Export Chickpea (Chana, Kabuli and Desi) from India: Buyers, Process & Requirements

Top export markets for Chickpea (Chana, Kabuli and Desi)

How to export Chickpea (Chana, Kabuli and Desi) from India

Obtain an IEC from DGFT and register with APEDA. Clean, grade and size the chickpeas (kabuli are graded by seed count per ounce or millimetre size; desi by colour and split content), then test for moisture, foreign matter and residues at an accredited lab. Arrange a phytosanitary certificate, fumigation certificate where required and certificate of origin. Use a confirmed Letter of Credit or advance and document grade and tolerances. Confirm current export policy, any duty or restriction and destination requirements on the DGFT, APEDA and FSSAI portals before shipping, as pulse trade policy can change.

Quality and standards buyers expect

Buyers grade kabuli chickpeas by seed size and count, colour and uniformity, and desi by colour and damage; all check moisture, splits, foreign matter, insect damage and residue limits. Get accredited-lab testing and confirm the destination's current MRLs on APEDA and FSSAI references.

Packaging

Food-grade woven polypropylene or jute bags around 25-50 kg, plus smaller retail packs for graded kabuli; container-load with moisture and pest protection, fumigated where required.

Demand and opportunity

Steady qualitative demand in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and diaspora markets for both large kabuli and desi types used in curries, snacks and besan. Note India is also a large chickpea importer in some years, so export availability and policy vary; verify current rules.

Common pitfalls and scams to avoid

Pulse import and export policy and duties change, so check DGFT before signing. Avoid fake buyers and advance-fee fraud, never prepay clearance charges, and prevent insect-damage or splits rejection by proper cleaning, sizing and fumigation.