Market
Lithuania is an import-dependent consumer market for dried apricots (HS 081310), with supply sourced mainly from non-EU producers and supplemented by intra-EU re-exports. UN Comtrade data presented via the World Bank WITS interface indicates Lithuania imported about 801,907 kg of dried apricots valued at about USD 3,847,940 in 2023, with Turkey and Uzbekistan among the top external suppliers. The product is primarily purchased as a shelf-stable snack and as a baking/confectionery ingredient, with commercial offerings commonly differentiated as sulphured (bright orange) and unsulphured (brown) styles. Market access is governed by EU food-safety rules on contaminants (notably mycotoxins in dried fruits) and EU rules on food additives and allergen labelling for sulphur dioxide/sulphites, and non-compliance can result in border rejection and RASFF-linked actions.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleRetail and food-manufacturing ingredient product largely supplied by imports
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by imports and the product’s shelf-stable nature; procurement timing is influenced by supplier harvest/drying cycles but consumer availability is typically continuous.
Risks
Food Safety HighNon-compliance with EU maximum levels for mycotoxins in dried fruits (notably aflatoxins and ochratoxin A) can trigger border rejection, withdrawal/recall actions, and rapid alert workflows, disrupting Lithuania-bound shipments and retailer programs.Implement pre-shipment mycotoxin testing by accredited laboratories, tighten supplier sorting/handling controls, and align product specs and sampling plans to EU contaminant limits before dispatch.
Regulatory Compliance MediumIncorrect additive and allergen labelling (e.g., undeclared sulphur dioxide/sulphites above threshold) can lead to enforcement actions, relabelling costs, or market withdrawal in Lithuania under EU food information rules.Verify additive use authorisation and ensure ingredient lists and allergen emphasis comply with Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011; require supplier declarations and routine verification testing for sulphites when relevant.
Climate MediumSupply concentration in key origin countries exposes Lithuania’s import market to harvest shocks (drought, heat, late frost), creating sudden price spikes and availability gaps for retail contracts.Diversify qualified origin sources (where feasible), use forward contracts with contingency clauses, and maintain alternative pack formats or substitute dried fruit options for private-label programs.
Logistics MediumMultimodal transport disruptions and freight cost volatility can delay inbound inventory and raise landed cost, impacting price-competitive retail segments.Plan buffer inventory for key retail periods, use humidity-protective packaging, and contract carriers with track-and-trace and agreed service levels for non-chilled food shipments.
Sustainability- Supplier-region climate volatility (heat, drought, frost) can materially affect apricot harvest volumes and pricing for Lithuania’s import-dependent supply chain
- Packaging waste considerations in retail pouches and bulk liners; buyer programs may request packaging optimization and recyclability disclosures
Labor & Social- Seasonal agricultural labor due diligence is relevant for non-EU orchard supply chains; importers may need to document responsible recruitment and working conditions through supplier audits
Standards- BRCGS Food Safety
- IFS Food
- ISO 22000
- HACCP
FAQ
What HS code is typically used for dried apricots when analyzing Lithuania’s imports and EU tariff measures?Trade statistics and EU customs classification commonly use HS 081310 for dried apricots. This is the HS code used in UN statistics references and in UN Comtrade-based trade views for Lithuania.
What is the biggest compliance risk for dried apricots entering Lithuania?Food-safety non-compliance—especially mycotoxins in dried fruits (such as aflatoxins and ochratoxin A)—is the key risk because EU rules set maximum levels and official controls can reject non-compliant consignments. Serious cases can also trigger rapid alert actions through EU systems like RASFF.
Do sulphites in dried apricots need to be declared to Lithuanian consumers?Yes. EU food information rules require allergen declaration for sulphur dioxide and sulphites when they are used as preservatives above the specified threshold, and allergens must be clearly indicated in the ingredient list for prepacked foods sold in the EU, including Lithuania.