Pulses are traded mainly in containers and in a wide range of varieties, sizes and colours. Canada, Australia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Argentina and East Africa supply the market; India, Türkiye, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Middle East and Europe are the largest buyers.
Grades and specifications
| Grade | What it is | Price reference |
|---|---|---|
| Lentils | Red (whole, split) and green; Canada, Australia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Türkiye | Origin FOB / CFR quotations |
| Chickpeas | Kabuli (by size count) and desi | Origin quotations |
| Dry peas | Yellow and green peas | Origin quotations |
| Beans | White, red kidney, pinto, black-eyed, speckled, mung | Origin quotations |
| Soybeans for food | Food-grade and non-GMO | CBOT soybeans plus premium |
Pulses: parameters commonly specified
| Parameter | Typical limit |
|---|---|
| Moisture | max 14–16% |
| Admixture and foreign matter | max 0.5–1% |
| Damaged and broken | max 2–3% |
| Size count / calibre | To contract (e.g. 40/42 per ounce for chickpeas) |
| Processing | Machine-cleaned, sorted; polished if specified |
| Pests | Free from live insects |
Specifications vary by origin, buyer and contract. The contract specification, not a generic sheet, is what the inspector tests against.
Typical contract terms
- Contract forms: GAFTA rules or company contracts with GAFTA arbitration
- Incoterms: FOB or CFR in containers; FCA for inland origins
- Lot sizes: 20' containers of about 25 MT; bulk for large peas and lentils programmes
- Packing: 25 kg or 50 kg PP bags, jumbo bags
- Payment: CAD or LC at sight; partial advance with smaller buyers
Documents
Seller provides
- Phytosanitary certificate
- Fumigation certificate
- Certificate of origin
- Quality and weight certificates
- Non-GMO certificate where required
- Bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list
Buyer provides
- Import permit (some destinations require a phytosanitary import permit in advance)
- Variety, size, packing and marking instructions
- Bank details for verification
Procedure
- Enquiry and specificationBuyerProduct, grade, quantity, packing, destination, delivery window, Incoterm and payment method, on company letterhead.
- KYC in both directionsBuyerSellerRegistry extracts, ownership, licences and bank details are exchanged and verified. See Documents Checklist.
- Offer and negotiationSellerA firm offer with price basis, validity, quantity tolerance, inspection and payment terms.
- ContractBuyerSellerA sales and purchase agreement on recognised contract terms, with law and arbitration named.
- Payment securityBanksDocumentary letter of credit at sight, confirmed where needed, or another instrument agreed in draft before issue.
- Inspection and loadingSellerInspector checks moisture, admixture, size and live insects, then supervises stuffing and seals of each container.
- Documents and paymentBanksInvoice, bill of lading, phytosanitary, fumigation, origin and quality certificates through the banks or as cash against documents.
Price reference
| Benchmark or range | Level | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Pulses | No single benchmark | Origin FOB/CFR quotations by variety and size |
Prices move with each origin's harvest and with Indian import duties and quotas, which change frequently. Latest levels are in the Weekly Market Monitor.
Check before you trade
- Old-crop or mixed-crop lots sold as new crop
- Missing phytosanitary import permit for destinations that require it in advance
- No independent sample before shipment
RelatedGrains, sugar and edible oil markets · Payment terms · Scam red flags · Listings on TradeScout24
TradeScout24 Trade Desk · Sources: GAFTA; TradeScout24 desk · General information, not an offer or legal advice · Last reviewed 31 Oct 2026