Dried fruit import has become a lucrative sector for several reasons:

• Health trends: Consumers everywhere are reaching for snacks with a natural, “better-for-you” image.
• Long shelf life: Dried fruits last months, making them ideal for both retailers and exporters.
• Diverse origins: From Turkish figs to Thai mango and California raisins, dried fruit importers can offer unique global products.
• Ingredient flexibility: Beyond snacks, dried fruit is used in baking, cereals, confectionery, and even brewing.

Supermarkets and specialty food stores - from Sydney to Singapore, Toronto to London - are expanding dried fruit selections. This boom opens opportunities for both experienced and first-time importers.

Importing dried fruit might sound simple: find a supplier, ship the goods, sell to customers. Yet, between food safety controls and fluctuating customs duties, details matter. Here's what’s usually involved:

1. Sourcing & Supplier Verification

You’ll want to source from reliable suppliers who:

• Meet international food safety standards (HACCP, ISO, BRCGS)
• Provide accurate documentation (certificates of origin, analysis, ingredients)
• Offer traceability (important for origin claims and recalls)

Take dried mango from Vietnam, as an example. Verifying the supplier’s records is key to prevent delays.

2. Regulatory Compliance: Food Safety & Labeling

Each importing country sets its own food safety rules. Some common requirements:

• Maximum allowable pesticide residues
• Process hygiene standards (testing for moisture, sulfur dioxide, contaminants)
• Accurate labeling: ingredients, allergens, country of origin, net weight, supplier details
• Additional declarations for organic or specialty claims

Find official regulations on resources like the U.S. FDA Food Import Regulations or EU Food Law. Markets like Australia or Canada have their own, so “copy and paste” compliance doesn’t work.

3. Import Documentation

Paperwork makes or breaks a dried fruit import. Essential docs include:

• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Bill of lading or airway bill
• Phytosanitary certificate (proving the product is pest/disease-free)
• Health certificate (if required)
• Import declaration (filed prior to arrival in most markets)
• Certificates for organic, Halal, Kosher, or other claims

Delayed or incorrect documentation can lead to huge fines or destroyed shipments.
Curious about the ins and outs of customs forms? Read up on What Is an Import Declaration? A Complete Guide to the Import Process, Requirements, and Tips.

4. Customs Clearance & Duties

Customs officers check to ensure your dried fruit:

• Matches the declared import paperwork
• Has paid correct duties and taxes (typically tied to the HS code for dried fruits)
• Complies with any import quotas or special restrictions

5. Transport, Warehousing & Distribution

While sea freight is cheap for dried fruit, air freight is sometimes chosen to prevent product caking or humidity exposure. Once cleared, goods move to warehouses - sometimes with controlled temperature and humidity. Proper inventory management stops you from ending up with unsellable, clumpy fruit.

Seasonal Fluctuations

Quality and price can swing like a yo-yo due to weather issues, harvests, and logistics snags. Reliable forecasting and diverse sourcing are vital.

Regulatory Hurdles

Especially for organic or “no-additive” lines, expect close inspection. Importers are increasingly held responsible for supplier practices - think of the EU Deforestation Regulation for coffee. It’s only a matter of time before this scrutiny expands to dried fruit.

Counterfeit or Contaminated Product

Adulteration is a risk, especially for high-value fruit like freeze-dried berries or organic dates. Insist on third-party lab testing.

Import Duty Rates

Tariffs can change without warning due to trade tensions or new trade treaties. Always check the current import duty rate before shipment.

A quick glance at supermarket shelves shows just how global this business is. Leading countries include:

• Turkey: World’s biggest supplier of dried apricots and figs.
• Iran & the USA: Lead the global market for raisins, dates, and prunes.
• Thailand & Vietnam: Specialists in tropical fruit (mango, pineapple, coconut).
• Uzbekistan: An emerging powerhouse for high-quality dried cherries and apricots.
• Chile & South Africa: Produce dried prunes, apples, and pears for export.

Pro tip: Attend international food expos - they offer a chance to meet suppliers, taste products, and verify credentials in person.

Packaging: Moisture-proof, food-grade films are a must to avoid clumping and extend shelf life.

Desiccants: Small silica gel packs can make a surprising difference in humid climates.

Palletizing: Shrink-wrap pallets tightly to prevent dust and tampering during transit.

Temperature: While dried fruit generally ships at ambient temperature, delicate items (like freeze-dried berries) may require cooler shipping to retain quality.

Best Before Dates: Always double-check that shelf-life will remain long enough for customs clearance and retail stocking.

Assuming domestic rules apply everywhere. Each country has unique standards - always double-check local regulations.

Choosing the cheapest supplier. Price is important, but poor quality or wrong paperwork can cost more in the long run.

Neglecting product sampling. Never skip requesting pre-shipment samples and lab reports - especially for the first order.

Ignoring duty rates. Duties and taxes can change profit margins overnight - consult official tariff schedules before buying.

Underestimating logistics. Don’t let your shipment sit on a hot dock for days after arrival. Arrange customs and trucking ahead of time.

Organic and “clean label” popularity: Retailers push for no added sugar, no sulfites, and organic certifications.

Exotic blends: Berry mixes, chili-seasoned mango, and innovative combos are on the rise.

Sustainable sourcing: Brands are now touting ethical supply chains and transparent farmer partnerships.

Direct-to-customer: E-commerce channels and subscription snack boxes fuel demand for premium packaged dried fruits.

Today’s dried fruit import business is competitive but full of opportunity. Customer tastes are evolving, regulatory scrutiny is rising, and global supply chains keep everyone on their toes. Do your homework on sourcing, documentation, and compliance - those extra steps make all the difference between smooth sailing and a customs headache.

If you’re planning to import packaged food products like coffee, chocolate, or snacks, it's worth working with an experienced supplier who understands these requirements. MR.VIET offers export-ready Vietnamese goods and supports partners with documentation and logistics - helping you avoid surprises at the border.