Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionProcessed Fruit Product
Market
Dried dates (HS 080410: dates, fresh or dried) in China function primarily as an import-supplied dried fruit product, with domestic exports reported as minimal in UN Comtrade-derived data. In 2023, China’s imports of HS 080410 were reported at about USD 12.8 million (about 28.46 million kg), with supply concentrated in Middle Eastern origins (notably Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates). Market access is strongly compliance-driven: overseas producer registration with China Customs and Chinese-language labeling for prepackaged foods are recurring gatekeepers. Near-term regulatory change risk is elevated because a revised GACC overseas producer registration rule (Decree No. 280) is scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2026.
Market RoleNet importer (HS 080410: dates, fresh or dried)
Domestic RoleImported dried fruit category consumed domestically; compliance-led import market
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityImport availability is not strongly seasonal; supply timing is driven by exporter shipment schedules and China port clearance.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Whole (with pit) vs pitted formats influence consumer use and foreign-body control expectations
- Moisture level and surface stickiness are key handling/pack quality factors for retail packs
Packaging- Prepackaged retail packs require compliant Chinese labeling under China’s national prepackaged food labeling standard framework
- Imported prepackaged foods may use an added Chinese label (e.g., sticker) provided mandatory label items are fully and accurately shown
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas processing/packing → sea freight → China port inspection/clearance → importer/bonded storage (as applicable) → domestic distribution → retail/e-commerce
Temperature- Ambient logistics are common; moisture control (dry, sealed packaging) is critical to prevent quality deterioration during storage and distribution
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is typically packaging- and moisture-management driven; clearance or port delays can reduce remaining shelf-life for retail programs
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighMarket access can be blocked if the overseas producer is not properly registered with China Customs or if registration/renewal expectations change during the transition to the revised GACC overseas producer registration rule (GACC Decree No. 280, effective June 1, 2026, replacing Decree No. 248).Confirm the product’s category treatment under GACC’s registration regime, ensure the correct overseas producer registration status/number is in place before shipment, and monitor GACC implementation guidance tied to Decree No. 280 ahead of June 1, 2026.
Food Safety MediumNon-compliance with China national food safety standards (e.g., pesticide maximum residue limits and contaminant limits) can trigger detention, rejection, or recalls for imported dried fruit products.Align supplier testing plans and specifications to China’s current MRL and contaminant limit standards (GB 2763 series; GB 2762 series) and retain COAs and method transparency for importer audits.
Labeling MediumLabel nonconformity for imported prepackaged foods (missing mandatory items, inconsistent Chinese vs foreign language content, or missing importer/agent information) can delay clearance or require relabeling.Pre-approve Chinese label artwork against GB 7718 requirements and ensure any added Chinese label fully corresponds to the original ingredient and mandatory information set.
Logistics MediumOcean freight disruption and port clearance delays can increase landed cost and reduce remaining shelf-life for retail programs, especially for time-bound promotions (e.g., gifting seasons).Use buffer inventory planning, book alternative routings where feasible, and synchronize label compliance and documentation review before vessel departure to reduce clearance risk.
Labor & Social- Xinjiang-related forced labor allegations can create heightened downstream due diligence and import enforcement risk for buyers of China-origin agricultural products in certain markets (notably the United States under UFLPA, and the EU under its forced-labour product ban framework); verify origin and maintain auditable traceability if China-origin content is involved.
FAQ
Is China a net importer of dates (HS 080410) and who are the main suppliers?Yes. UN Comtrade-derived data (via WITS) reports China imported about USD 12.785 million (about 28.46 million kg) of HS 080410 in 2023, while exports were about USD 0.083 million (about 28,213 kg). The same dataset lists Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates as the largest reported suppliers to China in 2023.
What is the most critical compliance gate for exporting dried dates to China in 2026?Overseas producer registration with China Customs is a primary gatekeeper, and the rules are changing: GACC Decree No. 280 is scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2026 and replaces Decree No. 248. Any mismatch in registration status or transition requirements can block or delay entry.
Can imported prepackaged dried dates be sold in China with a Chinese label sticker?Yes, the national labeling standard guidance for GB 7718 indicates imported prepackaged foods may add a Chinese label, as long as the mandatory labeling items are fully and accurately shown and the Chinese content corresponds to the original information where applicable.
Which China standards are most relevant to food safety testing and labeling for dried dates?Key referenced standards in this record include GB 7718 (prepackaged food labeling), GB 2760 (food additive use standard), GB 2763 (pesticide maximum residue limits; updated to GB 2763-2026), and GB 2762 (contaminant limits; updated to GB 2762-2025).