How to Specify Pulses and Lentils When Buying in Bulk from India

Importing pulses and lentils from India requires clear product specifications, accurate identification of processing forms and an understanding of quality, packaging and shipment requirements.

For international importers, wholesalers, distributors and food processing companies, products such as Kabuli Chickpeas, Desi Chana, Toor Dal, Moong, Urad and Masoor may be purchased for different commercial applications.

However, general enquiries for "bulk pulses" or "Indian lentils" may not provide sufficient information for a supplier to prepare an accurate quotation.

The same pulse can be available in whole, split, dehusked or polished forms, with different grading, appearance and handling requirements.

Padmashree Exim, an India-based agricultural products supplier and exporter established in 2025, includes these pulse varieties in its agricultural product catalogue.

This guide explains how international buyers can prepare a detailed bulk pulses Request for Quotation (RFQ) covering product names, forms, grades, moisture, cleanliness, packaging and inspection requirements.

The first step in bulk pulse procurement is identifying the specific commodity required.

Different pulses have distinct characteristics, processing applications and commercial grading requirements.

Buyers should distinguish between the botanical commodity and its processed market form.

For example, whole green gram and split yellow moong dal are commercially different products, even though they originate from the same pulse.

The main pulse products buyers may enquire about include:

Identifying the correct commodity helps avoid errors in quotations, product selection and order confirmation.

Processing form is one of the most important distinctions in pulse procurement.

Whole pulses retain the complete seed and may be supplied with their natural outer skin.

Examples include whole green moong, whole urad and whole masoor.

Buyers should define the preferred variety, seed condition, colour, size and cleanliness requirements.

Split pulses are processed into smaller cotyledon portions. Depending on the product, the outer seed coat may be retained or removed.

For example, split moong with skin differs from yellow moong dal without skin.

In commercial pulse trading, terms such as washed, unpolished, dehusked and polished can be used differently by suppliers and markets.

Buyers should not rely on these descriptions alone.

Instead, they should clarify whether the requested product has had its outer skin removed, undergone polishing or received any additional processing.

A reference photograph or approved sample can help establish the expected product form.

Kabuli Chickpeas are frequently traded using size-based specifications.

Buyers may encounter diameter classifications in millimetres or count-based grading systems.

For example, a supplier may describe Kabuli Chickpeas using a size such as 8 mm or 9 mm, while another may quote the number of chickpeas per ounce.

These measurements are not interchangeable without further clarification.

When a quotation uses count grading, a lower count generally indicates larger individual chickpeas.

Buyers should confirm the unit, counting method, size tolerance and grade definition before accepting a quotation.

The preferred chickpea size often depends on whether the product is intended for retail packaging, food service or industrial processing.

Quality requirements are essential when buying pulses and lentils in bulk.

Agricultural commodities can vary according to variety, harvesting conditions, processing, storage and handling.

Importers should establish agreed acceptance criteria for moisture content, cleanliness, foreign matter, damaged grains and other relevant characteristics.

Important parameters may include:

The Netherlands' Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI), in guidance updated on 29 June 2026, identifies moisture, purity, colour, size and product consistency among key purchasing considerations for grains and pulses entering European markets.

Physical inspection is useful, but it cannot establish compliance with every food safety requirement.

Depending on the pulse, country of origin and destination market, buyers may need to consider pesticide residues, heavy metals, microbiological contamination and other relevant food safety hazards.

Laboratory testing should be based on the applicable regulations and the specific risk profile of the product.

For European buyers, CBI highlights the importance of food safety management, traceability, representative sampling and appropriate laboratory analysis.

Where testing is required, buyers should request relevant reports and ensure that the documents identify the tested product, lot, methods and results.

A Certificate of Analysis should only be treated as evidence for the parameters and samples it actually covers.

Packaging helps protect pulses and lentils during storage, handling and international transportation.

Bulk packaging requirements depend on the commodity, shipment size, destination and intended commercial use.

Buyers may discuss woven bags, suitable liners, cartons or other appropriate food-contact packaging formats.

Packaging requirements should include the material, unit weight, closure method and labelling details.

Where necessary, buyers should identify moisture protection, lot identification and storage requirements.

Packaging should be agreed upon before order confirmation so that shipment preparation matches the purchaser's expectations.

A pre-shipment inspection helps buyers assess whether the products prepared for dispatch match the agreed specifications.

The inspection may cover product form, grade, moisture, foreign matter, packaging condition and labelling.

Some buyers may also require independent sampling, laboratory testing or third-party inspection.

These arrangements should be agreed upon before the shipment is prepared, including inspection scope, sampling procedures, cost responsibility and acceptance criteria.

The results should be reviewed against the purchase agreement rather than an undefined description such as "export quality."

A detailed RFQ provides a clear basis for supplier discussions and commercial quotation preparation.

For example, instead of requesting "20 tonnes of lentils," a buyer should identify whether the requirement concerns whole masoor, split masoor or another product.

A practical bulk pulse enquiry should contain:

Padmashree Exim sources agricultural products through suppliers and sourcing partners in India, with a focus on understanding buyer specifications and coordinating appropriate quality and packaging requirements.

Its Pulses category provides international buyers with a starting point for enquiries involving Kabuli Chickpeas, Desi Chana, Toor Dal, Moong, Urad and Masoor.

Buyers can communicate their required processing forms, grades, quantities, moisture limits, packaging and inspection requirements.

Product availability, precise specifications, testing arrangements and commercial terms should be confirmed for each order.