Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable packaged
Industry PositionPackaged Confectionery Product
Market
Chewing gum in Israel is primarily supplied through imports, with UN Comtrade-based WITS data showing Israel as a net importer under HS 170410 in recent years. Importers must follow Israel Ministry of Health National Food Services procedures (importer registration and declaration/clearance tracks) for food entry and release. Retail availability includes sugar-free gum products and is visible through major supermarket channels and their delivery/online storefronts. Ongoing regional security dynamics can raise logistics and insurance risk for inbound shipments, making continuity planning important for import-dependent confectionery SKUs.
Market RoleNet importer (imports materially exceed exports) with limited exports to nearby markets
Domestic RoleDomestic consumer market supplied largely by imports
Risks
Logistics HighRegional conflict and maritime security tensions can disrupt or re-route shipping lanes serving Israel and increase insurance and transit-time volatility, creating a material supply continuity risk for import-dependent packaged confectionery like chewing gum.Hold higher in-country safety stock for core SKUs, diversify origin/supplier base, and use forwarder advisories to plan routings and ETAs under changing security conditions.
Regulatory Compliance MediumNon-compliance with Ministry of Health National Food Services import procedures (importer registration/declaration track) or labeling/additive requirements can delay clearance or block release of shipments.Align product dossier and labels to Ministry of Health requirements and confirm additive permissibility against Israel’s food additives list before shipment.
Reputational MediumIsrael-linked trade can face boycott/divestment activism and heightened stakeholder scrutiny, which may affect brand strategy, customer acceptance, or partner willingness in certain markets or channels.Prepare a human-rights/reputational risk position, track customer requirements, and document sourcing/manufacturing compliance for external stakeholder review.
Environmental Compliance LowEPR-related packaging compliance obligations in Israel can create administrative burden and fees for importers/brand owners placing packaged gum products on the market.Confirm packaging reporting/participation obligations and align packaging specifications and reporting processes with Israel’s EPR implementation requirements.
Sustainability- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations for packaging waste can create compliance and cost exposure for importers/brand owners placing packaged gum on the Israeli market.
Labor & Social- Reputational and stakeholder pressure risk linked to the Israel–Palestine conflict environment, including boycott/divestment activism targeting Israel-related commerce.
FAQ
What HS code is used for chewing gum in Israel’s customs tariff classification?Israel’s customs tariff classification lists chewing gum under HS 1704100000 (chewing gum, whether or not sugar-coated).
Do chewing gum importers need Ministry of Health approval processes in Israel?Yes. The Ministry of Health National Food Services supervises imported food, including importer registration and the relevant import declaration/clearance track (regular vs. sensitive food) before shipments are released from ports.
Which countries have recently been major sources of Israel’s chewing gum imports?UN Comtrade-based WITS data for HS 170410 shows Israel importing chewing gum from multiple origins, with the United Kingdom, Spain, and China among the top sources reported for 2023.