Market
Dried common bean (dried beans, shelled; HS 071331) in Lebanon is primarily a domestic-consumption staple supplied via imports. World Bank WITS (UN Comtrade) reports Lebanon imported about 72.2 tonnes in 2023, with Egypt as the dominant origin by both value and volume for this HS line. Imports are typically handled through importer/wholesaler channels and cleared via Lebanon’s Single Administrative Document (SAD) customs process with standard shipping and commercial documents. Lebanon’s sovereign‑banking‑currency crisis and associated banking restrictions remain a key constraint that can disrupt import financing and availability for imported pulses.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied mainly through imports for this product line
SeasonalityYear-round availability primarily via imports; supply continuity depends more on trade logistics and financing than harvest seasonality.
Risks
Macroeconomic HighLebanon’s sovereign-banking-currency crisis and banking sector restrictions can disrupt import financing, settlement, and working-capital cycles, causing shipment delays or supply gaps for imported dried beans.Use conservative payment terms (e.g., secured/confirmed instruments where feasible), stage shipments, diversify suppliers/origins, and keep buffer inventory with pest-controlled storage.
Regulatory Compliance MediumDocument or data mismatches in the SAD filing and supporting documents (invoice, packing list, bill of lading, proof of payment, certificate of origin where applicable) can trigger clearance delays or holds.Run a pre-shipment document audit aligned to the broker’s SAD data fields and ensure consistent weights, descriptions, HS codes, and origin statements.
Food Safety MediumDried beans can fail acceptance due to excess moisture, insect infestation, abnormal odours/flavours, or contamination with foreign matter/filth; Codex CXS 171-1989 outlines key quality factors and moisture guidance for beans as pulses.Specify Codex-aligned quality parameters in contracts (moisture, defect tolerances, infestation-free condition), require pre-shipment inspection/COA, and implement pest-control and dry-storage SOPs.
Infrastructure MediumLebanon’s import supply chain is exposed to infrastructure shocks at key gateways; the 2020 Beirut Port explosions demonstrated the potential for sudden, severe disruption to trade logistics.Agree contingency routing and discharge port options with forwarders, and maintain alternative warehousing and inland distribution arrangements.
Logistics MediumSea-freight volatility, container availability, and regional security conditions can extend transit times and raise landed costs for bulk dried pulses.Lock freight early when possible, monitor sailing schedules, and include delivery-window and demurrage responsibilities clearly in contracts.
FAQ
Where did Lebanon mainly import dried common beans (HS 071331) from in 2023?World Bank WITS (UN Comtrade) data for 2023 shows Egypt as the dominant origin for Lebanon’s HS 071331 imports by both value and volume, with much smaller quantities reported from origins such as Uzbekistan, India, Thailand, and China.
Which documents are commonly required to import dried beans into Lebanon?Lebanon’s Country Commercial Guide on trade.gov lists common import documentation including the SAD-based declaration, bill of lading, packing list, commercial invoice, delivery order, proof of payment, and the contract of sale; a certificate of origin and additional documents such as certificates of conformity or phytosanitary certificates may be required depending on the product.
What quality issues most often cause problems for dried beans in trade?Codex CXS 171-1989 highlights key quality factors for pulses (including beans), such as being free from abnormal odours/flavours and living insects, limiting filth/foreign matter, and controlling moisture to reduce spoilage and storage risks.