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Long considered a symbol of hospitality, coffee is a huge part of Saudi culture, with the first coffee beans being introduced in the late fifteenth century. Today, it continues to be a central part of daily life and has evolved into a vibrant café culture. Both traditional and contemporary coffeehouses now serve a range of beverages, from strong Arabic coffee (qahwa) to specialty coffees sourced from some of the world’s finest farms and estates.

As the café culture grows, there has been a rising demand for new international suppliers, as Saudi coffee enthusiasts increasingly seek premium beans from around the world. This influx of global coffee varieties has enriched the local market, offering a wider selection of flavors and brewing techniques.

Here at Those Coffee People, we specialize in sourcing premium Colombian green coffee beans for buyers in Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries. To ensure buyers can continue to import the highest quality beans, we’ve put together this guide for Saudi Arabian coffee importers to navigate the process smoothly and efficiently. 

Finding a coffee bean supplier in Saudi Arabia

When sourcing premium coffee beans, choosing the right supplier is crucial to ensuring consistent quality and reliable delivery. Look for suppliers with a proven track record, strong relationships with farmers, and transparent sourcing practices. Some key considerations when choosing a coffee supplier include:

• Knowledge of Local Regulations: Ensure the coffee beans supplier is well-versed in the laws and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Request case studies of clients they’ve worked with in the country, along with references and testimonials.
• Understanding of Consumer Preferences: The supplier should have insights into the tastes and preferences of Saudi consumers to provide coffee beans that suit the local market.
• Export Licensing: Be cautious when dealing directly with growers, as they may lack the necessary export licenses. This is why working with a licensed exporter is typically essential to facilitate the trade.

 

Looking for a coffee bean supplier? Discover our range of Colombian exotic green coffee beans for export. 

Arranging shipping

When arranging shipping and logistics, it’s crucial to be familiar with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s import regulations and customs procedures. This can be quite complex, so double-check that your coffee beans supplier is well-versed in these requirements. Working with a supplier experienced in navigating these regulations will help ensure your shipment arrives efficiently and without issues.

As part of this process you will need to decide between two types of shipping arrangements. The International Chamber of Commerce has established Inconterms, which define the responsibilities of both buyers and sellers in international trade. The two most common arrangements are:

• Ex Works (EXW) or Free on Board (FOB): The buyer pays for all shipping costs, starting from the supplier’s location.
• Delivered at Place (DAP): The seller covers transportation costs and ensures the goods are delivered to a location specified by the buyer.

 

Additionally, buyers shipping coffee to Riyadh Dry Port must ensure their supplier is familiar with the specific procedures and requirements of this inland logistics hub. As a key entry point for goods entering Saudi Arabia, all transportation from the main seaports – such as Dammam or Jeddah – must be arranged in advance, either by road or rail, to ensure smooth delivery to the dry port. 

Shipping costs

When importing coffee beans to Saudi Arabia, understanding shipping costs is essential for budgeting and pricing. These costs can vary depending on various factors. For instance, for coffee imports under a CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) agreement, the seller will include transportation costs in the final price. By contrast, imports under EXW terms place the responsibility for all shipping-related expenses, including transportation, insurance, and customs clearance, entirely on the buyer.

A full list of these costs include:

• Domestic transportation in the country of origin 
• Documentation (e.g. certificate of origin and phytosanitary certificate)
• Loading and unloading fees
• Port and export taxes 
• Export custom agent fees
• Freight costs
• Insurance 
• Accreditation with the relevant Saudi Arabian authorities 

Product labeling requirements for coffee imports

Proper labeling is a critical aspect of importing coffee into Saudi Arabia. All products must be clearly labeled in both English and Arabic with the following information:

• Country of Origin – بلد المنشأ
• Name – اسم
• Product Number – رقم المنتج
• Net Weight (kg) – الوزن الصافي (كيلو)
• Imported By – مستورد عن طريق
• Manufacturer Name – اسم المصنع
• Production Date – تاريخ الإنتاج
• Expiration Date – تاريخ الانتهاء
• HS Code – رمز النظام المنسق
• Ingredients – مكونات 

 

Additionally, photo records of the full sack with a clear view of the label must be provided to complete the SFDA registration before the shipment arrives.

Customs clearance declarations in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) offers a pre-clearance customs process to streamline the importation of goods, including coffee. Through this process, buyers must coordinate with their supplier to submit the following information.

• Item Description
• Bar Code
• Brand Name
• Trademark
• Hs Code
• Net Weight
• Country of Origin
• Region
• Farm
• Coffee Variety
• Farm Altitude
• Processing Method
• Country of Production
• Country of Packing
• Age Group
• Usage Method
• Packing Type
• Shelf Life
• Storage Temperature
• Ingredients
• Producer Name
• Producer Approval Number (if applicable)
• Warnings (if applicable)
• Food Label Image
• Food Image

 

Additionally, importers must use the Saudi Arabian Electronic Trade Single Window (FASAH) system, which integrates customs and trade-related services. Accurate and timely submission of customs declarations through this platform will ensure a smoother clearance process and minimize the risk of delays or penalties. Partnering with a logistics expert familiar with Saudi customs can further simplify the process and ensure smooth coffee import clearance.

Coffee import customs duties in Saudi Arabia

Most of the basic consumer products are duty free, including unroasted coffee beans

VAT on coffee sales in Saudi Arabia

This is charged at 15% of the invoice total, a rise from 5% in July 2020.

Discover our range of direct trade coffee beans  

Here at Those Coffee People, we specialize in sourcing the finest direct trade Colombian green coffee beans. We travel to the remote regions of Colombia’s stunning coffee areas, seeking out exclusive offerings and exploring town by town to uncover the most unique and sought-after origins for you and your customers.

Explore our unique Colombian coffee origins and learn the story behind every estate we work with. We can fulfill orders of any size for buyers in Saudi Arabia – contact us for more details.

If you’re looking to import coffee into the GCC, take a look at these helpful importation guides:

• A Guide to Importing Coffee Beans into Kuwait

• How to Import Green Arabica Coffee Beans into Oman
• The Complete Guide to Importing Green Coffee in UAE