Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Dried kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Canada are part of the broader dry edible bean sector and are produced primarily in Ontario and Manitoba, with production systems geared toward commercial food markets. Canadian dry beans are structurally export-oriented, with industry sources describing large export surpluses from Ontario and national profiles noting that only a low share is consumed domestically. The Ontario production system emphasizes contracted marketing and quality attributes important for processing and canning, while harvest typically occurs in early fall. For trade classification, kidney beans are captured under HS 0713.33.00 in Canada’s Customs Tariff, which lists an MFN tariff of “Free” (with “Free” also shown under multiple preferential tariff treatments).
Market RoleExport-oriented producer and exporter (dry edible kidney beans)
Domestic RoleDomestic supply for retail dry beans and food manufacturing (including canning/processing), alongside a larger export-oriented surplus
Market GrowthMixed (recent multi-year context)pulse demand tailwinds alongside year-to-year production volatility driven by weather
SeasonalityAs a shelf-stable dried commodity, kidney beans are available year-round through storage, while production is seasonal with spring seeding and fall harvest.
Specification
Primary VarietyDark red kidney bean
Secondary Variety- Light red kidney bean
- White kidney bean (cannellini)
Physical Attributes- Seed coat colour and overall colour condition are key grading considerations for beans in Canada.
- Split/cracked seeds and mechanical damage are key quality risks affecting grade and buyer acceptance.
Compositional Metrics- Moisture content is monitored for handling and storage; buyer/grade determination practices reference moisture measurement guidance for specific bean classes.
- Heated, mouldy or rotted condition is treated as a critical quality defect in Canadian grading references.
Grades- Statutory grade names under the Canadian Grain Commission system for beans include class-specific grades (for example, No. 1 Canada (class); Extra No. 1 Canada (class)).
- Canadian grading references include specific grading factors for beans such as damage, splits, foreign material, stones, and other defects that can trigger downgrades or rejection.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Contracted production (where used) → harvest → drying/conditioning → cleaning and dockage removal → colour sorting and grading → bulk or bagged shipment → domestic food manufacturing and/or export programs
Temperature- Quality preservation is driven more by dry storage and moisture/condition control than by refrigeration; grading references explicitly treat mouldy/rotted/heated condition as a key defect.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Climate HighDrought and extreme heat in major Canadian pulse-growing regions can materially reduce dry bean yields and disrupt exportable surplus; Statistics Canada documented the Prairies’ 2021 drought as one of the hardest recent seasons for pulse farmers, with dry bean production declining year-on-year.Use multi-province sourcing (notably Ontario and Manitoba for kidney beans), lock supply through contracts early, and build contingency inventory for customer programs in drought-prone years.
Logistics MediumExport execution risk is elevated when rail service performance or corridor congestion deteriorates; the Canadian pulse sector explicitly tracks rail performance and describes transportation reliability as essential to supply customers.Diversify corridors (where feasible), book rail/port capacity early for peak windows, and maintain alternate delivery options for North American customers.
Food Safety MediumNon-compliance with pesticide maximum residue limits (MRLs) can trigger enforcement actions and shipment disruption; Health Canada sets enforceable MRLs and CFIA conducts food compliance oversight for domestic and imported foods.Align crop protection programs to registered uses, monitor residue compliance against target-market MRLs, and maintain supplier documentation within preventive control and traceability systems.
Quality MediumGrade and buyer acceptance can be impaired by splits/mechanical damage and condition issues (heated, mouldy or rotted beans); Canadian grading references define these as key defects and the national crop profile flags susceptibility of dry bean seed to cracking/splitting.Specify handling limits in contracts, use appropriate conditioning/drying and careful conveyance, and verify quality against Canadian grade factors before shipment.
Sustainability- Weather-driven yield volatility (drought/heat) affecting supply consistency for Canadian pulse crops, including dry beans
- Crop rotation and soil health practices to manage disease pressure in dry beans (quality and sustainability co-benefit)
- Transportation-related emissions and efficiency considerations given reliance on rail/port corridors for export programs
Labor & Social- Buyer due diligence on working conditions and occupational health and safety in farming, handling, and processing operations (no widely documented kidney-bean-specific forced-labour controversy identified in the sources used)
FAQ
Where are kidney beans mainly produced in Canada?Canadian sources describe kidney beans as a market class produced in Ontario and Manitoba. Ontario Bean Growers lists dark red, light red, and white kidney beans among Ontario’s regulated dry bean classes, and Manitoba provincial materials identify south-central Manitoba as a major dry bean production area.
When are dry beans typically planted and harvested in Canada?Ontario guidance commonly targets planting from late May into June once frost risk has passed and soils are warm. A national dry bean schedule in an AAFC crop profile describes harvest activity concentrated in September to October.
What HS code is used for tariff classification of dried kidney beans in Canada, and what is the MFN tariff?Canada’s Customs Tariff lists kidney beans under HS 0713.33.00 (Kidney beans, including white pea beans — Phaseolus vulgaris). The 2026 tariff schedule shows the MFN tariff for HS 0713.33.00 as “Free.”