Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionProcessed Fruit Product (Dried Fruit Ingredient)
Market
Raisins (dried grapes; HS 080620) in Mauritius are primarily an import-supplied, shelf-stable dried-fruit product used by households and the bakery/confectionery trade. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) indicates Mauritius imported about USD 551.12 thousand (~344.6 tonnes) of dried grapes in 2023, with India the dominant supplier and smaller volumes from Turkey, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa. Import clearance is managed via TradeNet processes involving Customs and health clearance documentation requirements set by the Ministry of Health and Wellness Food Import Unit. Where treated as regulated plant products, importers may also need to meet National Plant Protection Office (NPPO) import-permit and phytosanitary conditions.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer and food-ingredient market)
Domestic RoleImported dried-fruit ingredient for retail households and bakery/conmercial food preparation
SeasonalityAvailable year-round due to shelf-stable imports; shipment timing depends on supplier availability and ocean freight schedules.
Specification
Primary VarietySeedless raisins (incl. sultanas)
Secondary Variety- Golden/bleached raisins
- Muscatel/Malaga-type raisins
- Seeded raisins
Physical Attributes- Cleaned (washed or unwashed) and typically stemmed (except specified cluster forms)
- Moisture reduced to a preservation level to maintain shelf stability
Compositional Metrics- Moisture control is central to preservation and quality stability during storage and distribution
Grades- Common trade differentiation includes seedless vs seeded types and color/processing style (e.g., natural vs bleached/golden), subject to buyer specifications
Packaging- Bulk containers for repacking and consumer-size retail packs are both used in trade
- Packaging should protect against moisture ingress to prevent clumping and quality degradation
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas processor/packer → export dispatch → sea freight to Port Louis → Bill of Entry submission in TradeNet → health clearance (FIU document upload, as applicable) → importer warehousing → retail and bakery/foodservice distribution
Temperature- Not a cold-chain product, but quality is sensitive to heat and humidity; keep cool and dry during storage and distribution
Shelf Life- Shelf-stable when moisture is controlled; exposure to humidity can cause stickiness/clumping and quality defects
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighImports can be delayed, held, or refused if TradeNet health-clearance documentation requirements are not met (e.g., missing/incorrect Bill of Entry-linked documents, or missing additional documents such as PMAP, health certificate, or certificate of analysis when applicable).Use the FIU document checklist at booking stage; align all documents to the BOE references and secure any applicable PMAP/COA/health certificates before shipment.
Phytosanitary MediumIf raisins are treated as regulated plant products for a given consignment, a required Plant Import Permit (and any associated phytosanitary conditions/certificates) can become a clearance gate; non-compliant consignments may be re-exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.Confirm NPPO import conditions for the exact product presentation and origin; apply for the Plant Import Permit well before arrival and share permit/conditions with the exporter.
Food Safety MediumNon-conformities detected through documentation review or testing (e.g., out-of-spec chemical parameters, contaminants, or undeclared processing aids/additives for certain raisin types) can trigger detention, additional testing, or rejection.Source from suppliers with routine testing; request certificates of analysis for each lot and verify label/ingredient consistency against product type (natural vs bleached/coated).
Logistics MediumAs an island market reliant on sea freight, shipment delays, transshipment disruption, and freight-rate volatility can create stockout risk and higher landed costs for imported raisins.Hold safety stock for core SKUs, diversify origin options, and use forward planning for peak-demand periods.
Sustainability- Upstream water and pesticide management in grape cultivation can be a procurement screening theme for imported dried vine fruits
Labor & Social- Upstream labor-risk screening may be relevant for grape/raisin supply chains from certain origin countries; ILAB’s TVPRA list includes grapes reported as produced with child labor in some countries, so importers may apply supplier due diligence by country of origin.
FAQ
Which documents are typically required for health clearance of imported raisins in Mauritius?The Food Import Unit (FIU) guidelines list compulsory TradeNet uploads such as the Bill of Entry, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, packing/stuffing list, and the commercial invoice. Depending on the consignment, FIU may also require additional documents like a Pre-Market Approval Permit, a health certificate from the exporting country, and/or a certificate of analysis.
Do importers need a plant import permit to bring raisins into Mauritius?The National Plant Protection Office (NPPO) states that plant and plant products imported into Mauritius are subject to a Plant Import Permit under the Plant Protection Act framework. Importers should confirm whether the specific raisins consignment is treated as a regulated plant product and, if so, obtain the permit before the goods arrive.
How is the customs declaration filed for importing raisins into Mauritius?MRA Customs describes that importers submit a customs declaration (Bill of Entry) electronically through TradeNet, scan and upload supporting trade documents, and then the declaration is validated and processed by Customs, including any holds pending other government clearances such as health clearance.