Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Dried kidney beans in Lebanon are primarily an import-supplied staple legume category for household and foodservice use. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows Lebanon imported HS 071333 (dried kidney beans, incl. white pea beans) worth about USD 5.10 million and about 3.84 million kg in 2023. The same source indicates key supplying origins in 2023 included Egypt, Argentina, China, the United States, and Canada. Market continuity is highly sensitive to trade financing constraints and foreign-exchange/banking frictions affecting importers’ ability to pay and clear shipments.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market for dried kidney beans)
Domestic RoleShelf-stable legume consumed domestically; supply is largely met via imports
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Specification
Primary VarietyKidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) — dried
Secondary Variety- White pea beans (included in HS 071333 description)
Physical Attributes- Uniform color and size within lot (as per buyer specification)
- Low foreign matter, stones, and damaged/broken beans
- Clean, dry appearance with minimal insect damage
Compositional Metrics- Moisture content limits set by buyers to reduce mold and quality loss risk
Grades- Importer/buyer specifications typically define tolerances for defects, foreign matter, and broken beans
Packaging- Bulk sacks for wholesale distribution (commonly woven polypropylene bags; size per contract)
- Retail packs with required label elements (net weight, ingredients where applicable, country of origin, production/expiry dates)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin cleaning/sorting and packing → sea freight → port arrival → customs clearance (SAD filing) → importer warehousing → wholesale distribution → retail/foodservice
Temperature- Ambient shipment is typical; protect from heat and moisture to reduce quality deterioration
- Keep dry through loading, transit, and storage to reduce mold/mycotoxin risk drivers
Atmosphere Control- Ventilated, low-humidity storage to prevent condensation and mold growth
- Pest control/fumigation may be required depending on import conditions and buyer requirements
Shelf Life- Long shelf-life when kept dry and pest-free; shelf-life and best-before labeling should match importer and market expectations
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Trade Financing HighLebanon’s banking and foreign-exchange constraints can severely disrupt kidney bean imports through payment delays, inability to open/confirm letters of credit without full cash collateral, and reliance on cash-based settlement—raising the risk of shipment holds, supplier refusals, or sudden sourcing interruptions.Use conservative payment terms and counterparty due diligence; secure payment method feasibility (cash collateral / fresh-dollar availability) before contracting; build inventory buffers and qualify multiple origins.
Food Safety MediumDried beans can be exposed to mold-driven contamination risks if moisture control breaks occur; Lebanon has institutional capacity focused on mycotoxin analysis through the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI), increasing the likelihood of scrutiny when contamination concerns arise.Specify maximum moisture and defect tolerances; require supplier COAs for key contaminants where available; protect against moisture ingress during transit and storage.
Regulatory Compliance MediumNon-compliant labeling can trigger border or market access issues in Lebanon, including missing core label elements (net weight, dates, origin) or use of disallowed label language (e.g., Hebrew).Align labels to Lebanon guidance (Arabic/English/French; include required elements) and conduct a pre-shipment label check with the importer.
Documentation Gap MediumImport clearance relies on complete documentation (SAD-based declaration, invoice, bill of lading, packing list, proof of payment, origin evidence, and any required certificates); discrepancies can cause delays and demurrage costs.Use an importer-approved document checklist; reconcile product description/HS code/weights across all documents; pre-clear with customs broker when possible.
Logistics MediumFreight-rate spikes and regional shipping disruptions can materially raise the landed cost of a freight-intensive staple like dried kidney beans and create supply gaps, especially when combined with Lebanon’s trade financing constraints.Diversify origins and routing options; contract with flexible shipment windows; consider partial hedging via staggered purchasing and safety stock.
Standards- HACCP (requested by some buyers/suppliers as a food-safety management baseline)
- ISO 22000 (requested by some buyers/suppliers as a food-safety management baseline)
FAQ
How much dried kidney beans did Lebanon import in 2023, and where did key supplies come from?UN Comtrade data (via the World Bank WITS portal) reports Lebanon imported about USD 5.10 million and about 3.84 million kg of HS 071333 (dried kidney beans, including white pea beans) in 2023. The same dataset lists Egypt and Argentina as leading origins in 2023, with additional imports from China, the United States, and Canada.
What documents are typically required to import a shipment into Lebanon?Lebanon’s import documentation commonly includes a declaration based on the Single Administrative Document (SAD), a bill of lading, packing list, original commercial invoice, delivery order, proof of payment/value, and a contract of sale. Depending on the product, additional documents may be required, such as a certificate of origin, certificates of conformity to mandatory standards, and/or phytosanitary certificates.
What are the key labeling expectations for imported food products in Lebanon?Lebanon guidance indicates labels should include net weight, manufacturer, production and expiry dates, ingredients, and country of origin, and labels can be in Arabic, English, or French. Products with labels in Hebrew are not accepted.