Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
In Ecuador, dried chickpeas (garbanzos) are a shelf-stable pulse supplied primarily through imports, with trade flows visible under HS 071320 (dried, shelled chickpeas). In 2024, Ecuador imported about USD 691.63k (485,032 kg), mainly from Mexico, Canada, and Argentina (UN Comtrade via WITS). Exports are smaller but present: in 2024 Ecuador exported about USD 352.74k (96,184 kg), reported entirely to the United States (UN Comtrade via WITS). Market access and border clearance are sensitive to Agrocalidad’s phytosanitary import controls (e.g., PFI prior to shipment and DDA documentation ahead of inspection) via the VUE/ECUAPASS workflow.
Market RoleNet importer with small exports/re-exports recorded
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied mainly via imports; any local production is not evidenced as a major traded supply source in the cited trade data
SeasonalityYear-round availability is supported by shelf-stable storage and import replenishment.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Commercial product is dried chickpea grain (Cicer arietinum) marketed as dry kernels for human consumption.
Packaging- Commercial presentation includes dried grains sold in plastic bags or in bulk (a granel).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Operator registration (GUIA/ECUAPASS) -> Phytosanitary Import Permit (PFI) prior to shipment -> Document of Customs Destination (DDA) submitted ahead of inspection -> Border inspection and control-point procedures -> Customs clearance -> Wholesale/retail distribution
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Phytosanitary HighFailure to comply with Agrocalidad phytosanitary import controls (e.g., missing/incorrect PFI process steps or required phytosanitary documentation when applicable) can trigger holds, treatment requirements, clearance delays, or rejection at inspection/control points.Confirm product-specific import requirements before shipment; secure PFI in advance via VUE/ECUAPASS and ensure the DDA attachment set matches Agrocalidad’s checklist (transport document, invoice, and phytosanitary certificate when required).
Documentation Gap MediumIncomplete or inconsistent documentation submitted through VUE/ECUAPASS (PFI/DDA) can delay inspection scheduling and customs clearance.Run a pre-shipment document reconciliation against the DDA attachment requirements and keep consistent product description/HS alignment across invoice, transport document, and permits.
Logistics MediumContainer freight-rate volatility can materially change landed cost for imported dried chickpeas, affecting importer margins and retail pricing in an import-dependent market.Use forward freight planning (rate agreements/quotations, shipment consolidation where feasible) and scenario-test landed cost before confirming purchase contracts.
Supply Volatility MediumImport dependence exposes Ecuador to external supply shocks (weather impacts and export policy shifts) in major chickpea-exporting origins, which can affect availability and price.Diversify origin options and maintain buffer inventory for key SKUs during periods of global tightness.
FAQ
Which countries are the main recorded suppliers of dried chickpeas to Ecuador?For HS 071320 in 2024, UN Comtrade data accessed via WITS shows Ecuador’s imports were mainly recorded from Mexico, Canada, and Argentina.
What are the core documents typically attached for the DDA step during import clearance in Ecuador?Agrocalidad’s import-process guidance lists the transport document (e.g., bill of lading/air waybill), the commercial invoice, and the phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin when it is required for the product.
Does Ecuador export dried chickpeas as well as import them?Yes. UN Comtrade data accessed via WITS shows that in 2024 Ecuador recorded exports of HS 071320 (dried chickpeas, shelled) to the United States, while still importing larger volumes overall.