Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionProcessed Fruit Product
Market
Dried fig in China is primarily a shelf-stable, packaged dried-fruit snack and baking/ingredient item supplied through imports and domestic repacking/retail channels. Market access is shaped by GACC imported-food manufacturer registration, China’s national food safety standards for additives and labeling, and border inspection focus on contaminants and pest/foreign matter risks typical of dried fruits.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with domestic packing/repacking and limited domestic primary supply
Domestic RoleNiche dried-fruit snack and ingredient item sold mainly as packaged retail and e-commerce products; some bulk imports are repacked for domestic channels.
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityYear-round availability due to shelf-stable storage and continuous import/retail replenishment.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Whole vs. split/pressed presentation; skin color uniformity; absence of visible mold and insect damage
- Foreign matter control (stems, stones, field debris) and intact packaging seals
Compositional Metrics- Moisture control is central to texture, mold risk, and shelf stability
- Residual sulfur dioxide (if sulfites are used) must align with China additive permissions and limits
Grades- Buyer-defined grading by size, appearance, and defect tolerance; requirements often set in importer/retailer specifications rather than a single universal market grade.
Packaging- Moisture- and oxygen-barrier packaging with reseal features is common in retail snack channels; bulk cartons are used for downstream repacking.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin drying/processing → sorting/grading → packing (bulk or retail) → sea freight to China port → GACC inspection/quarantine sampling → importer warehousing → domestic distribution (retail/e-commerce) → consumer
Temperature- Ambient logistics with emphasis on cool, dry storage to prevent moisture uptake, mold growth, and quality degradation.
Atmosphere Control- Moisture and oxygen control via packaging selection and warehouse humidity management is more critical than controlled-atmosphere transport.
Shelf Life- Shelf life is highly sensitive to moisture exposure, packaging integrity, and post-arrival storage humidity conditions.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Entry HighFailure to meet China imported-food entry rules (notably GACC overseas manufacturer registration where applicable, plus GB-standard labeling and additive compliance) can block clearance, trigger relabeling orders, or lead to return/destruction at port.Confirm CIFER/GACC registration applicability before contracting; run a China-label and formulation compliance review (GB 7718/GB 2760/GB 28050 as relevant) and align documents to importer port-of-entry checklist.
Food Safety Contaminants MediumDried fruits are inherently exposed to mold growth and contaminant risk if drying/storage moisture is not controlled; nonconforming lots may be detained or rejected during inspection sampling.Require supplier preventive controls (drying validation, humidity-controlled storage), lot-level COA and contaminant testing per importer spec, and container moisture management measures.
Logistics MediumSea freight cost volatility can shift landed cost, while container humidity/condensation can degrade quality (stickiness, mold risk) during transit and port dwell time.Use moisture-barrier packaging and desiccants where appropriate, specify container loading and ventilation practices, and build pricing buffers or freight clauses into contracts.
Labor Human Rights MediumIf the supply chain (product or key inputs such as packaging) is linked to Xinjiang, some multinational buyers and re-export channels may require enhanced due diligence due to forced labor allegations and related import restrictions in certain jurisdictions.Maintain origin documentation and supplier labor-audit evidence; implement region-of-origin screening and segregated supply where required by downstream buyer policies.
Sustainability- Energy and emissions footprint of dehydration and long-distance shipping; some buyers request documentation of processing energy practices.
- Packaging waste scrutiny for single-serve and multi-layer barrier packs used in snack channels; retailers may prefer recyclable-ready formats where feasible.
Labor & Social- Heightened human-rights due diligence sensitivity for agricultural supply chains linked to Xinjiang (Uyghur forced labor allegations); applicability depends on origin and upstream sourcing and can affect multinational buyer acceptance and re-export programs.
- Migrant/seasonal labor management and occupational safety in orchard and packing operations (supplier-audit focus areas for large retailers).
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- FSSC 22000
- BRCGS Food Safety
- IFS Food
FAQ
What is the biggest compliance risk for selling imported dried figs in China?The main deal-breaker is failing China’s imported-food entry and compliance rules—especially GACC overseas manufacturer registration where applicable, plus China-standard labeling and additive compliance. Problems here can stop clearance or force relabeling or returns at the port.
Which documents are commonly needed to clear dried figs through China customs?Importers typically prepare commercial documents (invoice, packing list, transport document), a certificate of origin, and any GACC registration information required for the product category. Depending on port practice and product classification, an official sanitary/health certificate and a phytosanitary certificate may also be requested for plant-origin foods.
Which additive and labeling rules most often affect dried fig products in China?Additive permissions (including sulfites where used) are governed by China’s national food additive standard, while mandatory Chinese prepackaged-food labeling and nutrition labeling requirements apply based on product format and claims.
Sources
General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) — Imported food supervision rules (including Decree 248/249 and CIFER overseas manufacturer registration)
State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) / Standardization Administration of China (SAC) — GB 7718 — General Rules for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods
State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) / National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC) — GB 2760 — National Food Safety Standard: Standards for Uses of Food Additives
State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) / National Health Commission of the PRC (NHC) — GB 28050 — National Food Safety Standard: Nutrition Labeling of Prepackaged Foods
Codex Alimentarius Commission (FAO/WHO) — General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) and related hygiene/labeling guidance used as international reference points
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) — FAOSTAT — China fig production context (national-level agricultural production series)
International Trade Centre (ITC) — ITC Trade Map — China import statistics for figs/dried fruit (HS-based trade series; verify HS line used for dried figs)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) enforcement guidance and due diligence expectations (relevant for downstream buyer screening)
Three Squirrels Co., Ltd. (三只松鼠股份有限公司) — Investor relations / annual reporting on China packaged snack retail channels (category context for packaged dried fruits)
Liangpinpuzi Co., Ltd. (良品铺子股份有限公司) — Investor relations / annual reporting on branded snack distribution in China (category context for packaged dried fruits)
Qiaqia Food Co., Ltd. (洽洽食品股份有限公司) — Investor relations / annual reporting on packaged snack distribution (category context for dried-fruit assortments)
Haoxiangni Health Food Co., Ltd. (好想你健康食品股份有限公司) / Be & Cheery (百草味) brand owner/operator — Investor relations / annual reporting on packaged snack channels (category context for dried-fruit retail in China)