Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Panama is a small, import-dependent market for dried, shelled chickpeas (HS 071320), with UN Comtrade-reported imports in 2023 of about US$164k (112.6 tonnes). Recorded suppliers include the United States, Canada and Italy (2023), and Canada and the United States are also among the top exporters to Panama in 2024. Imported food market access is managed through Panama’s food safety authority (AUPSA/Agencia Panameña de Alimentos), and plant-origin products can also be subject to phytosanitary import requirements set by MIDA’s plant health authority (DNSV). Labeling expectations reference Codex Alimentarius principles, and importers should check for any product-specific technical regulations or AUPSA resueltos that apply to their exact presentation/packaging.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityYear-round availability is driven by import scheduling rather than a domestic harvest season.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Clean, sound product free from abnormal odor or taste (Codex Standard for Certain Pulses, CXS 171-1989).
- Free from living insects and filth in amounts that may represent a hazard to human health (Codex CXS 171-1989 overview).
Compositional Metrics- Compliance with relevant contaminant and pesticide residue limits as referenced by Codex Alimentarius standards (Codex pulses and contaminant standards).
Grades- Common market presentations include whole, shelled, or split styles as defined in Codex Standard for Certain Pulses (CXS 171-1989).
Packaging- Pack in containers that safeguard hygienic and quality attributes during transport and handling (Codex Standard for Certain Pulses, CXS 171-1989).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Export-country cleaning/grading → packaging (bags or retail packs) → containerized shipment to Panama → customs clearance and any required AUPSA/MIDA controls → dry warehousing → wholesale/retail distribution
Temperature- Typically handled as an ambient, dry-stored commodity; moisture control is important to reduce quality loss and infestation risk.
Shelf Life- Shelf life is strongly influenced by packaging integrity and dry storage conditions; importer may require lot/batch identification and date marking per labeling guidance.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighAUPSA sanitary import requirements for covered food products can require import notification and official sanitary certification from the exporting country; non-compliance or document gaps can trigger holds, laboratory testing, delays, or rejection at entry.Confirm whether the exact chickpea product form/packaging is covered by an AUPSA resuelto and prepare an entry dossier (import notification/registration where applicable, sanitary certification, invoice/B/L/packing list) before shipment.
Phytosanitary MediumPlant-origin imports (including grains) may be subject to phytosanitary import requirements set by MIDA/DNSV; required conditions can vary by product and origin and may involve pest risk analysis steps.Request MIDA/DNSV import requirements for the specific product/origin in advance and align supplier treatment, inspection, and certification to the stated conditions.
Logistics MediumOcean freight and port/warehouse handling costs can affect landed pricing and availability for containerized dry pulses in a small import market.Use forward contracts/space booking for key periods and diversify origin options (e.g., North America vs. other origins) to reduce freight and supply disruption exposure.
FAQ
Is Panama mainly a producer or an importer of dried chickpeas?Panama is primarily an importer of dried chickpeas. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows imports of dried chickpeas (HS 071320) into Panama, with multiple foreign suppliers recorded.
Which countries supply dried chickpeas to Panama?UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows suppliers including the United States, Canada and Italy in 2023, and exporters to Panama including Canada, the United States, Brazil, India and Turkey in 2024.
What documents are commonly needed to clear an import shipment into Panama?Panama Customs guidance lists a commercial invoice, bill of lading and packing list as commonly required documents, and AUPSA may require import notification/registration steps and an official sanitary certification for covered food products.