Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormDried (dehulled & split)
Industry PositionFood Ingredient / Staple Pulse Product
Market
Dried split red lentils (commonly sold as masoor dal) are a staple pulse product in India with large domestic consumption. India has domestic lentil (masoor) production, but the market can be import-dependent in deficit years; trade is sensitive to government import policy changes for pulses and to landed-cost volatility for bulk shipments.
Market RoleMajor consumer market with domestic production and periodic import dependence
Domestic RoleStaple pulse ingredient for household cooking (dal) and foodservice
SeasonalityDomestic harvest is seasonal, but dried split lentils are traded year-round through storage and (when permitted) imports.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Uniform split size and color; minimal broken pieces per buyer specification
- Low foreign matter (stones, dust) and minimal damaged/discolored grains
- Free from live insect infestation and moldy/tainted material
Compositional Metrics- Moisture and cleanliness limits are commonly specified by buyers and regulators
Grades- Retail grade vs. mill/industrial grade specifications vary by cleanliness and uniformity
- Polished vs. unpolished presentation may be specified by buyers
Packaging- Bulk packs for trade (e.g., woven PP bags or similar bulk packaging)
- Retail consumer packs (sealed pouches/jars) with compliant labeling
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Domestic procurement or import arrival → cleaning/sorting → (if applicable) dal milling operations for dehulling/splitting → grading → packaging → wholesale distribution → retail/foodservice
Temperature- Ambient, dry storage and transport; protect from moisture uptake
- Storage pest control is a key handling requirement
Shelf Life- Shelf-stable when kept dry and protected from pests; quality risks increase with humidity and infestation
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Policy Restriction HighImport policy volatility for pulses (including lentils) can abruptly restrict, delay, or block imports into India, creating a risk of stranded cargo, contract non-performance, or sudden landed-cost changes.Confirm the latest DGFT import policy and any duty/notification changes before shipment; use flexible shipment windows and contract clauses that address regulatory change risk.
Logistics MediumOcean freight volatility, port congestion, and clearance dwell time can materially affect landed cost and delivery timing for bulk dried lentil shipments.Build schedule buffers, align Incoterms and demurrage responsibility clearly, and use pre-alert documentation checks to reduce clearance delays.
Food Safety Compliance MediumNon-compliance findings (e.g., contamination, live insect infestation, labeling/document mismatches for packaged goods, or failed test parameters) can lead to detention, re-export, or destruction and disrupt downstream distribution.Use pre-shipment quality inspection, ensure pest-free loading and dry storage, and match documents/labels to importer checklists and applicable Indian requirements.
FAQ
What is the biggest trade risk for dried split red lentils into India?The biggest risk is import policy volatility for pulses: DGFT policy changes can restrict or delay lentil imports and change the commercial feasibility of shipments on short notice.
Which Indian authorities are most relevant to clearing imported lentils?Key authorities typically include Indian Customs (CBIC) for clearance, FSSAI for food import procedures/standards, and plant quarantine authorities (DPPQS) where plant quarantine requirements apply.
Does dried split red lentils require cold chain in India?No. Dried split red lentils are generally handled in ambient, dry logistics; the main handling risks are moisture uptake and storage pest infestation rather than temperature control.
Sources
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Government of India — Foreign Trade Policy and import policy notifications (including pulses/lentils)
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Government of India — Indian Customs Tariff and customs notification framework (duties and import procedures)
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) — Food import clearance procedures and food standards/labeling regulations
Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage (DPPQS), Government of India — Plant quarantine framework and import requirements for plant products (Plant Quarantine Order, 2003)
FAO — FAOSTAT — Lentils production and trade indicators for India
International Trade Centre (ITC) — Trade Map — India trade flows for lentils (HS-based)
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India (Directorate of Economics and Statistics) — Agricultural statistics on pulses/lentils (area/production/yield) and market arrivals context
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — Indian standards for pulses/lentils and related quality parameters (where applicable)