Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormDried (Dehulled & Split)
Industry PositionShelf-stable food ingredient (processed pulse)
Market
In the United States, dried split red lentils are a shelf-stable pulse ingredient supplied through domestic lentil production regions and import channels, then cleaned, dehulled, split, and packaged by pulse processing and packing operations for retail, foodservice, and ingredient distribution.
Market RoleDomestic producer and importer; consumption market with domestic processing/packing
Domestic RoleShelf-stable pulse ingredient used in home cooking and as an input for food manufacturing and foodservice
Market Growth
SeasonalityHarvest is seasonal, but market availability is generally year-round because lentils are dried and stored, then split and packed on demand.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Uniform color appearance (orange/red cotyledon)
- Low foreign material and stones
- Low insect-damaged and mold-damaged kernels
- Split integrity and controlled breakage/fines
Compositional Metrics- Moisture specification set by buyer for shelf-stability and storage risk control
- Occasional protein or cook-quality specifications depending on end use
Grades- Buyer specifications may reference U.S. grade/standard language where applicable (e.g., U.S. Standards for Lentils) and/or contract specifications for defects and foreign material.
Packaging- Bulk sacks/totes for ingredient distribution
- Multiwall paper or woven polypropylene bags commonly used in dry commodity trade
- Retail consumer packs for grocery channels
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Farm/initial storage → cleaning and conditioning → dehulling & splitting → optical/mechanical sorting → bagging/toting → domestic distribution and/or export
- Import arrival → agriculture and customs screening → downstream cleaning/sorting (as needed) → repacking and distribution
Temperature- Store and transport as a low-moisture dry food: keep cool, dry, and protected from condensation and water ingress.
Atmosphere Control- Humidity control and pest prevention are critical during storage and containerized transport for dried pulses.
Shelf Life- Long shelf-life under dry storage conditions; quality risk increases with moisture pickup, infestation, and odor cross-contamination in shared logistics.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Phytosanitary/quarantine Pest HighInterception or suspicion of regulated stored-product pests (e.g., khapra beetle and similar quarantine pests) in containers, packaging, or product can trigger holds, re-export/destruction, or mandatory treatment, severely disrupting delivery into the US market.Use robust integrated pest management in origin storage/packing, verify clean containers, require pre-shipment inspection records, and align with APHIS import requirements for the specific origin pathway.
Food Safety/regulatory HighFDA import actions (including detention) can occur if a shipment or supplier is associated with insanitary conditions, adulteration concerns, or if the US importer lacks adequate FSVP controls for the foreign supplier.Ensure the US importer has an FSVP program covering hazard analysis, supplier verification, and corrective actions; maintain supplier audit/testing evidence and traceability documentation.
Logistics MediumFreight rate volatility and port/inland congestion can materially change landed costs and delivery reliability for bulk pulses and split products shipped in containers or bulk formats.Lock freight via contracts where feasible, diversify lanes/ports, and maintain safety stock for key SKUs in US warehouses.
Chemical Residues MediumResidues above US tolerances (EPA tolerances enforced through FDA) can lead to shipment refusal or enforcement actions, especially when pest-control treatments or pre-harvest aids differ by origin.Align supplier agronomy and post-harvest treatment programs to US tolerances, and use risk-based residue testing and supplier documentation.
Sustainability- Freight-related emissions exposure for long-haul inland transport and containerized ocean shipments in bulk pulse supply chains
- Storage loss and waste risk if moisture control and pest management fail in warehousing and transit
Standards- SQF
- BRCGS
- FSSC 22000
- ISO 22000
FAQ
Which US agencies typically matter for importing dried split red lentils?Imports typically involve CBP for entry and duties, FDA for food admissibility (including Prior Notice and importer FSVP responsibilities), and USDA APHIS for agriculture/plant-protection screening and action on regulated pests.
What is a common deal-breaker risk at the US border for dried pulses like split lentils?A major deal-breaker is quarantine pest risk: if regulated stored-product pests are detected or suspected in the shipment, US agriculture authorities can hold the load and require treatment, re-export, or destruction depending on the case.
What importer-side program is often expected for US compliance when sourcing split lentils from abroad?US importers often need an FSVP program that documents supplier verification and food-safety controls for the foreign supplier, and they must be able to present this documentation during FDA review.
Sources
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) — United States Standards for Lentils (grading/quality reference)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) — Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) resources
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — Prior Notice of Imported Food guidance and requirements
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — Importing into the United States: entry/clearance overview
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) — Plant protection import requirements and agriculture inspection context for plant products and regulated pests
United States International Trade Commission (USITC) — Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and trade data references for duty verification
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — Pesticide tolerances applicable to food commodities (US tolerance framework referenced in compliance)