Market
Chewing gum in Togo is primarily an import-supplied confectionery category (HS 170410), with imports far exceeding exports in the latest UN Comtrade-reported data surfaced via WITS. In 2023, Togo imported about USD 1.061 million (2,828,250 kg) of chewing gum, with China the dominant supplier by value and volume and additional supply from regional partners such as Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. Exports are comparatively small (about USD 29,340; 68,946 kg in 2023), indicating limited re-export or redistribution rather than a large domestic manufacturing base. Market access and continuity are shaped by administrative requirements for placing food products on the Togolese market and by country security risks that can disrupt inland distribution and operations.
Market RoleNet importer with minor re-export/re-distribution activity
Domestic RolePackaged confectionery product largely supplied through imports and local distribution networks
Risks
Security HighCountry security risks (crime, unrest, and terrorism/kidnapping risk in northern areas) can disrupt inland transport, sales operations, and distributor field activity, raising insurance and duty-of-care constraints for firms moving goods beyond Lomé and main corridors.Concentrate initial distribution in lower-risk southern/urban zones where feasible; use vetted transport providers, dynamic route risk monitoring, and security escalation protocols aligned to current government travel advisories.
Regulatory Compliance HighFailure to secure and maintain the published authorization to place food products on the Togolese market (including submission of product sheet, samples, and required sanitary documentation) can block legal sale and trigger delays or withdrawal from shelves.Run a pre-launch compliance checklist against the Direction Générale du Commerce requirements; retain dossier copies per SKU and renew within validity windows.
Logistics MediumMaritime security and armed-robbery/piracy incident risk in the Gulf of Guinea can raise voyage risk premia and add cost/uncertainty to sea logistics serving West African ports, with knock-on effects on lead times and landed costs.Use reputable carriers with documented security procedures, confirm war-risk/GoG clauses in marine insurance, and build inventory buffers to absorb schedule variability.
Food Safety MediumChewing gum formulations often rely on multiple additives (sweeteners, colours, flavours); non-compliant additive choices or excessive use relative to accepted provisions (e.g., Codex GSFA food category 05.3) can create border or in-market compliance risk.Maintain a formulation dossier mapping each additive to a permitted-use basis and maximum levels where applicable; keep batch COA/specs and provide label translations where required.
Sustainability- Litter and environmental persistence concerns: chewing gum base may include synthetic polymers (e.g., polyethylene, polyvinyl acetate are listed among permitted chewing-gum-base components in some food additive frameworks), and improper disposal can create visible urban waste management burdens.
FAQ
Is Togo mainly an importer or an exporter of chewing gum?Togo is mainly an importer. In 2023, imports were about USD 1.061 million (2,828,250 kg) while exports were much smaller at about USD 29,340 (68,946 kg), indicating import dependence with only minor re-export activity.
What HS code is typically used to classify chewing gum in trade statistics for Togo?Trade statistics commonly classify chewing gum under HS code 170410 (Chewing gum).
What is a key administrative requirement to sell imported food products on the Togolese market?Togo’s service-public portal describes an authorization to place food products on the Togolese market (autorisation de mise sur le marché) issued by the Direction Générale du Commerce, with a dossier that includes a product information sheet, product samples, and a sanitary/phytosanitary/wholesomeness certificate as applicable.