Market
Dried tea leaves (HS 0902: tea, whether or not flavoured) in Israel function primarily as an import-dependent consumer and blending/packing market rather than a primary production origin. UN Comtrade data via WITS indicates Israel imported about US$8.652 million of tea (HS 0902) in 2023, totaling about 1,230,220 kg. Market access for imported tea is governed by Israel’s Ministry of Health (National Food Services), including importer registration, declaration/approval tracks, and shipment inspection/release at ports, airport, and land crossings. The packaged tea segment is notably concentrated, with public reporting that Israel’s Competition Authority declared Wissotzky a monopoly in the green tea and herbal infusions segments (retail sales) in 2023.
Market RoleNet importer and import-dependent consumer market with domestic blending/packing
Domestic RoleConsumer market relying on imports, with local blending/packing and branded distribution
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by imports and the shelf-stable nature of dried tea leaves, with limited seasonality compared to fresh crops.
Risks
Logistics HighRegional security disruptions affecting maritime routes and Israeli port operations (including Red Sea disruptions impacting Israel’s Eilat port since October 2023) can increase insurance costs, transit times, and shipment reliability for inbound tea, raising landed cost and risking stock-outs for import-dependent supply.Build buffer inventory in Israel, diversify origins and routings (Mediterranean vs. Red Sea where feasible), and secure shipping/insurance terms that explicitly cover rerouting and delay risks.
Regulatory Compliance HighFood imports to Israel require Ministry of Health National Food Services approval processes (importer registration, declaration/approval track) and shipment release procedures; missing registration/incorrect declarations can block clearance at entry.Complete importer registration and verify the correct import track (regular vs. sensitive) before contracting; pre-audit documentation and labeling against Ministry of Health requirements.
Food Safety MediumImported plant-based foods can be sampled and tested by Ministry of Health authorized laboratories during the inspection/release process; non-conformities (e.g., residues/contaminants or labeling/documentation gaps) can lead to delays or rejection.Implement pre-shipment testing and supplier QA (COAs, residue compliance checks) aligned to Israel-bound specifications; retain full traceability and test records for audit.
Competition MediumPackaged tea market dynamics in Israel can be highly concentrated in certain segments; public reporting indicates Wissotzky was declared a monopoly in green tea and herbal infusions (retail sales) in 2023, which can affect shelf access and competitive intensity for new entrants.Target differentiated niches (specialty single-origin, premium loose leaf, foodservice), secure distributor agreements, and consider private-label supply where appropriate.
FAQ
What are the key steps to import dried tea leaves (plant-based food) into Israel?Importers generally need to be registered with the Ministry of Health’s National Food Services, use the applicable declaration/approval track (regular vs. sensitive categories), and then obtain shipment release through the inspection/release process at quarantine/monitoring stations at ports, Ben Gurion Airport, or land crossings.
How large are Israel’s tea imports in recent UN Comtrade data?UN Comtrade data accessed via the World Bank WITS portal shows Israel imported about US$8.652 million of tea (HS 0902) in 2023, totaling about 1,230,220 kg.
Is kosher certification legally required to import tea into Israel?Kosher certification is generally not a legal requirement for importing food into Israel, but it can be commercially important because many mainstream retailers and hospitality channels prefer (or effectively require) kosher-certified products.