A Guide to Importing Coffee Beans into the US

Updated August 26, 2026

Importing coffee into the United States may seem complicated at first. The good news? Coffee is imported into the U.S. every day and once you have the right processes in place, repeat shipments become much easier.

At Those Coffee People, we have been exporting Colombian coffee to businesses across the United States for the past decade. We have created this guide for you, covering the main steps involved in importing coffee into the U.S., including important regulatory and tariff updates for 2026.

*Important: Import requirements can vary depending on the coffee, country of origin, shipment value, port of entry, and intended use. This guide is for general educational purposes only. Always confirm your specific shipment with a licensed customs broker, FDA specialist, or relevant government agency.

Choose an experienced coffee supplier

Your supplier plays a major role in making the import process smooth. Quality and price matter, but so does export experience and making sure your products arrive on time as agreed. Ask potential suppliers:

  • Have you exported coffee to the United States before?

  • Do you have an FDA foreign food facility registration?

  • Can you provide complete export documentation?

At Those Coffee People, we specialize in Colombian green coffee and private-label roasted coffee for U.S. roasters, brands, retailers, and other businesses.

Do you need an import license to import coffee into the United States?

There is no general U.S. Customs and Border Protection license or permit required simply to become a coffee importer.

However, coffee is a food product, so you must meet applicable FDA requirements and complete the correct customs entry. You will also need to identify the Importer of Record, provide an importer identification number, and work with a customs broker or freight forwarder.

For a first shipment, using a licensed customs broker and experienced supplier is usually the easiest and safest option. They can help with classification, customs bonds, FDA information, entry filing, and communication with government agencies.

Start Your Coffee Journey With Our Importation Course

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Choose the right shipping method

Your best shipping method depends mainly on order size, timing, and budget, options include:

Shipping methodBest forTypical sizeProsCons
Courier (& Fedex Freight)Samples and smaller-medium sized orders allowing importer a fast and easy serviceUp to ~6000 lbs is usually most practicalFast, door-to-door, easy tracking, safest for preserving quality of beans in transitHigh cost especially at lower volumes. Unpredictability of importation process timeline during peak shipment periods. 
Air freightSmall-Medium sized orders where importer can easily pick up at the airport~400–6,000+ lbsFast and cheaper than courier at larger volumesMore expensive than ocean freight and more work for the importer than courier (fedex freight) since they have to pick it up at the airport. 
LCL ocean freightMedium-sized orders~3,000–8,000 lbsLower cost, no need to fill a containerVery Slow, more handling and destination fees. Usually not a great option for US because cost of Fedex Freight is comparable
FCL ocean freightLarge-volume imports~8,000–56,000+ lbsLowest cost per kg at scale, less cargo handling than LCLLarger inventory commitment and higher upfront cost. Slower than air freight and courier. Most complicated processes and documentation for first time importers.

When comparing shipping quotes, always confirm the Incoterm. A quote may cover only transportation to the port, while another may include freight, insurance, customs clearance, destination charges, and delivery to your warehouse. At Those Coffee People we quote Exwork, CIF, and/or CIP. 

Two quotes can look very different simply because they include different services. You don’t want to pick a “cheap” option only to find out its more expensive because it didn’t include the door to door service. 

Important update for low-value shipments

The $800 de minimis exemption is a thing of the past.

Effective August 29, 2025, the United States suspended duty-free de minimis treatment for covered imports from all countries. Shipments valued at $800 or less now require an appropriate customs entry and may be subject to duties, fees, and agency requirements.

With shipments sent by Fedex to Those Coffee People clients in the USA, about 1 in 4 packages receives a $43 fee for importation process. The selection is random, we don’t know what triggers the fee, and its payable by the importer directly to fedex. 

Shipping and Documentation Requirements

Commercial coffee imports are regulated as food by FDA. Facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for consumption in the United States generally must register with FDA unless an exemption applies. This includes foreign facilities.

FDA registration applies to the facility that processes the coffee, not to the company selling or distributing the coffee.

2026 FDA renewal reminder: FDA food facility registrations must be renewed every even-numbered year.

For 2026, the renewal period runs from October 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. If your supplier’s facility is required to register, confirm that its registration is current before shipping.

