How to Ensure Your Dried Fruit Packaging Bags Meet US & EU Standards？

I work with dried fruit¹ brands all over the world. We supply packaging bags to clients in the UK, Czech Republic, the US, and across the EU. One thing I learned fast is that food packaging² must meet strict regulations. If packaging fails standards, products may be blocked at customs or removed from shelves.

Our packaging bags are made with food‑grade materials³ and are fully capable of meeting EU and US certifications⁴](https://www.nsf.org/food-beverage/food-packaging/food-packaging-certification)[^5]s. If you need documentation, we can arrange third‑party testing⁵ or certification⁶. Our products are ready for global compliance.

Understanding legal requirements and standards will help you protect your brand, avoid fines, and ensure your dried fruit¹ reaches consumers safely. This guide breaks down what you need to know.

What is the best packaging for dried fruit¹?

Choosing the right packaging is more than aesthetics. It must protect quality, comply with food safety laws, and present well to customers.

The best packaging for dried fruit¹ combines strong barrier protection, food‑safe materials, and compliance with both US and EU food packaging² standards.

What makes good dried fruit¹ packaging?

Dried fruit needs protection from moisture, oxygen, light, and contaminants. Quality packaging does all of the following:

• Moisture control: Blocks humidity so fruit stays dry
• Oxygen barrier: Prevents oxidation and rancidity
• Food‑grade safety: No harmful chemicals or residues
• Strong seals: Prevents contamination and spillage
• Certifiable materials: Compliant with FDA (US) and EFSA (EU) regulations
  

  

  Example materials

We often recommend metallized film for most dried fruit¹s because it balances performance and cost. For export or long shelf life⁷ (>12 months), aluminum foil offers the best protection.

Packaging design features

• Resealable zip: Keeps product fresh after opening
• Clear window: Lets customers see the fruit inside
• Euro slot / hang hole: Useful for retail displays
• Tear notch: Easy opening for customers

By combining good materials with practical features, you build a package that meets standards and helps sell more product.

Can you bring packaged dried fruit¹ into the US?

Yes, you can bring packaged dried fruit¹ into the US if it meets USDA and FDA import requirements, is clearly labeled, and is free of pests and prohibited elements.

US regulation basics

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulate dried fruit¹ imports. Packaged dried fruit¹ must:

• Be commercially packaged and labeled
• Contain no soil or plant pests
• Be on the approved list of imported foods
• Follow FDA labeling rules (nutrition facts, ingredients, etc.)

The packaging itself must be food‑grade and safe. Non‑food‑grade packaging can lead to destruction of goods or fines.

What the FDA looks for in packaging

• Material safety: Packaging must be made of FDA‑approved food contact materials
• No harmful substances: No BPA migration above limits, no illegal additives
• Traceability: Packaging must allow lot codes or identifiers in case of recall

Travel and personal import

If you are a passenger bringing dried fruit¹ into the US:

• Declare all food products
• Ensure packaging is unopened, labeled, and food‑safe
• Be ready for inspection by customs

Improper or unlabeled food can be confiscated.

Business and commercial import

For commercial import:

• Work with a customs broker
• Ensure packaging and product are coded correctly in ISF (Importer Security Filing)
• Provide certificates or test reports if requested

Clear documentation helps avoid delays at US ports.

What type of packaging is appropriate for fruits?

Not all packaging is equal. The design and materials must protect fruit, ensure safety, and comply with regulations in export markets.

Appropriate fruit packaging must be: food‑safe, moisture‑proof, oxygen‑barrier capable, tamper‑evident, and compliant with regional law (EU/US).

Food contact materials

In both the US and EU, packaging materials⁸ that contact food must meet specific rules:

• US FDA: Packaging must be on the FDA list of approved materials for food contact
• EU EFSA: Materials must comply with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 on food contact materials

This includes films, inks, adhesives, and coatings.

Mechanical protection

Fruit packaging also prevents physical damage:

• Thicker film layers: Resist punctures
• Laminates: Add strength and flexibility
• Cushioning layers: Minimize crushing during transit

Barrier properties

Dried fruit loses quality when exposed to air and moisture. Packaging with good barrier properties extends shelf life⁷ and reduces waste.

Practical packaging types for fruit

Stand‑up pouches are popular because they balance display, barrier performance, and convenience.

What are the packaging requirements for dried apricots⁹?

Dried apricots have unique needs because of higher sugar content and softer texture compared with other dried fruit¹s.

Packaging for dried apricots⁹ must provide strong moisture control¹⁰, good oxygen barrier¹¹, and gentle internal support to protect texture.

Shelf life and microbial safety

Dried apricots can absorb moisture easily and can be sticky. Packaging must block humidity and limit oxidation.

• Low WVTR (Water Vapor Transmission Rate): Keeps moisture out
• Low OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate): Protects flavor and color

High barrier materials like metallized films or aluminum foil bags are ideal.

Labeling requirements

In the US and EU, dried apricot packaging must include:

• Product name
• Net weight
• Ingredient list
• Allergen statements (if applicable)
• Country of origin
• Nutrition facts panel (US) / Nutritional declaration (EU)
• Best‑before or use‑by date
• Lot or batch code

These requirements ensure transparency and traceability for consumers and regulators.

Durability

Dried apricots are softer. Packaging must be:

• Tear‑resistant
• Puncture‑resistant
• Resealable if for retail

We often use multi‑layer laminates with reinforced PE layers for dried apricots⁹.

Testing and certification⁶

To meet US & EU standards:

• Use FDA‑listed films for US markets
• Use EFSA‑compliant materials for EU markets
• Get migration and safety testing by third‑party labs if required

We can help arrange third‑party certification⁶ upon request. Many of our clients want compliance certificates for their audits and records.

Dive Deeper: How Standards Affect Packaging Choices

US FDA food contact compliance

The FDA issues lists of substances allowed in food contact materials. If a packaging component is not on the list, it can’t be used legally in the US.

For example:

• PET and PE are widely accepted
• Certain plasticizers or coatings need specific approval
• Inks must be non‑toxic and not migrate into food

When designing bags, you must ensure every layer and additive has a compliant status.

EU food contact regulation (EC 1935/2004)

In the EU, all food contact materials must:

• Be safe for human health
• Not transfer constituents to food
• Have good manufacturing practices
• Allow traceability through documentation

This is broader than the US system but covers similar concerns. Both systems aim to prevent contamination and ensure consumer safety¹².

Migration testing

Both the US and EU may require migration testing¹³. This checks if substances from the packaging transfer into food.

Typical tests include:

• Overall migration
• Specific migration of certain chemicals
• Simulant testing using food mimics

Third‑party labs provide certificates that customs or auditors may request.

Label language and claims

If packaging claims “food‑grade,” “FDA compliant,” or “EU compliant,” be prepared to back it up with documentation.

Labels must be accurate and supportable under inspection.

Conclusion

Meeting US and EU standards for dried fruit¹ packaging is achievable with the right materials and documentation. Use food‑grade barrier films, design for moisture and oxygen protection, and prepare proper testing and labeling. Our packaging bags can meet both EU and US requirements, and we can help provide third‑party certification⁶ if needed. Quality packaging protects your product and your brand in global markets.