The purchase tax on small electronic equipment such as small tape players, walkmans, and MP3-players is, as of today, nullified. The end of the 45% tax signals an immediate 30% drop in the price of these products, as well as some other radio equipment. The price change affects items that are not bigger than 17 by 10 by 4.5 centimeters in size. The reason given for the decision, which could cost the Finance Ministry coffers some 10 million shekels annually, is that these items can be, and are, easily smuggled in. It is hoped that the lower prices will encourage their purchase here, thus increasing the country\'s income from Value-Added Tax.