Market
Raisins (dried grapes; HS 080620) in Albania are primarily an import-supplied processed-fruit product. In 2024 Albania imported about 211,264 kg of dried grapes with an import value of about USD 521.67 thousand, with Iran and Turkey the two largest suppliers by value (followed by Greece). Market access and ongoing availability are shaped by customs clearance requirements and by official food-safety and labeling controls overseen under Albania’s food-safety system. The most trade-critical compliance constraints for raisins are contaminant limits for dried vine fruits (e.g., ochratoxin A) and mandatory consumer information, including allergen declaration requirements for sulfur dioxide/sulfites when present above the defined threshold.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied mainly by imports
Market GrowthGrowing (2023–2024 trade data context)import value increased year-on-year
Risks
Food Safety HighNon-compliance with Albania’s maximum level for ochratoxin A in dried vine fruits (including raisins/sultanas/currants) can block market placement and trigger enforcement action; the specified maximum level for dried vine fruits is 8.0 µg/kg.Use supplier COAs plus pre-shipment/arrival testing plans for ochratoxin A and maintain lot-level records aligned with official control expectations.
Regulatory Compliance HighLabel non-compliance can lead to product blocking/withdrawal risk; Albania’s consumer information rules require declaration of sulfur dioxide and sulfites when present above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/L (expressed as total SO2).Verify Albanian-language label content and allergen declarations against Albania’s labelling decision before shipment and before repacking.
Documentation Gap MediumMissing or inconsistent customs documentation (customs declaration, invoice, transport document, packing list, and any preference-supporting documents) can delay clearance and increase storage/demurrage costs.Run a document checklist aligned to Albanian Customs ‘required documentation for declaration’ guidance and ensure origin documentation is complete when claiming preferences.
Supplier Concentration MediumAlbania’s raisin imports are concentrated in a small set of origin countries (notably Iran and Turkey by 2024 import value), increasing exposure to origin-specific disruptions and compliance variability.Maintain dual sourcing across at least two origins and align specifications/testing plans to the highest-risk origin profile.
Logistics MediumFreight and border routing variability for multimodal shipments can affect landed cost and delivery timing, especially for small-volume import programs.Use forward freight booking and buffer inventory planning; align Incoterms and arrival windows to reduce demurrage exposure.
FAQ
Where does Albania mainly import raisins (dried grapes) from?UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS portal shows that in 2024 Albania’s largest suppliers of HS 080620 (dried grapes/raisins) by import value were Iran and Turkey, followed by Greece, China, and Italy.
What is the ochratoxin A limit for raisins in Albania?Albania’s contaminant limits specify a maximum level of 8.0 µg/kg of ochratoxin A for dried vine fruits (including raisins/sultanas/currants) and dried figs.
Which customs documents are commonly required to declare imported raisins in Albania?Albanian Customs lists the standard import documentation as a customs declaration, commercial invoice, transport document, and packing list, plus any additional documents needed for preferential tariff regimes or other measures that apply to the declared goods.
Do sulfites need to be declared on raisin labels in Albania?Yes. Albania’s food-labelling and consumer information decision lists sulfur dioxide and sulfites above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/L (expressed as total SO2) among substances that must be declared as allergenic information.