Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried (Dehydrated)
Industry PositionValue-Added Processed Fruit Product
Market
Dehydrated plum (prunes) in South Africa sits within the country’s dried tree fruit sector under Hortgro, with prune orchards concentrated mainly in Western Cape deciduous fruit regions (notably Ceres and Wolseley/Tulbagh, with smaller areas in the Klein Karoo). The market is supplied by domestic processors/brands and imports; imports fall under HS 0813.20 (Prunes) in the SARS customs tariff schedule, and market entry must also align with South African plant-product import permit rules (where applicable) and Department of Health food labelling requirements.
Market RoleDomestic producer and processor with imports (mixed domestic consumption and export-oriented dried tree fruit industry)
Domestic RoleShelf-stable dried fruit snack and ingredient used in household consumption and baking/food manufacturing; sold via retail brands and specialty dried-fruit channels
Risks
Sps Import Permit HighIf dried prunes are treated as a regulated plant product/article for the specific origin and product presentation, failure to obtain the required NPPOZA (DALRRD) import permit and meet phytosanitary import conditions can result in border holds, delays, or refusal of entry.Before purchase, confirm DALRRD/NPPOZA import conditions for the exact HS/product description and origin; secure the import permit where required and align exporter documentation and treatments to the permit conditions.
Customs Tariff and Origin MediumMisclassification or incorrect preferential-origin claims for HS 0813.20 can trigger underpayment disputes, penalties, or clearance delays, particularly where multiple preferential columns/rates exist in the SARS schedule.Lock HS classification early, verify the applicable duty rate for the intended preference regime, and require a compliant certificate of origin (and supporting origin records) before shipment.
Food Safety and Labeling MediumNon-compliant labels (e.g., missing required particulars or improper claims) or non-compliance with applicable additive rules under Department of Health regulations can lead to enforcement actions, delisting, or recalls after import/market placement.Run a South Africa-specific label and claims review against R.146 requirements; maintain product specification and (where relevant) additive/compliance documentation aligned to Department of Health rules.
Labor and Reputation MediumDocumented risks of poor working and housing conditions and pesticide exposure in Western Cape agricultural sectors can create reputational and buyer-audit risk for prune/plum supply linked to farm labor.Implement supplier due diligence (third-party social audits, grievance mechanisms, and corrective action plans) and require proof of compliance with South African labor law and buyer codes of conduct.
Logistics MediumSea-freight volatility and port/handling disruptions can raise landed costs and disrupt replenishment cycles for imported dried fruit, even though the product is shelf-stable.Use multi-origin sourcing where possible, maintain safety stock for key SKUs, and consider forward freight planning for peak congestion periods.
Sustainability- Water and climate exposure in Western Cape deciduous fruit regions where prune orchards are concentrated (drought and heat variability can tighten domestic supply and raise procurement volatility).
Labor & Social- Labor rights, working conditions, and pesticide-exposure concerns have been documented in South Africa’s Western Cape fruit and wine agricultural sectors, creating due-diligence and reputational risk for fruit-based supply chains.
Standards- BRC (processor-declared example exists in South African dried fruit processing disclosures)
FAQ
What tariff rate applies to dried prunes (HS 0813.20) imported into South Africa?In the SARS Schedule 1 / Part 1 customs tariff (dated 13 February 2026), HS 0813.20 (Prunes) is listed with a General customs duty rate shown as 10%. The same schedule also shows preferential rates for certain partner groupings, which apply only when valid origin documentation supports the preference claim.
Do dried prunes require an import permit or phytosanitary compliance when entering South Africa?South Africa’s government guidance states that imports of plants and plant products may require an import permit issued by NPPOZA (DALRRD) and must meet the applicable phytosanitary import conditions, unless the product is exempted under the import-permit framework. Importers should confirm the specific conditions for dried prunes by origin and product presentation before shipment.
Which South African regions are most associated with prune-related orchards relevant to domestic supply?Hortgro’s stone fruit statistics list prune plantings primarily in Western Cape deciduous fruit regions, with notable areas recorded for Ceres and Wolseley/Tulbagh, and smaller areas in regions such as the Klein Karoo and Worcester.
What labeling rules apply to packaged dried fruit sold in South Africa?Food labeling and advertising requirements are issued under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972). The Department of Health’s labeling regulations (R.146 of 2010) set requirements for pre-packaged food labels, including what information must be present and how claims and ingredient information are handled.