Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Product
Market
In India, dried fig (anjeer) is sold as a dry-fruit product for direct consumption and as an ingredient in sweets and bakery. Supply in the Indian market includes imported product and domestically packed/processed dried figs; market access and compliance are primarily shaped by FSSAI requirements for import clearance, labeling, permitted additives, and contaminant limits (notably mold/mycotoxin risk in dried fruits).
Market RoleDomestic consumption market supplied by both imports and domestic packing/processing
Domestic RoleRetail and ingredient market for dry-fruit consumption and confectionery/bakery use
Specification
Physical Attributes- Whole dried figs with intact skin, pliable texture, and minimal cracking
- Free from visible mold, insect infestation, or foreign matter
- Color typically ranges from light amber to brown depending on drying method and any preservative treatment
Compositional Metrics- Moisture control is a key acceptance and storage parameter because moisture pickup increases mold risk in humid conditions
Grades- Commercial grades often reflect fruit size and appearance uniformity (buyer specification-dependent)
Packaging- Moisture-barrier consumer packs for retail
- Bulk cartons/liners for repacking and food manufacturing channels
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Import or domestic procurement → cleaning/sorting → (optional) preservative treatment → drying/conditioning → grading → packing → wholesale/retail distribution
Temperature- Cool, dry storage reduces quality loss and mold risk; temperature spikes can accelerate flavor deterioration when combined with humidity
Atmosphere Control- Low-humidity handling and moisture-barrier packaging are critical to prevent rehydration and spoilage
Shelf Life- Shelf life is highly sensitive to moisture pickup; damaged or non-barrier packaging can lead to mold growth and off-flavors
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighMold and mycotoxin contamination risk in dried figs can trigger consignment detention/rejection in India and create recall/reputation exposure for brands and importers.Use validated drying and moisture-control storage, require batch COAs from accredited labs, and implement incoming testing for mycotoxins and moisture/water activity on risk-based lots.
Logistics MediumHumidity exposure during ocean transit, warehousing, or last-mile distribution can cause moisture pickup and mold growth, especially if packaging is not moisture-barrier or is damaged.Specify moisture-barrier packaging, use desiccants where appropriate, enforce dry-warehouse practices, and monitor packaging integrity and storage humidity.
Regulatory MediumImport clearance delays can occur due to documentation gaps, labeling non-compliance, or port sampling/testing timelines under the FSSAI import regime.Pre-check labels and documents against current FSSAI requirements and align test plans to expected port-of-entry parameters to reduce holds.
Fraud LowQuality fraud risk (misrepresentation of grade/origin, mixing lots, or undisclosed preservative treatment) can create buyer disputes and compliance issues.Contract on measurable specs (size count, defects, moisture), perform supplier audits, and maintain lot-level traceability with routine authenticity/quality checks.
Sources
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) — Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) — Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011 (and amendments)
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) — Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 (and amendments)
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) — Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020
Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India — India merchandise trade statistics (HS chapter coverage for figs/dried fruit trade reference)
Codex Alimentarius Commission — Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) and related food-safety guidance used as international reference