Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormDried, dehulled and split
Industry PositionSecondary processed agricultural ingredient for retail and foodservice
Market
Dried split red lentils in Peru are primarily supplied through imports rather than domestic production. UN Comtrade data presented via WITS shows Peru imported dried lentils (HS 071340) from the United States worth about US$17.0 million (about 14.7 million kg) in 2023, while Peru’s exports of the same HS code were about US$65k, indicating a strongly import-dependent market position. Market access is shaped by SENASA phytosanitary import permitting and border inspection, plus customs classification and duties administered by SUNAT. Demand is concentrated in household retail cooking and foodservice as a shelf-stable protein ingredient.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleShelf-stable pulse ingredient sold in retail packs and via wholesalers for household cooking and foodservice use
SeasonalityGenerally available year-round; import arrival patterns can vary based on supplier harvest timing and ocean freight scheduling.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Uniform split pieces with minimal broken fines
- Clean appearance with low foreign matter (stones, soil, plant debris)
- Free from live insects and insect damage signs expected by buyers and inspectors
Compositional Metrics- Codex CXS 171-1989 provides moisture guidance for lentils and notes that pulses sold without seed coat should have a maximum moisture content 2% (absolute) lower than the whole-seed guidance
- Odor/flavor should be normal (no musty or rancid odors associated with moisture or storage pests)
Grades- Food-grade specifications typically emphasize split integrity, color uniformity, and limits on foreign matter and insect presence
- ‘For sowing’ vs ‘not for sowing’ customs classification distinction applies in Peru’s tariff schedule for lentils (e.g., 0713.40.10.00 vs 0713.40.90.00)
Packaging- Common trade formats include bulk bags (e.g., woven polypropylene sacks) for wholesalers and foodservice, and smaller retail packs repacked locally by importers
- Packaging should protect against moisture ingress and stored-product pests during ocean transit and warehousing
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin processor (cleaning/dehulling/splitting) → export packing → ocean container shipment → Port of Callao entry → SENASA phytosanitary controls and SUNAT customs clearance → importer warehouse (dry storage) → wholesale/retail distribution
Temperature- Ambient dry storage is typical; protection from heat and, especially, moisture/condensation is critical to prevent mold and quality loss
Atmosphere Control- Container and warehouse practices focus on avoiding condensation (moisture control, clean containers, palletization, and appropriate liner/ventilation practices where used)
Shelf Life- Shelf stability is high compared with fresh produce, but quality can deteriorate quickly if moisture increases or if stored-product pests infest lots
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Phytosanitary HighPeru import clearance can be blocked or severely delayed if SENASA phytosanitary requirements are not met or if quarantine-significant pests are detected in consignments or associated shipping containers (stored-product pest pathways are a known risk for dry pulses).Before booking shipment, verify SENASA import requirements for the exact product/origin and secure the PFI where required; enforce pre-shipment pest management, clean-container controls, and document checks so the phytosanitary certificate and shipment details match SENASA conditions.
Logistics MediumOcean freight rate volatility, port congestion, and demurrage exposure can raise landed costs and disrupt delivery schedules for containerized dry pulses.Use forward contracts or freight budgeting buffers where possible; book earlier for peak periods and align inventory buffers with transit-time variability.
Regulatory Compliance MediumMisclassification between ‘for sowing’ and ‘not for sowing’ lentils subheadings or incomplete import documentation can trigger customs queries, delays, and unexpected duty/treatment outcomes.Obtain an internal classification ruling workflow and pre-clear documentation against SUNAT and SENASA checklists; keep consistent product descriptions across invoice, packing list, and declaration.
FAQ
Which phytosanitary steps are commonly required to import dried lentils into Peru?SENASA requires importers to check approved import phytosanitary requirements by product and origin and, where applicable, obtain a Permiso Fitosanitario de Importación (PFI) before shipment. Shipments typically rely on a phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country’s phytosanitary authority (NPPO) and must comply with SENASA’s stated conditions at entry.
What HS/subpartida context is relevant for dried lentils in Peru customs procedures?SUNAT’s tariff schedule distinguishes lentils ‘for sowing’ and ‘except for sowing’ (e.g., 0713.40.10.00 vs 0713.40.90.00). Using the correct 10-digit subpartida and consistent documentation helps avoid clearance delays and duty-treatment surprises.
Why is stored-product pest control treated as a high-risk issue for this product?Dry pulses can attract stored-product pests, and international plant protection guidance highlights serious pests such as khapra beetle as a major biosecurity concern that can be moved via infested commodities or sea containers. If a consignment is associated with a quarantine-significant pest finding, it can be held, treated, or rejected, disrupting supply.