Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Product
Market
In Lebanon, dried plum (prunes; HS 081320) is primarily an imported processed-fruit product distributed by local importers and sold through modern retail and supermarket chains. UN Comtrade data published via WITS indicates Lebanon imported dried prunes worth about USD 314.78k (≈69,209 kg) in 2023, with Chile as the leading origin, followed by the United States and France. Market access is shaped by Lebanon’s import documentation regime (SAD-based declaration and related paperwork) and packaged-food labeling rules (Arabic/English/French; required dates and origin; Hebrew labels not accepted). A major operational constraint is Lebanon’s elevated security and conflict risk, which can disrupt port/airport throughput and domestic distribution.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleRetail and foodservice consumption of imported prunes; limited evidence of significant domestic prune-drying industry in this record
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by imports of a shelf-stable dried fruit product.
Specification
Primary VarietyEuropean plum (Prunus domestica) prune varieties (dried as prunes)
Physical Attributes- Pitted vs. unpitted form
- Uniformity of size/count and absence of major defects (e.g., mold/insect damage) as key acceptance factors
Compositional Metrics- Moisture profile (e.g., soft/moist vs. low-moisture/dehydrated) used in buyer specifications
Grades- Supplier contracts may reference formal grading systems (e.g., defect and moisture limits) as a specification anchor for international trade lots.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin receiving/sorting → washing (as applicable) → pitting (optional) → heat dehydration → sorting/inspection → packaging → sea freight to Port of Beirut (or air freight via BEY) → SAD-based customs clearance → importer/wholesaler distribution → retail
Shelf Life- Shelf-stable product, but quality/safety risk increases with moisture uptake; defects in dried fruits commonly include mold/fungal decay and insect damage.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Security HighLebanon’s elevated security and armed-conflict risk can severely disrupt import logistics (Port of Beirut/BEY access), inland distribution, and business continuity for imported food products including dried prunes.Maintain buffer inventory, diversify freight forwarders/routes where feasible, monitor official security advisories, and ensure robust cargo insurance and contingency plans for sudden delays or closures.
Regulatory Compliance MediumNoncompliant packaged-food labels (missing required information or language, or labels in Hebrew) can trigger detention, relabeling costs, or market withdrawal risk.Pre-validate Arabic/English/French label content against Lebanon labeling requirements and ensure production/expiry dating and origin declarations are present before shipment.
Documentation Gap MediumIncomplete or inconsistent import documentation (SAD-based declaration package, invoice/origin/payment proofs) can delay customs clearance and increase demurrage/storage exposure.Use a documented importer checklist aligned to Lebanon’s import documentation list and run pre-shipment document reconciliation with the customs broker.
Food Safety MediumDried fruits are susceptible to defects including mold/fungal decay and insect damage; substandard lots can lead to rejection, consumer complaints, or spoilage losses in-market.Require supplier QA specifications on moisture/defects, verify hygienic controls for dried fruit processing, and use moisture-protective packaging and storage practices through distribution.
Logistics MediumImport supply is dependent on Beirut port/airport entry and sea-freight schedules; shipping disruptions or surcharges can affect availability and landed cost for this import-driven category.Plan longer lead times for sea freight, qualify alternative arrival windows/ports where possible, and contract for clearer INCOTERMS and delay responsibilities.
Sustainability- Food loss/waste risk if storage conditions allow moisture uptake (quality deterioration and mold risk in dried fruits).
FAQ
What is the typical HS code reference for dried plum (prunes) trade into Lebanon?UN Comtrade reporting via WITS uses HS 081320 for “Dried prunes” for Lebanon’s imports.
Which countries supplied most of Lebanon’s dried prunes imports in the latest WITS (UN Comtrade) data shown?In 2023, WITS (UN Comtrade) shows Chile as the leading origin for Lebanon’s dried prunes (HS 081320) imports, followed by the United States and France.
What import documents are typically required for clearing food products into Lebanon?Lebanon’s import process is SAD-based and typically requires a bill of lading, packing list, original commercial invoice, delivery order, proof of payment, contract of sale, and (when needed) a certificate of origin; additional licenses or certificates (e.g., conformity or phytosanitary) may be required depending on the product.
What labeling elements should be present on packaged dried prunes sold in Lebanon?Labels should include net weight, manufacturer, production and expiry date, ingredients, and country of origin, printed in Arabic, English, or French; products with labels in Hebrew are not accepted.