Market
China is a net importer of dates (HS 080410, fresh or dried): in 2023 China reported imports of about US$12.785 million (28,460.1 tonnes) and exports of about US$83.11 thousand (28.213 tonnes). Import supply in 2023 was concentrated in a small set of origins led by Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Domestic date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) cultivation is emerging on a trial/early-stage basis, with CATAS’s Coconut Research Institute in Wenchang, Hainan reporting date palms beginning to bear young fruits after UAE seedling donations. For fresh-date trade into China, market access hinges on China Customs inspection/quarantine and complete, consistent documentation under relevant protocols and announcements.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied primarily by imports; domestic date palm cultivation is reported in early-stage R&D/germplasm development in Hainan.
Market GrowthGrowing (recent trade (2022–2023))reported import value increased from 2022 to 2023
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighDates shipments into China can be delayed, returned, or destroyed if required regulatory certificates and mandated documents are missing/inconsistent or if inspection and quarantine/conformity assessment finds noncompliance with applicable GACC protocols/announcements and food safety/plant health requirements.Before shipment, confirm the exact China entry requirements applicable to the product form (fresh vs. dried/processed) and origin, prepare the required regulatory permits/certificates (e.g., entry animal and plant quarantine permit where applicable, official quarantine/health certificate and certificate of origin when required), and align labels/outer marks and commercial documents with the customs declaration.
Food Safety MediumBorder sampling/testing can lead to noncompliance findings (e.g., residues/contaminants outside limits) for imported foods, triggering technical treatment, re-inspection, return, or destruction depending on the issue.Implement pre-shipment residue/contaminant verification aligned to destination requirements, and maintain documented quality system evidence that supports conformity for customs review.
Biosecurity MediumChina’s emerging domestic date palm cultivation in Hainan is exposed to palm quarantine pests such as red palm weevil, which threatens palm crops including dates and is treated as a quarantine-relevant pest risk in China-focused research communications.For any planting material or domestic orchard development, apply strict pest monitoring and integrated control measures; for fruit trade, ensure pest-free handling and comply with any protocol-specific pest measures for fresh produce.
Documentation Gap MediumHS 080410 trade data aggregates 'dates, fresh or dried'; mis-declaration of product form (fresh vs. dried/processed) or mismatch between declared specifications and actual product/packaging can trigger clearance issues and enforcement actions at the port.Classify and declare the product form and specifications consistently across the customs declaration, invoices/packing lists, and any required certificates, and ensure supporting evidence is available for customs queries.
Sustainability- Biosecurity management for palm pests is relevant to China’s emerging domestic date palm cultivation efforts (e.g., preventive monitoring/control for red palm weevil in Hainan research sites).
FAQ
Is China a net importer or exporter of dates?China is a net importer. UN Comtrade data via WITS shows China reported imports of dates (HS 080410, fresh or dried) of about US$12.785 million in 2023 versus exports of about US$83.11 thousand.
Which countries supplied most of China’s date imports in 2023?WITS (UN Comtrade) shows China’s 2023 imports of dates (HS 080410) were mainly from Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, followed by Iraq and Israel.
What documents commonly support customs clearance for imported dates into China?China Customs guidance on imported food clearance describes documentation such as regulatory certificates where applicable (including the entry animal and plant quarantine permit), and—when required by laws/protocols/announcements—an official quarantine (health) certificate and a certificate of origin, plus standard commercial documents like contracts, invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading.
Does the Codex standard for fresh dates allow food additives?No. The Codex Standard for Fresh Dates (CXS 363-2025) states that no food additives are permitted for foods conforming to that standard.