Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh grapefruit supply in Montenegro is primarily import-driven; in 2023 Montenegro imported about 504,477 kg valued at about US$514.87 thousand (HS 080540), with Turkey and South Africa the two largest suppliers. Smaller import flows from Egypt, Spain and China indicate diversified sourcing across multiple origins, supporting broadly available supply across the year. Domestic citrus cultivation exists on the Adriatic coastal belt (e.g., Bar), but reported national citrus production is centred on satsuma mandarins rather than grapefruit. Market access and continuity depend on phytosanitary and food-safety controls overseen by Montenegro’s Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Affairs, including documentary/identity checks and potential laboratory testing when risks are suspected.
Market RoleNet importer
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied mainly by imports; limited domestic citrus cultivation on the Adriatic coast is oriented to mandarins and other citrus rather than grapefruit.
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityImport supply draws on both Northern Hemisphere origins (e.g., Turkey, Egypt, Spain) and Southern Hemisphere origins (e.g., South Africa), supporting availability across seasons.
Specification
Packaging- Packaging and transport means (including wood packaging material) may be included in phytosanitary health inspection at entry when plant-health risks are assessed.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Export-country packing/dispatch → refrigerated transport → border controls (phytosanitary/food safety as applicable) → importer/wholesaler distribution → retail and HORECA channels
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Phytosanitary HighDetection or suspicion of quarantine citrus pests/pathogens (e.g., citrus black spot, Phyllosticta citricarpa) can trigger border holds, sampling/laboratory testing, and potential rejection or diversion, disrupting supply into Montenegro’s import-dependent market.Use suppliers with documented plant-health programs; ensure pre-shipment inspection and correct phytosanitary documentation; apply strict sorting to exclude symptomatic fruit and maintain traceability to orchard/packing lot.
Food Safety MediumPesticide residue non-compliance (exceeding maximum residue limits) can result in detention or refusal and reputational risk for importers and retailers.Implement a residue-testing plan aligned to Montenegro’s published MRL framework and require supplier COAs and spray records for each lot.
Regulatory Compliance MediumFailure to register as an importer/distributor/storage operator for citrus fruit in the FITO register can create compliance exposure and disrupt legal handling and oversight expectations.Confirm FITO register obligations and maintain up-to-date registrations for all entities handling citrus fruit consignments.
Logistics MediumRefrigerated transport dependency and freight volatility (especially for long-haul sea shipments from Southern Hemisphere suppliers) can tighten availability and raise landed costs in a small-volume destination market.Plan seasonal sourcing across origins, book reefer capacity early during peak citrus windows, and maintain backup supplier options in the region.
Sustainability- Pesticide residue compliance risk management for plant products (maximum residue limits and related documents published nationally).
FAQ
Who were Montenegro’s main grapefruit suppliers in 2023?UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS tool shows Turkey and South Africa were the two largest suppliers of grapefruit (HS 080540) to Montenegro in 2023, with smaller import volumes from Egypt, Spain and China.
What HS code is commonly used for trading fresh grapefruit into Montenegro?The UN Statistics Division classification shows HS 080540 covers grapefruit (including pomelos), fresh or dried, which is the standard code used in international trade statistics for Montenegro’s grapefruit imports.
What types of checks can occur at the border for plant products under phytosanitary control in Montenegro?Montenegro’s published phytosanitary inspection guidance describes a process that can include a documentary check (e.g., phytosanitary certificate and invoice), an identity check of the consignment, and a health inspection with possible sampling and laboratory testing if a harmful organism is suspected.