Dry Fruit Export from Pakistan: A Guide for New Exporters

Pakistan’s dry fruits exports have grown remarkably with a 35% jump between March 2023 and February 2024. The country’s dry fruit exports hit $4.99 million in 2023. Major buyers include the Maldives, Finland, and the United States.

The industry boasts 79 manufacturers and exporters who completed 146 export shipments. Pakistan’s dry fruits come from Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan. These regions have unique climates and soil conditions that help produce top-quality dried fruits. Pakistani dried fruits have gained strong market presence in Germany, the UAE, and the Maldives, showing the world’s growing appetite for these products.

This piece will help you to start dry fruit export from Pakistan. You’ll learn everything in starting an export business – from legal requirements and quality standards to logistics and financial management. This guide will give you the knowledge you just need to build a successful export venture.

Understanding Pakistan’s Dry Fruit Industry

Pakistan’s climate zones and rich soil create perfect conditions to grow many types of dry fruits. The country has become a key player in the global dry fruit market thanks to its unique regional specialties and growing worldwide demand.

Major Dry Fruits Produced in Pakistan’s Different Regions

Pakistan’s geographical diversity lets farmers grow many high-quality dry fruits. Balochistan, known as the “Fruit Basket of Pakistan,” stands at the top in dry fruit production. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan follow close behind. Each area has its specialty products:

• Balochistan Province: The region produces pistachios and dates. You’ll find most farms in Quetta, Pishin, Zhob, Kalat, and Lorala. The sunny, dry landscape makes it perfect for these fruits.
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: The area shines in almond and walnut production, with farms spread across Peshawar, Swat, Mardan, Bunir, and Chitral. Cool mountain air and the right temperature help these nutrient-packed nuts thrive.
• Gilgit-Baltistan: The region excels at growing walnuts, apricots, and almonds. The main growing areas include Hunza, Skardu, Shigar, Roundu, Khaplu, and Baltistan. Farmers here produce over 3,000 metric tons of dry apricots and almonds each year. The walnut output reaches about 100,000 metric tons annually.

Recent numbers show impressive growth: apricot production jumped 37.01%, almonds grew 9.73%, and walnuts increased 33.20% compared to previous years.

Current Export Volume and Global Market Share

Pakistani dry fruit exports keep growing. The market stays competitive with an HHI of 2273 in 2023, up from 2037 in 2017. The country sells to 22 countries worldwide. Sri Lanka buys the most at 39% (51 shipments). The United States comes second with 16% (21 shipments), and Brazil follows at 14% (18 shipments).

Other big buyers include Finland, Ukraine, Uganda, Kenya, Greece, and Kazakhstan. The competition is tough though. India leads global exports with 28% (38,703 shipments). South Africa holds 15% (20,652 shipments), and Uzbekistan claims 10% (13,506 shipments).

Seasonal Availability and Production Cycles

Pakistani dry fruits follow clear seasonal patterns:

• Winter (December-February): Walnuts and dried figs hit the market. Farmers harvest walnuts from October to December and figs in late autumn. Local markets see peak demand during this time. Want to explore more winter fruits? Click here to discover Winter Fruits in Pakistan.
• Spring (March-May): Almonds and early apricots arrive. The almond harvest runs from March to May, while the first apricot picking starts in April.
• Summer (June-August): Dried mulberries and raisins become available. Mulberry season runs June to July, and raisins follow in July and August.
• Autumn (September-November): The second dried apricots harvest begins in August. Prune season starts in September.

Pine nuts, dried dates and mixed dry fruit selections stay available year-round. This happens because of long harvest periods and modern processing methods. These patterns shape how Pakistani producers and exporters plan their business throughout the year.

Legal Requirements for Dry Fruit Export from Pakistan

The legal requirements are a vital first step to start a dry fruit export from Pakistan business. A solid regulatory framework will give you quality control that meets both local and international standards.

Business Registration and Licensing Process

Your business registration must start with relevant authorities. You can choose to register as a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership firm, or Company. The next step requires you to get a National Tax Number (NTN) and Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN). Visit the nearest Regional Tax Office (RTO) or use the FBR website online. You also need to register with the Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) registration plays a key role as it helps exporters with trade development and market research. TDAP puts federal government’s policies into action to boost, promote, and support trade. You must also get membership with the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce to receive certification for export-related documents.

WEBOC ID has become a must-have for customs clearance since 2011. This system helps speed up procedures by connecting most stakeholders in the export process.

