Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Product
Market
Dried jujube (red date) in China is produced from domestically grown Chinese jujube and processed into dried whole fruit and related snack/ingredient formats. China is the dominant producing country, with major commercial output concentrated in Xinjiang and several North China provinces; exports exist alongside large domestic consumption. For certain destinations, Xinjiang-linked supply chains face elevated forced-labor due-diligence and detention risk.
Market RoleMajor producer; large domestic consumption market; notable exporter
Domestic RoleCommon dry-goods staple used for direct consumption and as an ingredient in bakery, confectionery, tea/beverage, and traditional food applications
SeasonalityFresh jujube harvest is seasonal (late summer to autumn), while dried jujube is traded and consumed year-round due to dehydration and storage.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Whole dried fruit with uniform size grading by buyer specification
- Reddish-brown skin color with low defect and insect-damage tolerance
- Low breakage and minimal foreign matter for retail and ingredient use
Compositional Metrics- Moisture content targets defined by buyer specification to control mold risk and texture
- Sulfite (SO2) residue limits apply when sulfiting is used for color retention (destination- and standard-dependent)
Grades- Size and defect-based grading (e.g., large/medium/small; whole vs. broken; buyer-defined count/weight specifications)
Packaging- Bulk cartons with inner polyethylene liners for wholesale and further packing
- Retail pouches (often sealed) for modern trade and e-commerce
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Orchard harvest → receiving & sorting → washing → drying/dehydration → cooling & moisture equilibration → grading → packing → domestic distribution or export dispatch
Temperature- Typically ambient distribution; moisture control and protection from heat spikes are critical to prevent quality degradation
Shelf Life- Shelf life is primarily driven by moisture management, packaging seal integrity, and storage hygiene (insect and mold prevention)
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Sanctions Forced Labor HighXinjiang-origin (or Xinjiang-linked) dried jujube supply chains can be blocked or severely disrupted in markets with forced-labor import controls (e.g., U.S. UFLPA), including detention of shipments unless the importer can provide sufficient evidence to rebut forced-labor concerns.Implement origin transparency and chain-of-custody documentation (orchard lists, transaction records, processing logs), conduct third-party social compliance verification where feasible, and consider sourcing diversification when selling into high-enforcement jurisdictions.
Food Safety Compliance MediumBorder rejections can occur if moisture/spec limits are missed (mold risk) or if residues (e.g., sulfites where used) exceed destination requirements.Contract for moisture and defect specifications; run pre-shipment testing aligned to destination standards and retain COAs linked to lot IDs.
Logistics MediumOcean freight rate swings and port congestion can raise delivered costs and disrupt program timing for containerized dried-fruit shipments.Use longer lead times, multi-carrier contracting, and buffer inventory for retail programs; align pack formats to optimize container utilization.
Labor & Social- Xinjiang-linked forced-labor allegations create elevated human-rights due-diligence risk for jujube supply chains when exporting to jurisdictions with forced-labor import controls.
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- FSSC 22000
- BRCGS Food Safety
FAQ
What is the single biggest trade-blocking risk for dried jujube linked to Xinjiang when exporting to the United States?Xinjiang-linked supply chains can face shipment detention under the U.S. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) unless the importer can provide sufficient evidence that the goods were not made with forced labor. This can delay or stop market entry even when the product meets food-safety specifications.
Which Chinese standards are most commonly referenced for additive use and labeling of prepackaged dried foods sold in China?China’s national food safety standards include GB 2760 for permitted food additive use and GB 7718 for labeling rules for prepackaged foods. Exporters also need to align with destination-market requirements where they differ.
Which documents are commonly used for export shipments of dried jujube from China?Commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are standard, and a certificate of origin may be needed for buyer requirements or tariff preferences. Some destination markets also require a phytosanitary certificate for dried plant products depending on their import rules.
Sources
National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) — China National Food Safety Standard (GB) 2760 — Standards for Uses of Food Additives
State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of the People's Republic of China — China National Food Safety Standard (GB) 7718 — General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods
General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) — China Customs export declaration and inspection/quarantine references (including phytosanitary certification functions where applicable)
International Trade Centre (ITC) — ITC Trade Map — trade flows for dried fruit categories and relevant HS-level analytics
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Implementation Strategy
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — UFLPA operational guidance and enforcement updates (forced-labor import controls)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) — FAOSTAT — crops production datasets (for jujube/related crop categories where reported)