Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Dried lentils (commonly sold as masoor/red lentil) are a staple pulse in Pakistan’s household and foodservice diets. Domestic supply is typically insufficient versus demand, so the market is import-dependent and exposed to foreign-exchange, import-policy, and clearance timing risks.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleStaple pulse for household and foodservice consumption; commonly traded as bulk commodity and repacked for retail
Specification
Primary VarietyMasoor (red lentil)
Physical Attributes- Whole vs split (dal) form
- Color uniformity (red/orange for masoor; brown/green for whole types)
- Foreign matter (stones, husk) control and cleaning level
- Insect damage and live infestation absence
Compositional Metrics- Moisture control for storage stability
- Residue compliance (pesticide/fumigant residues) per importer and regulator expectations
Grades- Buyer-specific grades based on cleanliness, size uniformity, and defect tolerance
Packaging- Bulk bags for import distribution (commonly 25–50 kg)
- Retail packs after local repacking (commonly 0.5–5 kg)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Exporting-country processor/cleaner → sea shipment → Pakistan port clearance → importer warehouse → wholesaler distribution → retail repack and sale
Temperature- Ambient storage; keep dry and protected from heat/moisture to reduce spoilage and pest risk
Shelf Life- Shelf-life depends on moisture control, pest prevention, and packaging integrity during storage and inland distribution
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Fx and Payment HighForeign-exchange availability and import payment constraints (e.g., delayed LCs, tighter import controls) can abruptly slow or block lentil import flows into Pakistan, creating shipment delays, demurrage exposure, and contract non-performance risk.Lock payment method and timing (LC/TT) before shipment; use conservative shipment scheduling, demurrage clauses, and confirm importer bank readiness; diversify buyer base and consider smaller, staged lots during tight FX periods.
Sps Clearance MediumQuarantine inspection findings (live infestation, contamination, or document mismatch) can trigger treatment, delay, or rejection at the border, raising cost and quality deterioration risk during holds.Require pre-shipment cleaning/infestation control, robust inspection certificates, and document pre-checks; agree treatment responsibility and tolerances in the contract.
Logistics MediumSea freight volatility, port congestion, and inland transport disruptions can increase landed cost and extend lead times, affecting availability and price stability in Pakistan’s pulse market.Build buffer lead time, monitor freight/port conditions, and use flexible delivery windows and inventory buffers where feasible.
Price Volatility MediumPulse prices can be volatile due to global crop outcomes and policy changes, which can create margin risk for importers and repackers if pricing is fixed too early.Use indexed pricing or shorter pricing validity; stagger purchases; align contract clauses on substitution (whole vs split) and quality tolerances.
Standards- HACCP-based food safety controls (supplier level)
- ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000 (supplier level, when selling into higher-spec retail programs)
FAQ
Which documents are commonly needed to import dried lentils into Pakistan?A phytosanitary certificate is commonly required for plant quarantine clearance, along with standard customs documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill. Additional documents may be needed depending on the specific import conditions and product form (bulk vs retail pack).
What is the biggest deal-breaker risk for trading dried lentils into Pakistan?Foreign-exchange and import payment constraints can delay or block imports, including delayed letters of credit and other tightening measures that disrupt shipment flow and increase demurrage and non-performance risk.
What are the main quality issues that can cause delays at entry or later claims?Live infestation, excessive foreign matter (stones/husk), moisture-related spoilage risk, and document mismatches can trigger quarantine treatment or delays at entry and lead to downstream quality claims during storage and repacking.
Sources
International Trade Centre (ITC) — Trade Map — Pakistan imports of lentils (HS-based trade statistics)
United Nations Statistics Division (UN Comtrade) — UN Comtrade Database — Pakistan lentil import flows (HS-based trade statistics)
Department of Plant Protection (DPP), Ministry of National Food Security & Research, Government of Pakistan — Plant Quarantine / Import phytosanitary requirements and inspection procedures for plant products
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Pakistan Customs — Pakistan Customs tariff and import clearance guidance (HS classification, duties/taxes, and procedures)
State Bank of Pakistan — Foreign exchange and external sector circulars/statistics relevant to import payments