Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionValue-added Processed Fruit Product
Market
Dried apricots in Hong Kong are an import-dependent processed-fruit product sold mainly as prepackaged snacks and as a bakery/foodservice ingredient. Hong Kong is a free port with no customs tariffs on imports, but importers must lodge import declarations (food items: Form 1A) within 14 days after importation. Under the Food Safety Ordinance (Cap. 612), food importers/distributors must register and keep transaction records to support traceability, and prepackaged products must comply with composition and labelling rules. Preservative use (including sulphur dioxide/sulphites where used) is regulated and must be correctly declared on labels for prepackaged foods. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS platform indicates Hong Kong imported dried apricots (HS 081310) in 2024 and also re-exported smaller volumes, consistent with its role as a trading and re-export hub.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market and re-export trading hub
Domestic RoleRetail snack and ingredient market with negligible local production
Market Growth
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by imports and inventory cycles rather than local harvest.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Whole, halved, or diced pieces (often pitted) with low foreign matter
- No visible mold, infestation, or off-odors
Compositional Metrics- Moisture control is critical to prevent mold growth during storage and retail
Packaging- Moisture-barrier retail pouches (often resealable) for consumer sale
- Bulk cartons with inner poly liners for wholesale and bakery use
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin processing/drying and packing -> export shipment -> Hong Kong import declaration -> importer warehousing (dry storage) -> optional repacking/labeling -> retail and foodservice distribution
Temperature- Ambient transport is typical; store in cool, dry conditions to limit quality degradation
Atmosphere Control- Moisture and oxygen barrier packaging helps reduce mold risk and oxidation-related off-flavors
Shelf Life- Quality is most sensitive to moisture ingress (mold) and oxidation during extended storage
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighNon-compliance with Hong Kong preservative controls and sulphite-related labelling (e.g., sulphur dioxide used as a preservative in prepackaged dried apricots not being properly declared, or exceeding applicable limits) can trigger enforcement actions, product withdrawal/recall, and disruptive food safety orders affecting supply continuity.Test finished goods for relevant preservative levels where used, and run a pre-shipment label and formulation check against Cap. 132BD and Cap. 132W requirements (including sulphite declaration rules).
Regulatory Compliance MediumFailure to comply with Food Safety Ordinance (Cap. 612) requirements (importer/distributor registration and transaction record-keeping for traceability) can create compliance exposure and complicate response to food incidents.Confirm importer registration/exemption status and implement routine record-keeping workflows aligned with CFS guidance before scaling shipments.
Documentation Gap MediumLate or inaccurate lodging of Hong Kong import declarations (including using the wrong declaration type for food items) can result in penalties, re-lodgement requirements, and clearance friction.Align HS classification and declaration type (Form 1A for food items) and ensure electronic lodgement within 14 days after importation via approved service providers.
Logistics LowMoisture ingress during shipping or warehousing can lead to mold growth and quality deterioration in dried apricots, increasing rejection/returns risk in retail channels.Use high-integrity moisture-barrier packaging, verify container dryness/cleanliness, and maintain dry, cool storage conditions through distribution.
FAQ
Are there import tariffs on dried apricots in Hong Kong?Hong Kong is a free port and does not charge customs tariffs on imports or exports of goods, so dried apricots are not subject to customs tariff when imported.
What import declaration requirements apply for dried apricots entering Hong Kong?Importers must lodge an accurate and complete electronic import declaration within 14 days after importation. For food items, Hong Kong Customs specifies an Import Declaration for food items (Form 1A).
If a dried apricot product contains sulphur dioxide/sulphites, what does Hong Kong require on the label?When sulphur dioxide is used as a preservative in prepackaged food, Hong Kong requires it to be declared in the ingredient list by functional class and name or INS/E-number (for example, “preservative (sulphur dioxide)” or “preservative (E220)”). Hong Kong also specifies sulphite declaration rules when sulphite is present at 10 ppm or more.
Do Hong Kong food importers need to register and keep traceability records for dried apricots?Yes. Under the Food Safety Ordinance (Cap. 612), food importers and food distributors must register (unless exempt under specified licences) and must keep transaction records relating to the movement of food to support traceability.