Fruit, edible; figs, fresh or dried

HS code 080420 covers the trade of fresh or dried figs, a highly versatile fruit with a long history of cultivation and consumption around the world. Figs are an important agricultural commodity, with significant production and trade volumes globally. They are valued for their unique flavor, nutritional profile, and diverse culinary applications, making them a staple ingredient in many cuisines and a popular choice for both fresh consumption and further processing.

The production of figs typically involves the cultivation of fig trees, which can be grown in temperate and subtropical climates. Figs are harvested by hand or mechanically, often in multiple rounds as the fruit ripens. Post-harvest, figs may be dried using various methods, such as sun-drying or dehydration, to extend their shelf life and enable long-distance trade. For fresh figs, careful handling and temperature-controlled storage are crucial to maintain quality and freshness.

The main inputs required for the fig industry include fig tree seedlings or cuttings, suitable land and climate conditions for cultivation, agricultural equipment for harvesting and processing, and labor for planting, tending, and harvesting the crop. Depending on the production method, additional inputs such as drying facilities, packaging materials, and transportation infrastructure may also be necessary.

The primary output of HS code 080420 is fresh or dried figs, which can be consumed directly or used as an ingredient in a wide range of food products, including baked goods, jams, and confectionery. Figs may also be further processed into fig paste, fig puree, or fig juice concentrates, which can be used as inputs for 200799 Fruit, n.e.s., jams, fruit jellies, marmalades, fruit or nut puree and fruit or nut pastes, obtained by cooking, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or 200980 Fruit and vegetable juices, unfermented and not containing added spirit, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter.