Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Product
Market
Dried apricots in Georgia are primarily supplied through imports, with 2023 imports recorded at about US$727.63k (184,460 kg) in UN Comtrade mirror data via WITS; Iran and Turkey were the leading origins. Recorded exports from Georgia under HS 081310 appear small and intermittent (e.g., 2021 exports about US$46.71k; 2022 exports recorded in kilograms rather than tonnes). Georgia has a domestic apricot production base (e.g., FAO/EU-supported technical training held in apricot orchards in Gurjaani Municipality), but this does not translate into large dried-apricot export volumes in available trade data. For any Georgia-origin dried apricots sold into regulated markets, compliance risk concentrates on sulphites (SO2) and contaminant limits (e.g., EU rules on food additives and maximum levels for aflatoxins/ochratoxin A in dried fruits).
Market RoleNet importer with a small, intermittent export niche
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied largely via imports, with limited recorded exports in available trade data
SeasonalityYear-round market availability driven by storability and imports; domestic drying depends on apricot harvest season.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Common commercial form is halved and pitted dried apricots
- Color can range from bright orange (often associated with sulphuring) to darker brown (unsulphured)
Compositional Metrics- Residual sulphur dioxide (SO2) level management is a key specification for sulphured product lines
Grades- U.S. grade references (USDA AMS) are used in some international trade specifications
- UNECE dry and dried produce standards include a dedicated reference for dried apricots (DDP-15)
Packaging- Moisture-barrier retail pouches for consumer channels
- Bulk cartons with inner liners for wholesale and re-packing
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Apricot receiving and sorting → washing → halving/pitting → optional sulphuring/antioxidant treatment → dehydration (sun or hot-air) → cooling/equalization → grading/sorting → packaging and labeling → dry storage → wholesale/retail or export dispatch
Temperature- Ambient storage is typical, but heat and humidity control matter to prevent moisture pickup and mold growth
Atmosphere Control- Moisture and oxygen barrier packaging helps protect color, texture, and shelf stability
Shelf Life- Shelf life depends strongly on final moisture control, packaging integrity, and storage humidity; moisture ingress can trigger mold risk
Risks
Food Safety HighFor Georgia-origin dried apricots targeting regulated import markets (notably the EU), non-compliance with sulphites (SO2) rules and maximum contaminant limits for dried fruits (e.g., aflatoxins and ochratoxin A) can trigger border rejection, withdrawal, or recall, effectively blocking market access for affected lots.Implement HACCP-based controls for drying and storage; verify sulphuring dose and label declarations; run lot-based laboratory testing for SO2 and relevant mycotoxins before shipment; maintain supplier and batch traceability records.
Supply Concentration MediumGeorgia’s domestic market supply is import-dependent; 2023 WITS/UN Comtrade data shows imports concentrated in a small number of origins (notably Iran and Turkey), increasing exposure to origin-side disruption and price swings.Qualify alternative origins and hold safety stock for peak-demand periods; diversify supplier base and contract terms across at least two origin countries.
Documentation Gap MediumExport clearance relies on correct documentation and, where applicable, NFA inspection/certification under the Single Window process; document mismatch or missing certificates can delay dispatch or cause rejection by destination authorities.Use a pre-shipment document checklist aligned to destination requirements; coordinate early with NFA/Revenue Service processes; reconcile HS code, product description, and batch/label data across all documents.
FAQ
What HS code is typically used for dried apricots in trade statistics and customs declarations?Dried apricots are classified under HS 081310 (Apricots, dried).
Is Georgia mainly an importer or exporter of dried apricots?Georgia appears to be a net importer in available UN Comtrade mirror data via WITS. In 2023, Georgia’s imports of HS 081310 were about US$727.63k (184,460 kg), while recorded exports under the same code are small and intermittent in the years visible in WITS tables.
Which countries supplied most of Georgia’s dried apricot imports in 2023?WITS/UN Comtrade data for 2023 shows Iran as the leading origin by value and quantity, followed by Turkey, with smaller quantities from Tajikistan and other origins.