Market
Raisins (dried grapes; HS 080620) in Cambodia are primarily supplied through imports rather than domestic grape-drying production. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows Cambodia’s recent imports sourced from a mix of regional and global suppliers (e.g., Turkey, Thailand, Japan, the United States, and China in 2024). The market is a small-volume, import-dependent consumer and ingredient market, with demand split between packaged snack formats and bulk use in bakery/confectionery and foodservice. Market access risk is driven more by import inspection, documentation, and food-safety conformity than by agricultural seasonality.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleImported dried fruit product used for retail snacking and as an ingredient in bakery/confectionery and foodservice
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityYear-round availability via imports; no meaningful domestic production seasonality signal for raisins.
Risks
Food Safety HighNon-compliance identified during Cambodia’s imported-food inspection process (e.g., documentation gaps, failed sampling/testing, or non-conforming additives/contaminants/foreign matter) can trigger holds, rejection, re-export, or destruction at the importer’s cost under the Ministry of Commerce imported-food inspection procedure framework.Use approved processors/packers with HACCP/ISO 22000, require lot-specific COA, run pre-shipment or pre-clearance testing for key parameters where risk is elevated (e.g., moisture and sulfites for sulphured product), and ensure label and document consistency before shipment.
Documentation Gap MediumCustoms and food-inspection clearance can be delayed by incomplete or inconsistent documentation (e.g., SAD/ASYCUDA filing, invoice/packing list mismatches, missing CO when claiming preferences, missing supporting certificates when requested for higher-risk food categories).Use an importer-side checklist aligned to National Trade Repository guidance; pre-validate HS classification, product description, net weights, lot codes, and origin documentation before vessel/arrival.
Logistics MediumCambodia’s hot/humid conditions increase the risk of moisture pickup and quality deterioration (clumping, mold) during inland storage and distribution if packaging and warehousing controls are weak.Specify moisture-barrier packaging, container desiccants where appropriate, and dry warehousing practices; monitor warehouse humidity and rotate stock by lot/date.
Sustainability- Supplier-side pesticide-residue management in dried grapes (import conformity risk)
- Supplier-side water-use intensity in grape cultivation (upstream sustainability screening topic)
FAQ
Is Cambodia a producer or an importer market for raisins?Cambodia functions mainly as an import-dependent consumer market for raisins. UN Comtrade-reported trade flows (via WITS) show Cambodia importing dried grapes (HS 080620), indicating reliance on overseas suppliers rather than domestic production.
What are the most common clearance steps and documents for importing raisins into Cambodia?Imports are declared through an electronic Single Administrative Document (SAD) in ASYCUDA World with core supporting documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document (bill of lading or air waybill). Depending on how the shipment is handled and classified, additional documents like a certificate of origin or other permits/certificates may be requested, and imported foods can be subject to document inspection and possible sampling/testing under Ministry of Commerce procedures.
Why do sulfites matter for raisins sold in Cambodia?Some raisins (especially golden/sulphured types) may use sulfur dioxide/sulfites as preservatives and color-protection agents, which makes additive compliance and clear product documentation important. Importers typically manage this by requiring supplier COAs and ensuring labelling is consistent with applicable Cambodian rules and relevant international additive references (e.g., Codex GSFA).