Export Documentation: Essential Permits and Certificates

Dry fruits in Pakistan export documentation needs careful attention. Here are the essential documents:

• Goods Declaration (GD): This main customs document shows all details like quantity, unit price, and payment terms
• Packing List (PL): Details of shipment contents
• Commercial Invoice: Product description and sales terms
• Certificate of Origin: Product origin proof for customs
• Bill of Lading: Your carriage contract

Exports to China through Allama Iqbal International Airport need a special certificate of origin. You must process Form “E” for each export and submit shipping documents to your bank within the given time.

Compliance with International Food Safety Regulations

Food safety rules now work as trade tools, and many countries set strict limits that could block imports. You must follow Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements.

Pakistan’s dry fruit exports need proper selection, grading, processing, and packaging to meet customer needs and international standards. The Department of Plant Protection (DPP) must issue a Certificate for Export or Re-export based on the importing country’s NPPO rules.

The EU sets specific maximum aflatoxin limits and requires health certificates for dried fruits. China has told the World Trade Organization about its new National Food Safety Standard draft for Dried Fruit and Dried Vegetable Products.

Intellectual Property Protection for Your Brand

Your brand needs trademark protection in global markets. Trademarks cover your brand name, shape, color, and product packaging. A trademark certificate will protect your branded shipments from intellectual property rights violations.

Fruit exporters find trademark registration more valuable now because trademarks last longer than plant variety protection. Trade dress protection covers your product’s design, shape, color, packaging, or look that helps consumers identify its source.

Product Preparation and Quality Standards

Quality standards are the life-blood of successful dry fruit export from Pakistan. International buyers assess Pakistani products based on their consistency, safety, and how well they meet global standards. Good preparation makes all the difference in market success.

Harvesting and Processing Best Practices

The quality of dry fruits in Pakistan starts with proper harvesting. Fruits need picking at the right time, and workers must remove bad products right away to avoid contamination. The next step involves careful washing, slicing, and controlled drying of the fruits.

Drying needs extra care and attention. Large companies use special equipment, but many Pakistani producers still employ traditional sun drying in yards. These yards must have:

• Distance from things that could contaminate, like cattle lots
• Good surfaces and fences to keep animals out
• Clean trays and cutting tools

Research shows the drying method affects final product quality by a lot. Sun drying can hurt quality. Better results come from controlled drying spaces where temperature stays between 140-150°F/60-65°C.

Packaging Requirements for International Shipping

Good packaging protects quality during shipping. The packaging materials should:

• Keep moisture, light, and oxygen away
• Stop bacteria from getting in
• Not change the product’s smell or taste

Popular options include vacuum-sealed bags without oxygen, aluminum foil bags that block moisture, and strong cardboard boxes for bulk shipping. European buyers prefer 10 kg packages, but 12-15 kg cartons and 25-70 kg fabric bags work too.

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) reminds exporters that products “selected, graded, processed and packaged carefully in order to meet the requirement of the customers in various countries, and in accordance with international standards”.

Quality Certification and Testing Procedures

Quality certificates help build trust with international buyers. European markets usually accept IFS, FSSC 22000, and BRC. More buyers now want organic certification under IFOAM standards too.

Testing for dry fruit export from Pakistan looks at:

• What’s in the food (fat, protein, carbohydrates, fiber)
• Bacteria levels (harmful germs, yeast, mold)
• Bad stuff (aflatoxins, leftover pesticides, heavy metals)
• How much moisture and peroxide

Pakistani dried fruit exporters work with trusted labs for these tests. The results confirm nutrition facts and show the food meets international safety rules. Many use UNECE standards, which tell you exactly how to check dry and dried produce.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

The success of dry fruit export from Pakistan depends on logistics excellence that ensures products reach global markets in perfect condition. Dry fruits need special care due to their sensitivity to environmental conditions. A resilient supply chain needs meticulous planning and strategic collaborations.

Selecting Reliable Freight Forwarders

Your export success relies on freight forwarders who specialize in food products. The best partners demonstrate reliable deliveries and deep knowledge of food transportation. Specialists who understand food regulations and temperature requirements serve better than general shipping companies. Forwarders with global networks can direct international customs procedures efficiently.

Professional custom clearance experts make a big difference in managing payments and customs procedures. A capable freight forwarder handles all shipping requirements and makes your export trip much smoother.

Cost-Effective Shipping Methods and Routes

Smart route selection plays a vital role in export success. Sea routes give you affordable options compared to other transportation modes. Regular shipping takes 3-5 business days. Express shipping delivers in 1-2 business days but gets pricey.

