The decision also applies to laptops and cellular telephones with Bluetooth and GPS receivers.
The Ministry of Communications is allowing the personal import of wireless devices without the need for a permit, including iPhones, laptops, and cellular telephones with Bluetooth and GPS receivers. The decision is part of the ministry's policy announced in January to ease the import of wireless devices, provided they do not disrupt wireless communications. Customs has agreed to the ministry's request to approve the new policy.
Until now, an Israeli citizen had to obtain a Ministry of Communications permit to release any laptop and GPS device from customs.
Minister of Communications Ariel Atias said, "The measure is part of the ministry's liberalization policy to facilitate the import of end devices that will serve Israeli citizens and solve the consumer problem."
Ministry of Communications director general Mordechai Mordechai said, "The ministry has struck a balance between helping the public and preventing disruptions to wireless communications."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 6, 2008
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