and that he/she has at least 50% control of the business. You must show partnership agreement or contract if there is a partner. The contract must indicate, in the event the partnership is dissolved, the tax exempt equipment reverts to the ownership of the Ole.

6. The Ole may not sell this equipment or transfer it to any other person before the end of five years from the date of Customs clearance.
If the Ole sells or transfers the equipment during the five year period, taxes must be paid.

7. To ensure all of the above, Meches requires the Ole to deposit guarantees (bank guarantees or cash deposits) equal to duties and taxes payable, until Meches verifies the equipment is actually used by the Ole, for the stated business purpose.

Please note: once you register as Atzmai, it may be difficult to "unregister".
It is generally not worthwhile to register as Atzmai unless you intend to run a business.

Technological Strategies…or ….Strategic Technology

Seven years ago, David Sonigo took a small step in hiring a top graphic arts firm to develop a new logo, consistent design and a matching uniform for his crews at Sonigo International in Israel. He wanted his operation to look as good as he was going to make it.

At the same time, he invested a small fortune in top of the line computers, servers, a network and a “cool” web site. With this infrastructure in place, he concentrated on training, improving packing materials and developing a product that would compete with the best in the world.

All this with the aim of joining FIDI. As many readers know, this process was a two year adventure ending with a score in the high 90s and four years (!!) until the next “in person” audit.

Like any good businessman, David Sonigo searched for new business opportunities and continued to look for ways to use the internet for its marketing opportunities. Buying leads was one investment that led him to understand the importance of being at the top of Search Engine pages.

Since all is not necessarily smooth on the cutting edge…Sonigo learned the hard way when they developed an all new web site. Four years ago noone knew to specify “Search Engine Optimization”, so the new web site was built with “frames” which Google and other search engines cannot read! It took two more attempts until the current web site was completed; and now www.Sonigo.com consistently shows up on the first page of searches for Shipping To and From Israel and other important search expressions.

Spearheaded by Joe Semel, Sonigo Sales Manager, handheld survey PDAs were introduced about three years ago and at the recent IAM convention new, upgraded PDAs were purchased for all sales people. The new PDAs integrate pictures into the surveys. No longer will the packing crew arrive with a crate and not be able to identify the right picture. They have a photograph of the item to be crated together with the crate.

The surveyor will often photograph access issues and preferred parking spots to help the crew save time and effort. All damage (scratches, chips, etc) is photographed during the survey and is an integral part of the survey report. Insurance claims are also down as a result.

The crew arrives with a special “rugged” PDA on which they prepare the packing list. Since many of the crew do not have perfect English (most are new immigrants from Russia), they can prepare the packing list in Russian and it prints out (via wireless printer, of course!) in English, French, Hebrew or even Finish.

The client signs on the PDA (just like Fedex) and his or her signature is part of the file (remember when it was called Inventory or Packing List – back in ancient times?) sent via wireless signals back to the office before the crew even leaves the residence!

To insure all goods are loaded, the crews’ PDA includes a bar code scanner. Every box or package is scanned before loading – creating a computerized bingo. For US State Department and military moves, which are loaded in lift vans, the scanner prepares a bingo by lift van…automatically!

Loose shipments brought back to the warehouse are scanned upon arrival and scanned when loaded into the container. Again computerized bingos guarantee no lost boxes. (The author recognizes, in our perfect world, there is no such thing as a lost box….)

David Sonigo believes his early adoption of the moving industry’s latest technology will help Sonigo do a better job and help Sonigo grow.

According to Sonigo. “I have not figured out how to make Facebook and Twitter work for us, but I am sure there is an angle. At the same time, I am closely watching RFID development for our industry. This is clearly going to be the next big step in our business.”

But machines, computers, PDAs, servers, SEO, etc etc are all tools and only tools to help Sonigo’s team take better care of the client. At the end of the day, it is the Sonigo team that interfaces with the client and here, too, investments are made in training.

Seven team members have attend five different FIDI webinars over the winter and the entire team, including packers and warehouse men are attending a 4 part “Excellence in Service” program custom designed by a professor of Tel Aviv University.

According to David Sonigo, “Machines and computers may be very important to our success, but people are critical to our success.