Air freight benefits high-value dried fruit shipments targeting premium markets far away. Sea freight suits bulk shipments where saving money matters more than speed.

Cold Chain Management for Preserving Quality

Quality preservation demands consistent temperature control throughout the supply chain. Studies show that cold storage at 4°C or at least 10°C in carton boxes with polyethylene film sealing preserves soft and semi-dry dates up to one year. This storage prevents color browning and skin separation.

Hermetic storage technology offers another quick way to maintain quality. Fresh dried fruits need airtight containers that block moisture, direct sunlight, and air.

Customs Clearance Procedures and Common Pitfalls

Exporters must register in the IRIS portal and Pakistan Single Window (PSW) to clear customs. Product quality suffers and financial losses occur when document preparation falls short.

Required documents are Goods Declaration, Packing List, Commercial Invoice, Certificate of Origin, and Bill of Lading. New exporters often struggle with incomplete documentation, wrong HS codes, or missing certificates. These mistakes lead to expensive delays or rejected shipments.

Financial Aspects of Dry Fruit Export

Sound financial management forms the bedrock of any profitable dry fruit export from Pakistan business. Exporters must direct their way through price complexities, payment uncertainties, currency fluctuations, and funding challenges to keep their operations running smoothly.

Pricing Strategies for Different Markets

Market analysis helps develop the right pricing structure. Companies in this sector work with net prices that don’t include taxes, duties, and other fees. This gives them a clear picture of their product’s actual value, which becomes crucial when comparing prices in different markets. The pricing must factor in:

• Geographical differences: Products sell at varying prices between district 1 and district 12 in metropolitan areas
• Value positioning: Organic or sustainably sourced dry fruits in Pakistan can demand premium prices
• Quantity-based scales: Tiered pricing encourages buyers to make larger purchases

Pakistani dried fruits sell for four times more than fresh fruits in international markets, which shows the economic benefits of value-added processing. Want to know how dry fruits can benefit your health? Check out our guide on Dry Fruits Benefits.

Payment Terms and Methods

Payment methods play a crucial role in sales contracts. Here are the options ranked from most to least secure for exporters:

1. Cash in Advance (CIA): Gives complete protection but might discourage competitive buyers
2. Letter of Credit (LC): Ensures bank-guaranteed payment after meeting document requirements
3. Documentary Collection (D/C): Costs less than LCs but has limited verification
4. Open Account: Allows 30-90 day payment terms and builds trust but carries more risk

New exporters should start with advance payments. They can then move from LC through documentary collections to clean bank transfers as relationships grow stronger.

Managing Currency Exchange Risks

Exchange rate changes can substantially affect export revenues, creating “transaction exposure.” Studies show that exchange rate uncertainties can change dried fruit export values by about 20% over time. Exporters can alleviate these risks through:

• Forward contracts to secure future exchange rates
• Currency options to protect against downside risks
• Multi-currency accounts to hold foreign earnings until exchange rates become favorable

Export Financing Options and Government Subsidies

The State Bank of Pakistan’s Export Finance Scheme (EFS) is a great way to get financing through commercial banks. The scheme has:

• Part-I for transaction-based activities (maximum 180 days financing)
• Part-II for performance-based revolving finance (50% of previous year’s export performance)

The Long-Term Financing Facility (LTFF) supports producers who export at least 50% of total sales. This helps them buy machinery with grace periods up to two years.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s dry fruit export industry is 20 years old and shows agricultural excellence and market potential. Export figures reached $4.99 million in 2023, which shows remarkable growth. The country’s varied climate zones from Balochistan to Gilgit-Baltistan provide perfect conditions to grow premium dry fruits.

This sector’s success depends on several factors. Quality standards play the most crucial role as exporters must follow international food safety rules strictly. Proper documentation and legal compliance create a foundation for green practices. Smart logistics management and strategic financial planning help determine if a business will succeed.

Markets keep growing in regions like the Maldives, Finland, and the United States. New exporters should build strong bonds with reliable freight forwarders and maintain product quality consistently. Proper cold chain management and quick customs procedures help products reach global markets in perfect condition.

You can partner with us for bulk orders, pricing details, and expert guidance on exporting premium Pakistani dry fruits worldwide. Our vast network and deep market knowledge make us your perfect export partner.

Pakistani dry fruit exports have a bright future ahead. Exporters can reach growing international markets by focusing on quality, compliance, and market needs. This approach will add another chapter to Pakistan’s agricultural success story.