How to Import Coffee Beans into the USA
To regularly import coffee to the USA, find a reliable supplier. Check if your country has trade deals with producer countries, potentially affecting tariffs. When importing, follow rules from Customs and Border Protection, Food and Drug Administration and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Coffee Sourcing Considerations
Consider the coffee type when sourcing beans. Arabica beans offer balanced taste yet are more delicate. Robusta beans are cheaper but heartier. Contact an importer to sample beans. Or source directly from a farm, requiring more work.
Coffee Packaging and Import Procedures
- Coffee packaging preserves freshness and flavor. Popular options have barriers protecting against oxygen, moisture, and UV light. Flat bottom bags effectively package coffee.
- Fill out a form to post a customs bond clearing your goods through customs five days before your coffee imports arrive. The contract should name you as the grower’s representative and describe payment terms.
Country-Specific Coffee Insights
Brazil provides high-volume, cost-effective Arabica beans. Colombian Arabica offers balanced taste with rich fruit and floral notes from diverse regions. Colombian farmers often use sustainable practices. Ethiopian beans have complex flavors reflecting climate and soil conditions.
FDA Regulations and Coffee Importation
Do you need FDA approval to import coffee? Coffee does not need FDA approval, but the FDA does regulate coffee production in the United States. The FDA sets standards for coffee labeling and requires coffee companies to follow Good Manufacturing Practices ensuring product safety.
Standards and Compliance for Imported Coffee
Imported coffee meets the same standards as domestic coffee. If importing whole or roasted coffee beans for US processing, facilities must register with the FDA for regular inspections ensuring safe, sanitary procedures. Inspections keep importers compliant with the Bioterrorism and Food Safety Modernization Acts. Beyond facility registration, the FDA requires a Prior Notice of Arrival report for food imports.