Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionProcessed Fruit Product
Market
Dried apricots (HS 081310) in Russia is an import-dependent consumer market supplied largely by Turkey and Central Asia, with imported product commonly handled through wholesaler distribution and repacking for retail. Market access is shaped by EAEU food safety and labeling technical regulations, while Russia-related financial and trade sanctions increase payment, shipping, and counterparty-compliance friction for many international suppliers.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleConsumer market supplied mainly by imports; domestic activity is primarily distribution and repacking rather than primary drying production at scale
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityImported dried apricots are typically available year-round; supply timing is driven more by import logistics and inventory than harvest seasonality.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Common commercial styles include whole (unpitted), whole (pitted), halves, slabs, and kamaradin (Codex styles).
- Color is linked to treatment type (e.g., sulphured vs. unsulphured) and is a key buyer acceptance attribute (Codex quality factors).
Compositional Metrics- Moisture content reference (Codex): unsulphured (no sorbic acid) ≤ 20% m/m; sulphured and/or sorbic-acid-treated ≤ 25% m/m.
- Food additive reference (Codex): sulfur dioxide permitted up to 2000 mg/kg; sorbic acid (and salts) up to 500 mg/kg (expressed as sorbic acid).
Grades- Optional Codex size classification can be declared by count per kg (very small through extra large).
Packaging- Bulk containers intended for repacking into consumer-size packs are explicitly covered under the Codex dried apricots standard.
- Moisture-barrier packaging is typically used to protect product quality during distribution and storage.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Exporting origin processing/packing → cross-border freight (often land/multimodal into Russia) → customs and (where applicable) quarantine phytosanitary control → importer warehousing → optional repacking/label localization → wholesale/retail distribution
Temperature- Ambient storage is typical, but quality is sensitive to heat exposure, humidity, and pest ingress during warehousing and inland transport.
Shelf Life- Shelf life is driven by moisture pickup control, packaging integrity, and hygienic handling rather than cold-chain performance.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Sanctions and Payments HighRussia-related sanctions and sanctions-evasion enforcement create deal-blocker risk for dried apricots trade into Russia: payments can be delayed/blocked, counterparties may be designated, and shipping/insurance and bank de-risking can disrupt execution even for non-sanctioned food items.Run enhanced sanctions screening on all counterparties and beneficial owners; confirm banking/settlement paths and transport/insurance are compliant; document end-use and avoid circumvention patterns; consult up-to-date OFAC/EU/UK guidance relevant to your jurisdiction.
Food Safety and Labeling MediumSulfiting (sulfur dioxide) and other treatments are common for dried apricots and can trigger non-compliance if additive use or labeling is incorrect. Codex sets product-definition and additive reference levels for dried apricots, and EAEU labeling rules require additives to be declared with functional purpose and additive name/E-number when present.Lock specification to Codex style/quality references and buyer limits; verify additive treatment and lab results; ensure TR CU 022/2011-compliant Russian labeling and ingredient/additive declarations before shipment.
Phytosanitary MediumQuarantine phytosanitary controls can delay or stop shipments if required documentation is missing or if the product falls under regulated quarantinable product categories under the EAEU plant quarantine framework.Confirm whether HS 081310 consignments are treated as regulated quarantinable products for the route; align pre-shipment inspection and documentation; coordinate in advance with the Russian importer and border broker on Rosselkhoznadzor/EAEU procedures.
Logistics MediumCross-border inland logistics into Russia (including multimodal routes from Turkey and Central Asia) can face volatility in transit times and costs due to border congestion, compliance checks, and sanctions-driven rerouting/insurance constraints.Use conservative lead times, diversify routing and carriers, and build inventory buffers for high-demand periods; include delay and re-routing clauses in contracts.
FAQ
Which countries are key suppliers of dried apricots to Russia?UN Comtrade/WITS partner data for HS 081310 shows Turkey and several Central Asian countries (including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic) among the top exporters shipping dried apricots to the Russian Federation (example year: 2022).
What is the HS code typically used for dried apricots in trade with Russia?UN Comtrade/WITS reports dried apricots under HS code 081310.
If dried apricots are sulphured, what labeling issue can cause clearance problems in the EAEU/Russia market?If a food additive is present, EAEU labeling rules require stating the additive’s functional purpose and its name (or INS/E-number). In practice, incorrect or missing additive declaration on Russian/EAEU labels can lead to non-compliance findings.