Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormDried, dehulled and split
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Commodity (Pulse Ingredient)
Market
Dried split chickpea (chana dal) in Australia is part of an export-oriented chickpea supply chain where desi chickpeas are commonly used for dehulled-and-split end uses. Chickpea production is concentrated in northern farming systems (New South Wales and Queensland), with production also present in southern and western regions. Australia’s chickpea industry can swing sharply year to year; ABS reported 2.0 million tonnes of chickpeas sold in 2024–25 with a local value of AUD 1.7 billion, citing strong growing conditions and demand conditions linked to India’s tariff settings. Exporting chickpeas is regulated under Australia’s plant export framework, with inspection/permits and phytosanitary certification requirements depending on destination.
Market RoleMajor producer and exporter (export-oriented pulse commodity)
Domestic RoleWinter pulse crop used for human consumption; domestic use exists but the industry is primarily export-oriented
Market GrowthMixed (recent seasonal cycle (2023–24 to 2024–25))high year-to-year volatility with occasional large upswings
SeasonalityWinter-grown crop in Australia; production and harvest timing varies by region and season.
Specification
Primary VarietyDesi chickpea (commonly used for dehulled and split ‘dhal’)
Physical Attributes- Consignments expected to be sound, dry and clean, and free from pests, soil, weed seeds and extraneous material.
- Desi: light tan seed coat is commonly preferred for dhal markets; kabuli: cream to light brown appearance is commonly preferred.
Grades- Pulse industry receival and export standards (type/class-based tolerances for defects, colour and contaminants) are used to assess tradeability.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Farm production (grainbelt) → cleaning/grading to receival standards → optional dehulling and splitting for dhal specifications → packing at registered establishment (as applicable) → Authorised Officer inspection/export permit → containerised sea freight → importer distribution to retail/food channels
Shelf Life- Quality risk is driven by contamination and infestation control (pests/extraneous material) and maintaining dry, clean condition through storage and transit.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFailure to meet Australia’s prescribed plant export controls (export permit/Authorised Officer inspection where required) or the importing country’s plant-health requirements can prevent export clearance or lead to border rejection; cleanliness expectations include being free of pests, soil, weed seeds and extraneous material.Confirm destination import conditions via DAFF Micor and the importing NPPO; use DAFF-registered establishments and complete pre-shipment inspections/document checks through the export process (including EXDOC where applicable).
Plant Disease MediumAscochyta blight is a documented, potentially devastating chickpea disease in Australia that can sharply reduce supply and/or degrade quality in affected seasons and regions.Require suppliers to follow region-appropriate disease management packages and variety selection guidance; monitor regional agriculture department and industry advisories for outbreaks and management updates.
Climate MediumSeasonal variability can drive large production swings; ABS reported a sharp jump in chickpea tonnes sold and local value in 2024–25 linked to ideal conditions, underscoring supply volatility risk.Use multi-origin or multi-region sourcing within Australia and contract structures that allow volume flexibility across seasons.
Logistics MediumOcean freight disruption and container-rate volatility can delay shipments and compress margins for export pulses moving by sea.Build shipment buffers into delivery windows, diversify carriers/routes where possible, and use freight/FX risk controls appropriate to contract terms.
FAQ
Are chickpeas (including split chickpeas/chana dal) regulated under Australia’s plant export framework?Yes. DAFF lists chickpeas (including split forms) among prescribed grain/legume products that can require an export permit and Authorised Officer inspection under Australia’s plant export laws.
When is a phytosanitary certificate needed for exporting Australian chickpeas?A phytosanitary (plant health) certificate is issued by DAFF when the importing country requires it. Exporters request it through the EXDOC system and it is verified and issued by the department based on the consignment and destination requirements.
What condition must export consignments of chickpeas typically meet at inspection?Consignments are expected to be clean and free from pests, soil, weed seeds and extraneous material, in line with DAFF Micor guidance and destination plant-health expectations.