Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Product
Market
Raisins (dried grapes; HS 080620) in Saudi Arabia function primarily as an import-dependent processed-fruit market supplied through registered importers and SFDA border inspection at designated entry points. Import clearance is shaped by documentary/identity/physical checks (including labeling conformity) and possible laboratory testing, with compliance expectations referencing Gulf technical regulations/standards and Codex product and labeling standards for raisins.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer and food-ingredient market)
Domestic RolePredominantly consumed domestically as a shelf-stable dried fruit for household use and as an ingredient for bakery/confectionery and foodservice
Market GrowthGrowing (2022–2024 import trend)import value and volume increased from 2022 to 2024 for HS 080620
SeasonalityYear-round availability in market channels due to shelf-stable product characteristics and continuous import sourcing.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Raisins are prepared from sound dried grapes (Vitis vinifera L.), properly cleaned; typically stemmed/cap-stemmed except for specified types (e.g., cluster raisins and certain Muscat types).
- Defect tolerances and definitions (e.g., stems, cap-stems, damaged, sugared, seeds) are specified in Codex CXS 67-1981 and are commonly used as buyer specification anchors.
Compositional Metrics- Moisture content maximums in Codex CXS 67-1981 are 18% for most styles/types, 19% for seeded (seeds removed) style, and 31% for Malaga Muscatel type.
Packaging- Codex CXS 67-1981 covers both direct-consumption raisins and bulk-packed raisins intended for repacking into consumer-size containers.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas processing/packing (including bulk packs for repacking) → containerized shipment → SFDA border inspection at a Saudi BIP → release to customs for final clearance → importer/distributor warehousing → repacking (if applicable) → retail and food manufacturing channels
Temperature- Ambient transport and storage is typical; control focus is moisture protection (dry, intact packaging) and avoiding excessive heat during storage.
Atmosphere Control- Moisture and oxygen barrier performance of packaging influences quality stability during storage and distribution.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is primarily limited by moisture ingress, infestation risk, and oxidative quality changes; importer storage discipline and packaging integrity are key.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety Compliance HighShipment detention or rejection risk is high if imported raisins fail SFDA/GSO compliance expectations for contaminants (e.g., pesticide residues and microbiological criteria) and/or applicable additive limits and labeling declarations (e.g., sulphur dioxide use for bleached raisins). SFDA BIP procedures explicitly allow rejection at documentary, identity, physical, or laboratory-testing stages.Run pre-shipment conformity checks against SFDA/GSO requirements; obtain accredited lab COAs (residues/micro) and verify additive use/label declarations against Codex CXS 67-1981 and applicable Gulf/Saudi labeling standards.
Documentation and Labeling MediumDocument mismatch, incomplete certification, or labeling non-conformity can trigger delays, additional sampling/testing, or rejection during SFDA documentary/identity/physical checks at BIPs.Align commercial documents and certificates with SFDA importer checklist; conduct label pre-approval against applicable Gulf labeling standards (e.g., GSO 9:2013) and product naming rules (e.g., ‘Raisins’/‘Sultanas’ and ‘Golden/Bleached’ declarations when applicable).
Logistics MediumImport supply continuity is exposed to container freight volatility and shipping schedule disruptions on long-haul sea routes, affecting replenishment timing and landed cost for this import-dependent market.Maintain safety stock for key SKUs and diversify sourcing across multiple origins to reduce single-lane disruption exposure.
Standards- HACCP-based food safety management system (or equivalent) referenced in SFDA health certificate model text for processed fruits and vegetables
FAQ
What HS code is typically used for raisins (dried grapes) imports into Saudi Arabia?Raisins are commonly classified under HS 080620 (dried grapes). Saudi Arabia’s import statistics for dried grapes are reported under HS 080620 in UN Comtrade/WITS.
What happens when a raisin shipment arrives at a Saudi Border Inspection Post (BIP)?SFDA inspectors can perform documentary checks, identity checks, and physical examination (including labeling conformity), and may order laboratory testing when needed. A consignment can be rejected at any of these stages before it is released for customs final clearance.
Which product specifications are commonly referenced for raisins supplied into Saudi Arabia?Codex CXS 67-1981 is a common benchmark. It defines raisins as dried grapes (Vitis vinifera L.), sets maximum moisture levels (typically 18% for most styles/types), and specifies additive limits such as sulphur dioxide for bleached raisins (up to 1,500 mg/kg immediately after treatment).