PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

Capital City
Jerusalem / Ramallah and Gaza

Population
ca. 2,85 Mio. Westbank und ca. 1,82 Mio. (Gazastreifen)

National languages
Arabic

Currency
Israeli and Jordanian currency in circulation.

Gross national product (GNP)
10’724 Mio. USD

GNP per person
2’557 USD

Financial exports to Switzerland
CHF23,78 Mio. CHF

Financial imports from Switzerland
CHF0,16 Mio. CHF

Business language

English.

Dimensions and weights

Metric system.

Currency

Israeli and Jordanian currency in circulation.

Customs tariff

Harmonised system.

Import control

Licensing system: import licences are often required; deliveries may only be processed via Palestinian representatives or concessionaires. There is a de facto customs union with Israel.

Imports from abroad are subject to the Paris Protocol on economic cooperation between Israel and the PNA. There is a free trade agreement with the EU. No customs duties are payable, just the VAT and sales tax.

There are special import provisions for food, live animals, technical devices, vehicles and vehicle parts, crude oil, plant oils and cigarettes. The Palestinian Monetary Authority (PMA) is responsible for foreign currency transactions. It effectively acts as the central bank.

State export guarantees for short-term commercial transactions with credit terms of a maximum of 360 days are possible.

VAT 17%

Terms of payment and tenders

Delivery against an irrevocable, confirmed letter of credit.

Marking regulation

The regulations applicable to Israel are to be complied with.

All goods must be labelled in Arabic.

Failure to comply with this will result in the goods being seized without compensation.

Shipping and accompanying documents

Shipping freight documents:

a) Commercial invoices (3 copies) in English with the standard information, uncertified. Ask the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and professional association about the current status and processing formalities.

b) Certificates of origin are required (number varies).

c) Movement certificate EUR. 1 or evidence of preferential origin on request. For goods which come under the preferential agreement with the EU, evidence of preferential origin EUR. 1 for shipments with a value of more than EUR 6.000; for shipments under EUR 6.000 the following declaration must be made by the exporter on a commercial document (e.g. commercial invoice): “The exporter of the products covered by this document declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of … preferential origin.” Date, signature.

d) EUR-MED