Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable, packaged
Industry PositionPackaged Consumer Food Product (Sugar Confectionery)
Market
Chewing gum in Morocco is a packaged sugar-confectionery market supplied through both imports and outbound shipments of HS 170410. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows Morocco imported about USD 7.47 million (1,439,870 kg) of HS 170410 in 2023—predominantly from Egypt—and exported about USD 5.48 million (1,848,080 kg) in the same year. Modern-trade assortment includes sugar-free mint and fruit-flavored gums sold in small impulse packs and larger multipacks. Market access depends on ONSSA import controls and compliance with Morocco’s food labeling and ingredient/additive designation rules.
Market RoleNet importer with meaningful exporter/re-exporter activity
Domestic RoleEveryday impulse confectionery product sold through modern trade and traditional retail
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliant labeling/ingredient-additive declarations or missing/incorrect sanitary documentation in the ONSSA import file can lead to detention, sampling delays, rejection, or refusal of market placement in Morocco.Run a pre-shipment compliance check against Decree 2-12-389 and Order 2037-16; align the ONSSA file (invoice/packing list/transport doc/health certificate where applicable) and keep label, certificates, and shipment details consistent.
Trade Concentration MediumMorocco’s HS 170410 import supply is highly concentrated in Egypt (dominant origin in 2022–2023), raising disruption risk if Egypt-origin supply, policy, or logistics are interrupted.Pre-qualify secondary origins/suppliers (e.g., EU and other regional producers) and hold contingency inventory for fast-moving SKUs.
Religious Dietary MediumIf chewing gum contains animal-derived inputs (e.g., gelatin) or is marketed with Halal claims, missing or insufficient halal documentation can block entry or reduce buyer acceptance.Conduct a formulation review for animal-derived components and alcohol-based carriers; obtain appropriate halal certification/documentation when applicable.
Food Safety MediumSweeteners, colors, and other additives must be legally permitted and correctly declared; non-compliance can trigger ONSSA action (border holds or market withdrawal) and reputational damage.Maintain supplier CoAs, verify additive legality and labeling format (including additive category + specific name/E-number where applicable), and apply periodic third-party testing for high-risk parameters.
Logistics LowHeat exposure during storage/transport can deform gum and degrade sensory quality, increasing returns or disputes even when the product remains shelf-stable.Use heat-protective warehousing practices (shade/ventilation), avoid prolonged hot container dwell times, and apply FEFO for flavored SKUs.
FAQ
Which documents are commonly required to import chewing gum into Morocco under ONSSA control procedures?An ONSSA import examination file typically includes an application/examination request, commercial invoice, packing list, transport document (e.g., bill of lading/air waybill), and a health/sanitary certificate or equivalent from the exporting country’s competent authority as applicable to the product category. ONSSA procedures also reference documents identifying the approved storage location prior to market placement, and additional product-specific documents when required.
Is Halal certification required for chewing gum sold in Morocco?It is conditional. ONSSA import-control documentation references halal slaughter certificates for products likely to contain gelatin/collagen/animal fat/meat extracts, and halal certificates when a product is labeled Halal. Whether this applies to a specific chewing-gum SKU depends on its formulation and labeling claims.
What are Morocco’s main import origins for chewing gum (HS 170410), and where does Morocco export it?In 2023, Morocco’s imports of HS 170410 were dominated by Egypt, followed by Spain and smaller volumes from other EU partners. In the same year, Morocco exported HS 170410 chiefly to the United States, with additional exports to the Netherlands, Senegal, France, and Mauritania.
Which Moroccan rules are most relevant for chewing gum label compliance?Key references include Decree No. 2-12-389 (22 April 2013) on food labeling requirements and Ministerial Order No. 2037-16 (12 July 2016) on technical rules for designating ingredients and additives (including declaring additives by category plus specific name and/or E-number where applicable).