Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable packaged
Industry PositionPackaged Consumer Food (Confectionery)
Market
Chewing gum in Tanzania is primarily supplied through imports and sold as a packaged confectionery product through both traditional and modern retail channels. UN Comtrade data (via the World Bank WITS platform) records Tanzania’s chewing gum imports under HS 170410 at about USD 5.35 million in 2023. Recorded import supply is highly concentrated from Kenya, indicating strong regional sourcing links within East Africa. Market access and continuity of supply are highly sensitive to import compliance steps such as conformity assessment (when applicable) and label/document correctness at clearance.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RolePrimarily a retail confectionery item distributed via importers/wholesalers into traditional trade and urban modern retail
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighIf the chewing gum consignment is subject to Tanzania’s TBS Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) controls, failure to obtain and present a valid Certificate of Conformity (CoC) can block or delay customs clearance and trigger destination inspection actions.Confirm whether HS 170410 chewing gum is in scope for PVoC for the shipment, arrange pre-shipment verification with an authorized conformity assessment body, and ensure the CoC and supporting technical/label documentation are uploaded and consistent with the customs declaration.
Labeling MediumNon-compliant labeling for manufactured/processed prepacked foods (e.g., missing net contents, dates, ingredient/additive declarations, or manufacturer/packer/distributor details) can lead to enforcement actions and market withdrawal risk.Audit labels against Tanzania food labeling regulations and ensure declarations are provided in Swahili or English before shipment and before placing product on the market.
Supply Concentration MediumImport supply is highly concentrated from a single partner (Kenya in UN Comtrade records), creating exposure to cross-border disruptions (route constraints, regulatory changes, or supplier-side shocks).Qualify at least one alternate compliant supplier route (e.g., additional regional and/or overseas suppliers) and maintain minimum safety stock for high-turn SKUs.
Logistics MediumReplenishment lead times can be affected by seaport and corridor logistics (Dar es Salaam gateway and regional trucking), increasing stockout risk for fast-moving confectionery items.Use rolling forecasts, maintain buffer inventory at importer/wholesaler level, and align shipment documentation early to reduce clearance dwell time.
FAQ
What HS code is commonly used for chewing gum when importing into Tanzania?Chewing gum is classified under HS 170410 (Sugar confectionery; chewing gum, whether or not sugar-coated, not containing cocoa), as shown in the UN Statistics Division HS classification detail.
What is the most common compliance item that can delay clearance for regulated imports into Tanzania?For goods covered by Tanzania’s TBS Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme, the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a key document for customs clearance; if it is missing or inconsistent, the shipment can be delayed and may be subject to destination inspection.
Which system is referenced for submitting import documentation in Tanzania?Import documentation and declarations are referenced as being submitted online through the Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS), typically handled by a licensed clearing and forwarding agent.