How to Import Chickpeas from Egypt: A Step-by-Step Buyer Guide

Egypt is a significant supplier of Kabuli and Desi chickpeas, drawing on Nile Delta production and, in some seasons, imported-origin supply processed and cleaned at Egyptian facilities. For B2B buyers — hummus factories, canners, snack roasters, wholesale distributors — the import process from first enquiry to delivered container follows six clear steps.

Step 1 — Define your specification

Chickpeas are sold by caliber (size) and variety. The most common specification parameters are:

• Variety: Kabuli (large, cream-coloured, smooth skin — standard for hummus and canning) or Desi (smaller, darker, rougher skin — used in South Asian cooking and processing)
• Caliber: measured in millimetres — 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm for Kabuli. Mediterranean and European buyers typically use 8–10 mm; North African and Middle Eastern buyers often accept 7–8 mm
• Purity: typically ≥98–99% for export grade
• Moisture: ≤13% standard
• Foreign matter and broken/damaged: specified as maximum percentage tolerances

Decide your caliber and purity requirements before requesting prices — a vague RFQ produces a vague quotation.

Step 2 — Send a complete RFQ

A good request for quotation lets a supplier price accurately the first time. A complete chickpeas RFQ should include:

• Product: Kabuli or Desi, caliber (e.g. 8–9 mm)
• Quantity: metric tons or number of 20ft containers
• Destination port
• Incoterm: FOB, CFR or CIF
• Packing: 25 kg or 50 kg PP bags, or private label
• Documentation requirements: COA, Halal, SGS/Intertek inspection
• Shipment window: preferred loading month

Step 3 — Review caliber availability and approve a sample

Chickpea caliber availability varies by season and lot. After receiving the initial quotation, confirm the available caliber range and request a representative sample (typically 1–2 kg) or high-resolution photos of the current lot before placing your container order. Approving quality up front sets the benchmark for the shipment and avoids disputes at destination.

Step 4 — Agree the proforma invoice and Incoterms

Confirm the agreed price, caliber, Incoterm, packing specification, loading port and shipment window in a proforma invoice. Admiral Agro loads FOB through Damietta (primary), Alexandria or Ain Sokhna, or quotes CFR/CIF to your destination port. Choose the loading port that best matches your shipping line's schedule and your destination.

Incoterm	What you receive	Who arranges freight
FOB Damietta / Alexandria / Ain Sokhna	Price at origin port	Buyer
CFR destination port	Price including sea freight	Seller
CIF destination port	Price including freight + insurance	Seller

Step 5 — Documentation and inspection

Standard export documents for an Egyptian chickpeas shipment:

• Commercial invoice — product, quantity, price, buyer/seller details
• Packing list — number of bags, gross/net weight per container
• Bill of lading — issued by the shipping line on loading
• GOEIC Certificate of Origin — required for customs clearance in most destinations
• Phytosanitary Certificate — issued by Egyptian MALR, required for all food crop exports

On request: Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an accredited laboratory, Halal certificate, third-party pre-loading inspection (SGS, Intertek or Cotecna). See the full pulse import document checklist for details.

Step 6 — Shipping and delivery

Once the container is loaded and sealed, you receive the shipping documents to clear the goods at your destination port. Transit times from Egypt vary by destination:

• Mediterranean / Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, France, Greece): 7–14 days from Damietta or Alexandria
• Northern Europe (Netherlands, Germany, UK): 14–20 days via Mediterranean feeder
• North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya): 5–10 days
• Middle East / Gulf (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan): 8–14 days from Ain Sokhna or Damietta
• East Africa (Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya): 10–16 days from Ain Sokhna

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum order for Egyptian chickpeas?

The standard minimum is one full 20ft container (approximately 18–22 metric tons depending on caliber and packing). Smaller trial quantities may be possible by arrangement for first-time buyers.

What calibers of Egyptian chickpeas are available?

Admiral Agro supplies Kabuli chickpeas in 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm and 10 mm calibers subject to seasonal availability. Desi-type chickpeas are also available. Specify your caliber requirement and purity tolerance in your RFQ.

Which ports are used to ship chickpeas from Egypt?

Admiral Agro loads FOB through Damietta (primary), Alexandria and Ain Sokhna. Port selection depends on your destination and the shipping lines serving it. Mediterranean destinations are usually served via Damietta or Alexandria; Gulf and East Africa destinations via Ain Sokhna.

Are Egyptian chickpeas suitable for hummus production?

Yes. Kabuli chickpeas at 8–10 mm caliber are the standard for industrial hummus production. They offer consistent size, smooth skin and the cream colour required by most hummus manufacturers. Specify caliber, maximum broken percentage and moisture in your RFQ for a matched quotation.

Can I get a Halal certificate for Egyptian chickpeas?

Yes. Halal certificates are available on request for eligible shipments and products. Specify the requirement in your RFQ so it is confirmed in the proforma invoice.