Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Red kidney beans are traded in Spain primarily as a dried pulse (within the broader "judías secas" category) for household and foodservice use, with some domestic cultivation within Spain’s grain-legume sector. Spain is a net importer of grain legumes, and Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) notes that imports of dry beans ("judías secas") are sourced notably from Argentina; MAPA also describes strong yield variability because grain legumes are grown mostly on rainfed (secano) land and are sensitive to low rainfall and high temperatures. For kidney beans specifically (HS 071333), UN Comtrade data presented by the World Bank’s WITS show Spain imported about USD 67.0 million in 2023, with Argentina the largest supplier followed by Bolivia, the United States, Canada and China. Market access therefore hinges on stable overseas supply and strict compliance with EU food-safety and plant-health control requirements at entry.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleConsumer pulse market with limited domestic production of dry beans within the broader Spanish grain-legume sector (MAPA).
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Specification
Primary VarietyRed kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris; commercial type within beans of Phaseolus spp.)
Physical Attributes- Free from abnormal flavour, odours, and living insects (Codex CXS 171-1989).
- Free from filth/impurities of animal origin at levels that may represent a hazard to human health (Codex CXS 171-1989).
Compositional Metrics- Moisture content is a core specification; Codex CXS 171-1989 provides maximum moisture levels for beans (15% for tropical/long-term storage contexts; 19% for moderate/short-term storage contexts).
- Extraneous matter limits may be applied per Codex CXS 171-1989 (max 1% total; with sub-limits for mineral matter and insect fragments/impurities of animal origin).
Grades- Buyer specifications may reference Codex CXS 171-1989 defect categories and maximum limits (e.g., serious defects vs slight defects; broken pulses thresholds) as baseline acceptance criteria.
Packaging- Non-retail sacks should be clean, sturdy, and strongly sewn or sealed (Codex CXS 171-1989).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin cleaning/sorting & bagging → sea freight to Spain → customs and (where applicable) official controls → importer storage → re-bagging/packing → retail/foodservice distribution
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighMarket access can be blocked if imported kidney beans fail EU food-safety limits (pesticide MRLs under Regulation (EC) 396/2005 and contaminant maximum levels under Regulation (EU) 2023/915) or if required official documentation and controls for regulated plant products under EU plant-health rules (Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 / Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072) are not correctly satisfied.Implement pre-shipment residue/contaminant testing and batch documentation; confirm HS/CN 071333 plant-health documentation requirements for the origin before dispatch; align entry procedures with competent authority/official control workflows (e.g., TRACES where applicable).
Climate MediumSpain’s domestic grain-legume output can be volatile because crops are largely grown on rainfed land and productivity is sensitive to precipitation deficits and high temperatures (MAPA), increasing reliance on imports in poor seasons.Diversify supply across multiple origins and contract periods; avoid single-season dependence on domestic sourcing when drought risk is elevated.
Supply Concentration MediumSpain’s HS 071333 import supply is concentrated: WITS/UN Comtrade shows Argentina as the largest supplier in 2023, so origin-specific weather, logistics or policy shocks can disproportionately affect availability and prices in Spain.Qualify alternative origins (e.g., multiple Americas suppliers) and maintain contingency inventory planning for high-turn SKUs.
Food Safety MediumQuality and hygiene nonconformities (extraneous matter and defect tolerances) can create rework, claims, or rejection risk; Codex CXS 171-1989 sets clear baseline expectations for moisture, extraneous matter and defects that buyers and inspectors may reference.Use robust cleaning/sorting and inspection programs aligned to Codex-style tolerances; specify moisture and foreign-matter limits in contracts; maintain COAs and retention samples by lot.
Sustainability- Domestic Spanish grain-legume supply is exposed to drought and heat stress: MAPA notes yield variability because grain legumes are grown mostly on rainfed (secano) land and are sensitive to low rainfall and high temperatures.
FAQ
Which countries supply most of Spain’s dried kidney bean imports?For HS 071333 (dried kidney beans, including white pea beans), WITS/UN Comtrade data for 2023 shows Argentina as Spain’s largest supplier by both value and quantity, followed by Bolivia, the United States, Canada and China.
What quality parameters are commonly used for dried kidney beans sold in Spain?Buyer specifications commonly focus on moisture, extraneous matter and defect tolerances. Codex CXS 171-1989 provides reference limits for beans such as maximum moisture guidance (15% or 19% depending on storage context) and a maximum extraneous matter limit (with sub-limits for mineral matter and insect fragments/impurities of animal origin).
What is the most common reason a shipment could be delayed or rejected on entry into Spain?Non-compliance with EU requirements is the biggest blocker: shipments can face action if pesticide residues exceed EU MRLs (Regulation (EC) 396/2005), if contaminants exceed EU maximum levels (Regulation (EU) 2023/915), or if required official documentation/controls under EU plant-health and official-controls rules are not correctly satisfied (Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 and Regulation (EU) 2017/625 frameworks).