Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh grapes in Malaysia are predominantly supplied via imports for domestic retail consumption. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) indicates Malaysia imported fresh grapes (HS 080610) valued at about USD 107.7 million in 2023, with major sources including China, South Africa, Australia, Egypt, and India. Malaysia’s exports of fresh grapes are comparatively small and largely regional (e.g., Singapore), consistent with limited domestic production and/or re-export/distribution activity. Market access is shaped by Malaysia’s plant quarantine/import-permit controls for plant products and by food-safety enforcement on pesticide residues under the Food Regulations 1985.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market with minor regional re-exports)
Domestic RoleImported fresh fruit category in domestic retail and wholesale channels
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityMarket availability is primarily determined by import program timing and sourcing diversity across origins rather than domestic harvest seasonality.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Firm berries and sound bunch condition; free from decay and visible mold; minimal shatter/splitting (common trade quality descriptors used in table-grape standards).
Grades- Pack/label practice in Malaysia references an agricultural produce grade standard on labels for packaged produce; the applicable grade system should be aligned with the importer’s program and Malaysia’s labeling expectations.
Packaging- For imported agricultural produce, labeling expectations include importer name/address, common produce name, grade standard, size, country of origin, and package weight, with imported labels in Bahasa Kebangsaan.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Exporter packing/dispatch → import shipment → import permit & quarantine/inspection at Malaysian entry points (MAQIS/DOA system for plant products) → importer/wholesaler distribution → retail sale (with produce labeling expectations applied to packaged produce).
Shelf Life- Border delays (e.g., document/permit gaps or inspection holds) increase commercial quality-loss risk for fresh grapes, making pre-arrival permit readiness and compliant labeling important operational controls.
Risks
Phytosanitary Compliance HighNon-compliance with Malaysia’s plant product import-permit and quarantine/inspection controls can lead to detention, required treatments at importer cost, or refusal of entry at the border—disrupting shipments of fresh grapes.Confirm whether the shipment is captured under the MAQIS/DOA import-permit category for plant products; apply in advance via the stated permit process (ePermit where applicable); ensure exporter can provide required phytosanitary documentation and meet any additional declarations/treatment conditions on the permit.
Food Safety HighPesticide residue non-compliance is an import-blocking risk: Malaysia’s Food Regulations 1985 restrict importation/sale of food containing pesticide residues above the applicable limits (including limits set in the Sixteenth Schedule and Codex references where relevant).Require residue-control evidence from suppliers (e.g., pre-shipment residue test plans aligned to Malaysian requirements) and maintain supplier corrective-action workflows for any exceedances.
Labeling MediumPackaged produce labeling non-compliance (missing importer details, origin, weight, or required language) can trigger corrective actions or delays in distribution for imported grapes.Align carton/pack labels to Malaysia’s produce labeling elements (importer identity, produce name, grade standard, size, origin, weight) and ensure imported labels are in Bahasa Kebangsaan where required.
FAQ
What HS code is used for fresh grapes in Malaysia’s trade statistics?Fresh grapes are classified under HS 080610 in Malaysia trade statistics (as shown in UNSD HS detail and UN Comtrade/WITS reporting for Malaysia).
Which authorities and systems are referenced for import permits and quarantine controls for plant products entering Malaysia?The WTO Import Licensing Procedures profile identifies MAQIS as the competent authority for import permits for plant/plant-product categories in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, with plant quarantine roles referenced under Malaysia’s plant quarantine framework; the same profile references online permit application via the Dagang Net ePermit system.
What are the most common compliance issues that can block or delay fresh grape shipments into Malaysia?The highest-risk blockers are (1) import-permit/quarantine compliance failures under Malaysia’s plant product import-control system (including any required phytosanitary documentation and conditions) and (2) food-safety non-compliance on pesticide residues under the Food Regulations 1985; labeling non-compliance on packaged produce can also delay downstream release.