Market
Raisins (dried grapes; HS 080620) in Hungary are primarily supplied via imports within the EU single market and from non-EU origins. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) reports Hungary imported dried grapes worth about USD 5.61 million (2,175,100 kg) in 2024, with reported leading origins including Iran and Turkey and significant supply routed via EU partners such as Germany and Austria. Market access in Hungary is governed by EU-wide food rules, including contaminant maximum levels (e.g., ochratoxin A for dried vine fruits), pesticide residue limits, and allergen labelling requirements for sulphur dioxide/sulphites when present above 10 mg/kg (as SO2). The most trade-disruptive risk is non-compliance detected in official controls (mycotoxins or pesticide residues), which can trigger detention, withdrawal, and recalls.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market within the EU single market)
Domestic RoleDownstream EU destination market relying on imported supply; limited local production of raisins relative to major origin countries
Risks
Food Safety HighNon-compliance with EU contaminant or pesticide-residue limits (notably ochratoxin A for dried vine fruits, aflatoxins for dried fruits, and pesticide MRLs) can result in border detention/rejection and downstream withdrawal or recall in Hungary as part of the EU single market.Use supplier approval with routine lot-level testing (mycotoxins and pesticide residues), retain certificates of analysis, and verify compliance against the current EU legal limits before shipment and release.
Regulatory Compliance MediumDried grapes from certain origins can be subject to special conditions and increased official controls under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 (e.g., dried grapes from Turkey for ochratoxin A), increasing the probability of border sampling, holds, and added documentation requirements.Check the current consolidated annexes of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 for product-origin listings and ensure TRACES-NT/IMSOC pre-notification and analytical documentation readiness.
Geopolitical MediumHungary’s raisin sourcing may include Iran (reported as a major origin in Hungary’s 2024 UN Comtrade HS 080620 import data); trade from sanctioned jurisdictions can face payment, insurance, and compliance constraints under EU restrictive measures.Perform sanctions screening on counterparties and logistics providers, confirm compliant payment channels, and diversify sourcing origins to reduce disruption risk.
Logistics MediumMoisture ingress/condensation during transport and storage can cause mold growth, quality deterioration, and elevated mycotoxin risk in raisins, leading to losses and potential non-compliance findings.Specify dry-container practices (desiccants as appropriate), humidity controls in warehousing, and implement incoming inspection with moisture/defect checks aligned to Codex specifications.
FAQ
What is the key EU contaminant limit to manage for raisins placed on the Hungarian market?A key limit is the EU maximum level for ochratoxin A in dried vine fruits (including raisins), set in Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915. Exceedances can trigger border detention and product withdrawal/recall within the EU single market.
Why can raisins from Turkey face more stringent border controls when imported into the EU (including Hungary)?EU rules can impose special conditions and increased official controls for specific product–origin pairs under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793. Dried grapes from Turkey are listed for controls related to ochratoxin A, which can increase documentation requirements and the chance of sampling/holds at entry.
When must sulphites be declared as an allergen on raisin labels in Hungary?Under Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, sulphur dioxide and sulphites must be declared as allergens when present at concentrations above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/L expressed as total SO2 (as sold or prepared for consumption).