Sonigo - int' moving company

The Sonigo family opened their company in 1986. As recent immigrants from France, their early efforts concentrated on the French market. An important contract with the Jewish Agency to deliver house hold goods for French immigrants, kick started the business.

Until the mid ‘90s, Mordechai Sonigo provided local moving services in Israel alongside the Jewish Agency contract. In 1996, Mordechai’s son, David, joined the business and began providing international packing, shipping and forwarding services.

David also parlayed his love for rock and roll concerts into an integral part of the Sonigo business mix. Sonigo now provides most of the logistic, moving and packing services for almost every concert in Israel. Just this past summer, David supervised logistics for the Madonna concert which involved 60 containers, 3 chartered jumbo jets, a chartered vessel with 16 trailers and some 300 employees to unload, build stages and then reload for export.

But I jump ahead…with David’s joining the family business, he brought modern tools and techniques into the daily operation. From simple things like an sophisticated web site to bar code readers that register every box packed in a client’s home. He studied packing materials and today Sonigo offers some of the highest quality packing material on the market.

From a small family operation, Sonigo now employs some 60 team members. Sonigo joined the moving industry’s more important organizations including:
• FIDI (a very exclusive organization requiring an intensive audit by Ernst and Young)
• International Association of Movers (formerly House Hold Goods and Freight Forwarders Association),
• American Storage and Moving Association
• Demeco in France
• Le Demangement Specialise

David Sonigo understood the importance of internationally recognized quality measurements. Sonigo is proud to hold ISO 9002 certification from both Israel and Europe.

In 2004, after two long years of hard work, Sonigo was admitted to Unigroup UTS as a full partner and Intercontinental Shareholder. Unigroup UTS, parent company of United and Mayflower Van Lines is the largest moving company in the US with some 43% of the moving market.

Admission to FIDI in 2007, a very strenuous effort, moved Sonigo to an entirely different playing field. Prior to admission, FIDI requires prospective members improve and systemize their record keeping and file documentation to the highest industry standards. Financial integrity, stability and strength are of utmost importance and a significant portion of Ernst and Young’s audit, prior to approving a moving company’s eligibility. We are particularly proud of receiving a mark of 96% exempting us from a biannual visit by Ernst and Young.

Sonigo continues to invest in training its staff. This past December and January the entire staff attended the annual training seminar in “Service Excellence.” One of Israel’s leading experts, Alon Green, presented two parallel - four session seminars. His advice, direction and training are helping Sonigo continue to offer not just good service or even great service, but rather truly outstanding service.

Green discussed how every company offers good service or they are out of business. Great service is when a company fulfills client’s needs and desires, even if not voiced. Sonigo’s goal is to provide truly outstanding service by fulfilling needs and desires the client does not even know he or she will enjoy.

Our objective is to provide that “Wow” in your move.

Moving guide - Tips

What should be included and what should be excluded from my quote?

Rate should include:

1. Free moving estimate (pre-move survey)
2. Professionally packing, loading and bracing all items into the container, including all packing materials.
3. Completion of detailed inventory and preparation of all shipping documents.
4. Transporting your shipment to the destination country.
5. Customs clearance and/or attendance to customs clearance formalities where required.
6. LCL Only - 28 Days of free storage in Israel. This DOES NOT apply to full containers which receive 4 days free storage!
7. Delivery into residence based on normal access, is defined as residing on ground floor or on second level. Up to 20 meters from the back of the truck to the front door is considered normal access.
8. Verification of packing inventory, unwrapping large furniture and appliances, placement of all boxes and basic set-up of furniture. Basic set-up includes the reassembly of used beds (headboard to footboards only), kitchen and dining room tables only. Assembly of new furniture and complicated furniture such as bunk beds, beds with many parts and mechanized furniture, armoires and wall units are not included in this service.
9. Completion of service and damage reports (if needed).
10. Removal of debris on the day of the delivery (Material used to wrap furniture, not boxes).
11. Full Containers only - Return empty container to port.

