Market
Dried lentils (HS 071340) in Jordan are an import-dependent staple pulse market. UN Comtrade data (via World Bank WITS) shows imports materially exceed exports, with Canada the leading supplier and additional supply from Russia, the UAE (re-exports), Turkey, and Iraq. Import clearance and market access rely on registered importers and compliance with Jordan’s inspection/testing and labeling regimes overseen by JFDA and standards set by JSMO.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleStaple pulse product primarily supplied via imports for domestic consumption
Risks
Logistics HighJordan relies on imported lentils, and regional maritime security conditions can trigger emergency surcharges, higher insurance costs, and routing disruptions that raise landed cost and delay deliveries into Jordan (including via Aqaba).Build buffer inventory with importers, diversify origins and shipping lines, and contract freight with contingency clauses for conflict-related surcharges and rerouting.
Regulatory Compliance MediumJordan may apply import licensing (including via the Ministry of Agriculture for raw agricultural goods) and can inspect/test imported food; non-compliant shipments can be rejected or destroyed.Confirm licensing needs and product classification pre-shipment; align documentation, labeling, and technical specs to JFDA/JSMO expectations and use the Jordan Customs portals to validate requirements by HS code.
Supply Concentration MediumUN Comtrade data (via WITS) indicates Jordan’s lentil imports are concentrated in a small set of supplying countries (with Canada the leading supplier), increasing exposure to origin-side crop shocks, export policy changes, and geopolitical disruption affecting key origins and re-export hubs.Qualify multiple origins and maintain alternative supplier contracts (including non-traditional suppliers) to cover shortfalls from top origins.
Labeling MediumNon-compliant or ambiguous Arabic labeling/marking can lead to border delays or shipment rejection under Jordan’s JSMO labeling requirements.Pre-approve Arabic labels with the importer and verify mandatory label elements before printing/packing; keep evidence files for audits.
FAQ
Is Jordan a net importer of dried lentils?Yes. UN Comtrade data (via World Bank WITS) shows Jordan imported about USD 14.74 million of HS 071340 (dried lentils, shelled) in 2023, while exports were about USD 0.15 million, indicating a net import position.
Which countries supplied most of Jordan’s dried lentil imports in 2023?UN Comtrade data (via World Bank WITS) shows Canada as the leading supplier in 2023, with additional imports from the Russian Federation, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Iraq among the notable partners listed.
What are the key compliance touchpoints for importing dried lentils into Jordan?Importers should verify any required import licensing (including for raw agricultural goods via the Ministry of Agriculture when applicable), prepare for possible inspection/testing, and ensure labeling complies with JSMO requirements (including Arabic labeling for packaged goods).