Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Product
Market
Greece is an import-dependent EU consumer market for dates (HS 080410: dates, fresh or dried), with imports exceeding exports; UN Comtrade data via WITS reports 2023 imports of about USD 7.88 million (2,278,160 kg) versus exports of about USD 1.66 million (481,157 kg). In 2023, Israel and Tunisia were the largest recorded origins by import value, and UN Comtrade/WITS also reports imports recorded under “Occ.Pal.Terr”, which raises origin/provenance and labeling sensitivity for some supply chains. The export pattern (notably to Albania, Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria) suggests Greece also acts as a regional redistribution/re-export point for dates. The most trade-disruptive compliance risk for dried dates placed on the Greek/EU market is food-safety non-compliance (notably mycotoxins such as aflatoxins) against EU maximum levels, which can trigger withdrawals/recalls and rapid alert actions.
Market RoleNet importer with some regional re-export/redistribution
Domestic RoleImport-supplied consumer market (EU single-market distribution and retail/wholesale placement)
Market Growth
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by imports of shelf-stable dried dates.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Style: pitted or unpitted (Codex CXS 143-1985).
- Substyle: pressed (compressed layers) vs unpressed/loose (Codex CXS 143-1985).
Compositional Metrics- Moisture content limits are specified in Codex CXS 143-1985 and may be adjusted by drying or hydration during commercial preparation.
Grades- Optional size designations may be used (small/medium/large) based on counts per 500g in Codex CXS 143-1985.
Packaging- Packed ready for direct consumption in suitable containers to assure preservation and protection of the product (Codex CXS 143-1985).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin processing/packing (whole dates; pitted/unpitted) → sea freight to Greece/EU entry → importer receiving & lot checks → optional sorting/physical treatment and/or repacking/Greek-language labeling → domestic distribution → (in some cases) re-export to neighboring markets.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighNon-compliance with EU maximum levels for mycotoxins (notably aflatoxins) in dried fruits can block entry or trigger withdrawals/recalls for dried dates placed on the Greek/EU market, with rapid information exchange and enforcement actions supported through RASFF.Use a pre-shipment mycotoxin control plan (supplier approval, representative sampling, accredited testing) and, where needed, apply sorting/physical treatment streams aligned to the EU’s differentiated aflatoxin limits for dried fruits.
Regulatory Compliance MediumOrigin/provenance labeling risk for dates imported from Israel and from territories recorded as “Occ.Pal.Terr”; EU case law requires specific provenance indications for foods from territories occupied by Israel and, where applicable, from Israeli settlements within those territories.Strengthen origin documentation and label review controls for each lot (including upstream packing records) and validate provenance statements against EU requirements before placing products on the Greek market.
Regulatory Compliance MediumAllergen and additive labeling risk: if sulphur dioxide/sulphites (or other authorized additives) are used in date products or coatings, EU food information rules require correct declaration and presentation, and non-compliance can result in enforcement actions by national authorities.Implement a label-claim and ingredient-verification gate (including additive carry-over checks) aligned to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 and EU additive authorization rules.
Pesticide Residues MediumImported plant products placed on the EU/Greece market are subject to pesticide-residue compliance expectations under the EU MRL framework; exceedances can lead to detentions, withdrawals, and increased scrutiny for specific origins.Contractually require MRL compliance to EU standards and maintain a targeted residue monitoring plan for high-risk origins and lots.
Sustainability- Supply continuity risk is shaped by reliance on imported origins; geopolitical and trade-friction events affecting major supplying regions can transmit to Greek availability and pricing.
Labor & Social- Origin/provenance sensitivity: where supply chains involve territories occupied by Israel, EU case law requires territory-of-origin indication and, for products from Israeli settlements within those territories, settlement provenance indication; this can create compliance and reputational risk for EU/Greece operators if mislabelled.
FAQ
Where does Greece mainly import dates from?UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS portal (HS 080410: dates, fresh or dried) reports that in 2023 Greece’s largest recorded suppliers by import value were Israel and Tunisia, with additional volumes via intra-EU partners such as the Netherlands and Germany.
What is the most serious compliance risk for dried dates sold in Greece?Food-safety non-compliance with EU contaminant limits—especially aflatoxins for dried fruits—is a key trade-stopper because it can lead to border actions or market withdrawals/recalls, with risk communication and coordination supported through the EU’s RASFF system.
Why can origin labeling be sensitive for some date shipments into Greece?EU case law interpreting the EU food information rules requires that foods originating in territories occupied by Israel indicate that territory of origin and, when originating from an Israeli settlement within such a territory, also indicate that settlement provenance—so mislabeling can create compliance and reputational risk for EU/Greece operators.