Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormFlour (Milled/Powder)
Industry PositionFood Ingredient
Market
Soybean flour in Israel functions primarily as an import-dependent food ingredient market rather than a domestic production market. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS portal shows Israel imported HS 120810 (soya bean flour and meal) at about USD 1.16 million and ~960 metric tons in 2023, with key origins including Serbia and Austria. Imports of plant-based foods are regulated through Israel’s Ministry of Health National Food Services, including port-of-entry inspection and release procedures. As a result, compliance readiness (importer registration, declarations/permits, and shipment release approval) is a central determinant of market access and lead times.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent ingredient market)
Domestic RolePrimarily a B2B ingredient supplied through importers/distributors for use in food manufacturing and bakery applications (model inference; verify with Israeli industry disclosures).
SeasonalityYear-round availability; timing is driven more by import logistics and clearance than by domestic harvest seasonality.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Free-flowing powder with low moisture sensitivity requirements (keep dry to avoid caking).
Compositional Metrics- Protein and fat content declarations are typically used to differentiate product types (full-fat vs defatted); Israel-specific target ranges not identified in sources used.
Grades- Import clearance may require classification as regular vs sensitive food and submission of the appropriate Ministry of Health declaration/permit documentation (product categorization is authority-specific; confirm with National Food Services).
Packaging- Packaging/labeling must support required ingredient list and nutrition labeling obligations for foods marketed in Israel (as referenced in Israeli Ministry of Health public guidance on labeling and nutrition information).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas supplier → sea freight → arrival at maritime port monitoring/quarantine station → Ministry of Health inspection/release approval → customs clearance → importer storage/distribution → industrial users
Temperature- Ambient handling; protect from heat and moisture to reduce quality degradation risks (especially for higher-fat flours).
Atmosphere Control- Dry, pest-controlled storage to limit infestation risk and prevent moisture pickup during warehousing and inland distribution.
Shelf Life- Shelf life is primarily limited by moisture pickup and (for higher-fat variants) oxidative rancidity; actual shelf life depends on formulation and packaging (no Israel-specific shelf-life standard identified in sources used).
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighImported plant-based food shipments can be blocked from customs release if the Ministry of Health quarantine/monitoring station has not approved release; missing importer registration and declaration/permit documentation can stop clearance and create storage/demurrage exposure.Secure National Food Services importer registration in advance, confirm whether the item is treated as regular vs sensitive food, and pre-validate the shipment document pack before arrival.
Food Safety MediumShipments may be delayed for Ministry of Health inspections and authorized laboratory testing; conditional release (when available) comes with financial guarantees and restrictions on marketing until results are cleared.Plan lead times for inspection/testing, maintain contingency inventory, and ensure supplier COAs and compliance documentation are aligned with Israel’s import approvals.
Logistics MediumAs an import-dependent ingredient, supply continuity is exposed to maritime logistics delays and cost volatility; delays amplify the impact of the mandatory port/quarantine-station release process.Use reliable carriers, build schedule buffers around port inspection windows, and diversify origins where feasible.
Sustainability LowBuyer ESG requirements may require origin-level disclosure and sustainability screening for soy-based ingredients, which can create compliance work and supplier approval delays depending on the origin country.Implement supplier traceability to origin and maintain ESG documentation packages aligned to buyer requirements.
Sustainability- Imported soy supply chain sustainability due diligence (origin-dependent), including land-use change/deforestation risk screening where relevant for the supplying country/region.
FAQ
Is Israel primarily an importer or exporter of soybean flour?Israel is primarily an importer for HS 120810 (soya bean flour and meal). UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS portal reports Israel imported about USD 1.16 million and ~960 metric tons in 2023, while reported exports from Israel are very small.
What approvals are needed to release an imported plant-based food shipment in Israel?Israel’s Ministry of Health National Food Services requires importer registration and submission of an importer declaration for regular food (or early confirmation for sensitive food), and the shipment must be inspected at a monitoring/quarantine station with approval for release before customs release is permitted.
Which HS code is commonly used for soybean flour and meal in trade statistics?HS code 120810 is defined as flours and meals of soya beans in the HS classification, and it is used in UN Comtrade/WITS reporting for soybean flour and meal trade flows.