Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable packaged
Industry PositionPackaged Confectionery Product
Market
Fruity chewing gum in Lebanon is primarily an import-supplied, shelf-stable confectionery product sold through modern trade retail. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS platform shows Lebanon imported chewing gum (HS 170410) valued at about USD 4.18 million in 2023, with Egypt and Turkey among the top origins by import value. Modern trade e-commerce assortments in Lebanon list branded sugar-free gum products and fruit flavors (e.g., strawberry and mixed berries) with polyol sweeteners. The operating environment carries elevated disruption risk, and importers typically rely on standard customs documentation and label compliance to avoid clearance and market-withdrawal issues.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied largely by imports
Market GrowthMixed (2018–2023 trade data context)volatile import value and volumes across recent years
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by import and retail replenishment cycles rather than agricultural seasonality.
Risks
Security HighElevated security risks (including risk of armed conflict and civil unrest) can disrupt ports, land-border movements, and domestic distribution in Lebanon, causing shipment delays, damage, or temporary market inaccessibility during escalations.Use flexible routing and contingency inventory with local distributors; add force-majeure and delivery buffers; monitor official security advisories and carrier notices for route viability.
Regulatory Compliance MediumNon-compliant labeling (missing required elements or unacceptable language) can lead to detention, relabeling costs, or rejection; products with Hebrew labels are not accepted.Pre-audit labels for required elements (net weight, manufacturer, ingredients, origin, production and expiry dates) and ensure Arabic/English/French labeling before shipment.
Food Safety MediumSugar-free fruity chewing gum relies on multiple additives (sweeteners, colors, antioxidants) that must align with Lebanese food additive standards (e.g., LIBNOR NL 761:2017 referencing Codex/JECFA concepts).Maintain formulation and additive documentation (including Codex INS/E-number crosswalk where applicable) and provide Certificates of Analysis to importers for compliance checks.
Documentation Gap MediumMissing or inconsistent import documents (SAD-based declaration, invoice, bill of lading, packing list, certificate of origin when needed) can delay customs clearance and generate storage/demurrage costs.Run a pre-shipment document checklist aligned to Lebanon import documentation guidance; ensure the invoice clearly states origin or attach an authorized certificate of origin.
Market Volatility MediumUN Comtrade via WITS shows significant volatility in Lebanon’s chewing gum (HS 170410) import values across recent years, increasing inventory and pricing risk for importers and retailers.Stage shipments into smaller lots, diversify origins where feasible, and align promotions to confirmed landed inventory.
FAQ
What HS code is commonly used to classify chewing gum for trade into Lebanon?Chewing gum is commonly classified under HS 170410 (chewing gum, whether or not sugar-coated).
What label elements and languages are commonly expected for imported packaged foods in Lebanon?Labeling guidance for Lebanon commonly includes net weight, manufacturer, production and expiry date, ingredients, and country of origin. Labels may be printed in Arabic, English, or French, and products with labels in Hebrew are not accepted.
Which countries were major origins of Lebanon’s chewing gum imports in 2023?UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS platform shows Egypt and Turkey among the top origins by import value for Lebanon’s 2023 imports of chewing gum (HS 170410).