Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDehydrated (Dried)
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Product
Market
Dehydrated plum (dried prunes; commonly traded under HS 081320) in Egypt is supplied largely through imports and distributed via licensed food importers into retail and ingredient channels. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS platform reports Egypt imported about USD 4.29 million (about 925.7 tonnes) of dried prunes in 2023, led by Argentina and Spain, followed by Bulgaria, France and Morocco. Market access is shaped by Egypt’s import control regime for food, including NFSA importer licensing and conformity/inspection programs for preserved and dried fruits, and GOEIC requirements for certain regulated product categories. Labeling compliance with Egyptian standards published by EOS is a practical checkpoint for clearance and retail readiness.
Market RoleNet importer (import market evidenced by 2023 imports of HS 081320 dried prunes)
SeasonalityYear-round availability is typical because the product is shelf-stable and supply is driven by imports.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Pitted vs. unpitted presentation (buyer/program-specific)
- Size/count grading (commercial spec by supplier/importer)
- Texture targets (soft/moist vs. drier packs) driven by moisture control
Compositional Metrics- Moisture control is critical for texture and shelf stability
- Declared additive content (e.g., sulfites when used) must align with Egyptian labeling expectations
Grades- Whole prunes (pitted)
- Whole prunes (unpitted)
- Pieces/diced (industrial use)
Packaging- Moisture-barrier retail packs for consumer sale
- Bulk cartons/liners for wholesale and repacking
- Lot/batch identification on packs to support traceability and clearance workflows
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas processing (drying/packing) → sea freight → Egyptian port entry → NFSA/GOEIC controls (as applicable) → importer warehousing → wholesale/retail distribution
Temperature- No cold chain is typically required, but heat and humidity exposure during transit/warehousing can degrade quality (stickiness, mold risk) if packaging integrity is compromised
Shelf Life- Shelf stability depends on moisture control and intact packaging; moisture ingress and poor storage hygiene increase spoilage and rejection risk
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighGOEIC factory/brand registration requirements under Ministerial Decree 43/2016 (as amended) can block release of shipments for certain product categories (including preserved and dried fruits) if the foreign factory/brand/distribution center is not registered for exports to Egypt.Confirm whether the specific product/pack format is within Decree 43 scope for your shipment and ensure the foreign factory/brand/distribution center is registered with GOEIC (retain proof for the importer’s clearance file).
Food Safety MediumNFSA import controls can involve sampling/testing and/or pre-border conformity documentation for in-scope food categories (including preserved and dried fruits); non-compliance can result in detention, re-export or commercial disruption.Align product specifications and test plans with Egyptian importer requirements and NFSA-referenced standards; use an NFSA-authorized inspection body for COI where applicable.
Labeling MediumLabel nonconformities against Egyptian labeling standards and market expectations (ingredient/additive declarations, lot identification, date marking) can trigger clearance delays and retail de-listing risk.Run a pre-shipment label artwork review against EOS labeling standards and the importer’s checklist; keep controlled label versions tied to lot/batch records.
Documentation Gap MediumMismatch between shipment documents (product description, HS reference, factory/brand identifiers, lot/batch references) can increase inspection intensity and extend port dwell time.Standardize commercial documents and COI/registration references to the exact product label and packing list; conduct a document reconciliation step before dispatch.
FAQ
Which countries are key suppliers of dried prunes to Egypt?UN Comtrade data shown on the World Bank WITS platform reports that Egypt’s 2023 imports of dried prunes (HS 081320) were led by Argentina and Spain, followed by Bulgaria, France and Morocco.
What is the single biggest compliance issue that can stop a dried-prune shipment from being released for trading in Egypt?For product categories covered by GOEIC’s factory/brand registration regime under Ministerial Decree 43/2016 (as amended), shipments intended for trading can be blocked if the foreign factory/brand/distribution center is not registered. Preserved and dried fruits are listed among the covered categories in industry and inspection-body summaries of the programme, so exporters should confirm applicability and ensure registration status is in place before shipping.
What labeling reference is most relevant when selling prepackaged dehydrated plums in Egypt?Egypt’s EOS publishes national labeling standards for prepackaged foods (e.g., EOS Standard 1546/2024), which are aligned in part with Codex guidance (CXS 1-1985). Importers typically use these standards to review label elements like product name, ingredient/additive declaration, lot identification, and date marking before clearance and retail distribution.