Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDehydrated
Industry PositionProcessed Fruit Product
Market
Dehydrated plum in China is primarily a processed fruit category sold as shelf-stable packaged snacks (often sweetened and/or salted) and as baking/ingredient-style dried fruit. The market is supported by domestic fruit-processing capacity, with market access and quality outcomes highly sensitive to compliance with China’s food additive and labeling standards and to importer clearance practices overseen by GACC.
Market RoleLarge domestic processing and consumption market with active interprovincial distribution; trade participation (imports/exports) is plausible but should be verified via ITC/UN Comtrade for the specific HS line used
Domestic RolePackaged preserved/dehydrated fruit snack and ingredient product in retail and e-commerce channels
SeasonalityProcessed dehydrated product is available year-round; upstream fresh plum harvest seasonality is dampened by dehydration and inventory holding.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Color uniformity and absence of scorching/browning beyond agreed tolerance
- Texture consistency (chewy vs. soft) aligned to product positioning
- Foreign-matter control (pit fragments, stems) and intact seal condition for retail packs
Compositional Metrics- Moisture / water-activity control to reduce microbial growth and stickiness
- Additive level conformity where preservatives/antioxidants are used (e.g., sulfites where permitted)
Packaging- Moisture-barrier retail pouches (often resealable) with batch/lot coding
- Bulk cartons or lined cases for wholesale and re-packing channels
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Orchard sourcing or aggregated procurement → preprocessing (sorting/washing) → curing/formulation (where applicable) → dehydration → cooling → inspection/metal detection → packaging → domestic distribution or export dispatch
Temperature- Ambient logistics is typical, but storage requires cool, dry conditions to limit moisture uptake and quality degradation
Atmosphere Control- Moisture control is packaging-driven (barrier films/desiccant where used) rather than controlled-atmosphere transport
Shelf Life- Shelf life is extended versus fresh fruit but is sensitive to seal integrity, humidity exposure, and formulation (sugar/salt and permitted preservatives)
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with China’s prepackaged food labeling rules and food additive permissions/limits (commonly relevant for preserved/dehydrated fruit products that may use preservatives or sweeteners) can trigger port detention, required re-labeling, rejection, or post-market enforcement.Run a China-standard gap check for label and additive formulation before shipment; keep a complete compliance dossier (ingredient/additive specs, COAs, and label review records) aligned to GB standards and importer clearance checklists.
Food Safety MediumFailure against contaminant/mycotoxin or microbiological criteria (or inconsistent COA results) can lead to intensified inspection frequency and shipment disruption at entry.Implement risk-based testing and supplier qualification for upstream fruit; maintain verified COAs and retain samples per batch to support investigations.
Logistics MediumMoisture exposure, packaging damage, or prolonged transit can degrade texture and appearance (stickiness, clumping, surface bloom) and increase complaint or rejection risk in retail channels.Use moisture-barrier packaging with robust seals and carton protection; specify humidity-control requirements for container stuffing and warehousing.
Trade Compliance MediumFor exports to certain markets, forced-labor enforcement actions (e.g., UFLPA-related detentions) can create severe disruption if supply-chain provenance cannot be demonstrated to buyer/importer satisfaction.Maintain region-of-origin documentation, supplier declarations, and audit evidence; segregate high-risk regions in procurement and document chain-of-custody.
Labor & Social- For exports to some jurisdictions, China-origin supply chains can face heightened human-rights due diligence scrutiny; buyers may request region-of-origin transparency and third-party audits depending on their risk policies (not product-specific).
- Xinjiang-related forced labor allegations have driven import enforcement in some markets (e.g., U.S. UFLPA enforcement), which can create detention risk if documentation cannot substantiate supply-chain provenance.
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- FSSC 22000
- BRCGS
FAQ
What is the biggest compliance risk for selling dehydrated plum in China?The biggest practical risk is non-compliance with China’s rules for prepackaged food labeling and permitted food additives (including any preservatives or sweeteners used in preserved/dehydrated fruit). Non-compliance can lead to detention, re-labeling, rejection, or enforcement action.
Which authorities are most relevant for import clearance and food compliance in China?GACC is central for import inspection/quarantine and clearance processes, while China’s food safety standards and related requirements are issued within the national standards framework overseen by Chinese authorities such as NHC and administered/enforced in coordination with SAMR and local regulators.
Do overseas manufacturers need to be registered before exporting dehydrated plum to China?Depending on the applicable product category rules in force, GACC’s imported food registration regime may require overseas manufacturers to be registered before shipment. Importers typically confirm applicability and ensure the registration record is in place for clearance.
Sources
State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), China — National standards and enforcement references for prepackaged foods (GB standards administration)
National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China (NHC) — China National Food Safety Standards framework (including food additive and labeling standards published as GB)
General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) — Imported food safety supervision and overseas manufacturer registration requirements (including Decree 248/249 regime)
Codex Alimentarius Commission (FAO/WHO) — Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) reference framework
International Trade Centre (ITC) — Trade Map (trade flow verification for dried/preserved fruit HS lines)
UN Comtrade (UN Statistics Division) — UN Comtrade database (trade flow verification for dried/preserved fruit HS lines)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — UFLPA enforcement guidance (forced labor due diligence and detention risk for certain China-linked supply chains)