Rate should exclude:

1. Fuel surcharge, (unexpected increase in fuel rates), if applicable.
2. Port fee of 1.02% of the declared value of your shipment – An Oleh Hadash is exempt from this fee.
3. Customs duties, taxes, inspection fees or charges due to port strikes, port congestion,, war or any other reason. Should any of these charges occur, they will be passed on to you before delivery can be completed. Please note your shipping agent will not be responsible for notifying you about duties on your possessions. It is your responsibility to check potential duties with Israeli Customs authorities. Please also note that customs, duties and taxes may vary. This depends on your entry status to Israel.
4. Full Containers only - Storage fees at port starts 5 days after arrival, including arrival day. It is your sole responsibility to be available in Israel to receive the container once it arrives. Containers may arrive earlier then estimated!
5. Full Containers only - Demurrage (Use) of container starts 8 days after arrival, including the arrival day.
6. Transport of shipment using a shuttle service due to difficult access. A shuttle is a smaller truck that would be able to access smaller streets.
7. Parking permits, if required.
8. Handling of oversized, heavy items or the use of exterior elevators or hoists.
9. Delivery to areas outside of Green Line Territory or non Central Israel.

Moving guide - FAQ

After the survey is done, Can we change the quantity of what we ship?

Clients change their minds after the survey and sometimes ship significantly more or less than what they indicated on the first survey. You must understand that the quote / Contract is based on what the moving company saw during the survey. If the actual volume is different, the rate will be adjusted accordingly. It is VERY important to know, ahead of time, how these changes will affect the rate. Ask the mover to indicate what the rate for additional volume would be on his contract.

How much should I tip the movers?

This will depend on the size of the shipment and is someone a personal preference. We see that on average, the crew will get 3-6% of the move cost excluding the insurance cost at the Origin and 3-6%% at the destination.

I heard horror stories about surprise cost at the destination. What are these?

Some companies try to attract clients with very low rates. They will always leave a part of their contract ambiguous. For example: “Port fees or THC (Terminal Handling Charges) are excluded”. The problem starts when there is no figure associated with these Port Fees or “THC”. Make sure when you sign a contract, you understand EVERYTHING about it. Do not leave room for surprises.

Other than that, you should understand, things can go wrong.

Moving guide - After moving

After moving!

� Locate your local post office, police station, fire station and hospitals as well as gas stations near your home.

� Become familiar with your neighborhood shopping areas. You may need house wares, tools or other items for your new home unexpectedly.

� Call the department of sanitation in your new home to find out which day the trash is collected and what type of recycling programs are available in your community.

� Get new service providers such as a bank, pharmacist, cleaner, cable television etc if you have not already done so.

� Provide your new doctor and dentist with your medical history.

� Transfer insurance policies to your new agent.

� Get information on schools, libraries, community activities and emergency calling services, from your local Chamber of Commerce.

� Obtain local library cards.

� Register to vote in your new city.

� Decide which documents must be kept and determine for how long. File and keep them in a safe place.

Items not to pack – Please read carefully!

It is important that you understand which items you can and cannot ship. There are rules and regulations that govern all movers to help ensure safety.

• Flammable, corrosive or explosive items:

Acid	Paints	Lighter Fluid	Pool Chemicals	Fertilizer	Gasoline Poisons
Stern	Matches	Paint Thinner	Ammunition	Pesticides	Nail Polish & remover
Aerosols	Kerosene	Liquid Bleach	Chemistry Sets	Fireworks
Motor Oil	Batteries	Car Batteries	Loaded Weapons	Weed Killer
Lamp Oil	Charcoal	Cleaning Fluid	Propane Tanks	Ammonia

• Dispose of perishables such as food and plants that may die or spoil in transit.

You should empty your refrigerator and freezers for at least 24 hours before loading. Keep the appliance doors open so the appliance will dry out and prevent the growth of mold and odor.

• Some articles are not accepted for transportation. We will assume no responsibility should these items come into our possession without our knowledge. Although these articles do not create a physical threat, it can create problems if your shipment is delayed or if some items are lost. This can be avoided if all irreplaceable, sentimental items are carried with you. For example:

Research Projects	Air Line Tickets	Tax Records	Car Keys	Letters	Deeds
Financial Statements	Stamp Collection	Address Books	Jewelry	Disks	Medicine
Sterling Silver Coins	Photos and Albums	Check Books	Files	Bond	Stocks
Personal Video Tapes	Computer Software	School Records	Furs