Fruit, edible; dates, fresh or dried

HS code 080410 covers the import and export of fresh or dried dates, a highly versatile and nutritious fruit. Dates are a staple food in many parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, where they have been cultivated for thousands of years. The global date industry plays a significant role in the agricultural economy, providing employment and income for millions of people involved in its production, processing, and trade.

Date production involves a range of techniques, from cultivation and harvesting to processing and packaging. Dates are typically grown in arid and semi-arid climates, with the fruit developing on tall, slender palm trees. Harvesting is done manually or mechanically, with the ripe dates carefully picked and sorted. Post-harvest processing may include drying, cleaning, and grading the dates to ensure they meet quality standards for domestic consumption or export.

The date industry requires several key inputs, including fertile soil, adequate water resources, and specialized agricultural equipment for cultivation and harvesting. Date palm trees also require a significant amount of labor, both for planting, tending, and harvesting the fruit. Additionally, processing facilities, packaging materials, and transportation infrastructure are essential for the efficient distribution of dates to domestic and international markets.

The primary output of HS code 080410 is fresh or dried dates, which are consumed as a snack, used in various culinary applications, or incorporated into other food products. Dates are often exported to 080420 Fruit, edible; figs, fresh or dried, 080520 Grapes, fresh or dried, and 200799 Jams, fruit jellies, marmalades, purees and pastes of fruit, other than those of heading 20.08, where they may be used as ingredients or in the production of related food items.