Under the Foreign Supplier Verification Program, or FSVP, an importer is generally the U.S. owner or consignee of the food when it enters the country. If there is no U.S. owner or consignee, a qualified U.S. agent may serve in that role.

The FSVP importer and the CBP Importer of Record are not always the same person or company.

Some exemptions and modified requirements may apply, including situations where green coffee will undergo a later food-safety control such as roasting.

The FSVP importer must provide identifying information when the shipment enters the United States. FDA currently recognizes a DUNS number as an acceptable Unique Facility Identifier, or UFI.

Before importing coffee into the United States the shipper must file a prior notice of the commercial coffee import with the FDA.

This notice can be submitted to the FDA through the CBP or alternatively through the Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI). For further advice, refer to FDA guidance. 

Coffee shipped by ocean generally requires an Importer Security Filing, often referred to as ISF or “10+2.”

Most required ISF information must be submitted to CBP at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel traveling to the United States.

The filing may include information about:

  • Seller and buyer
  • Importer of Record
  • Consignee
  • Manufacturer or supplier
  • Country of origin
  • HTS classification
  • Ship-to party
  • Container stuffing location
  • Consolidator

Your customs broker or freight forwarder will often handle the filing, but confirm responsibility before shipping. Late or inaccurate ISF filings can lead to penalties and delays.

ISF applies to applicable ocean cargo, not coffee arriving by air or courier.

Your supplier or exporter will prepare the documents required to export coffee from the country of origin.

These may include:

  • Commercial invoice
  • Packing list
  • Bill of lading or air waybill
  • Export declaration
  • Coffee-specific export documents from country of origin 
  • Certificate of Origin, when applicable

 

Customs fees

Even when coffee has a zero tariff rate, importing still involves costs.

You may pay:

  • Customs broker fees
  • Freight and delivery charges
  • Port and terminal fees
  • Inspection charges
  • Warehouse fees
  • Merchandise Processing Fee
  • Harbor Maintenance Fee for applicable ocean shipments

For fiscal year 2026, the formal-entry Merchandise Processing Fee is: 0.3464% of the entered value

The FY2026 minimum is $33.58, and the maximum is $651.50.

Commercial ocean cargo may also be subject to the Harbor Maintenance Fee, currently 0.125% of cargo value.

These government fees are separate from private charges from brokers, freight forwarders, ports, warehouses, and trucking companies.

Coffee tariffs and duties

Ordinary coffee classifications under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule include:

  • 0901.11.00: Green, non-decaffeinated coffee
  • 0901.12.00: Green, decaffeinated coffee
  • 0901.21.00: Roasted, non-decaffeinated coffee
  • 0901.22.00: Roasted, decaffeinated coffee

The normal general tariff rate for these classifications is Free. However, additional country-specific tariffs and trade measures can change quickly.

US coffee imports product labeling requirements

The FDA also has strict regulations on how coffee bean imports to the U.S. should be labeled. Each invoice must clearly and legibly display key information, including the product name, the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, and the country of origin, all in English.

Additionally, roasted coffee imports must also include the following information:

  • Ingredients
  • Net Weight
  • Gross Weight
  • Content 
  • Other details. For more detailed information on labeling roasted coffee imports, contact the FDA.

Is importing coffee difficult?

The first shipment is usually the most complicated. Once you have a reliable system, its rather straightforward. 

The biggest mistake is waiting until the coffee is already on the water to figure out compliance.

Import Colombian coffee to the US directly with Those Coffee People

At Those Coffee People, we specialize in sourcing and supplying Colombian coffee directly from origin.

Our team works throughout Colombia’s coffee-producing regions to source traditional washed coffees, specialty processed coffees, and exotic varieties for roasters, coffee brands, retailers, and other businesses around the world.

We offer both:

 

We also work with customers importing everything from small commercial orders through pallets and full-container shipments.

If you’re considering importing coffee from Colombia and want help understanding sourcing, export logistics, shipping options, or the import process, get in touch with our team.

Looking for step-by-step help importing coffee into the United States? Explore our Import Coffee Into the USA course.

Looking for Colombian coffee? Discover our selection of green coffee and private-label roasted coffee.

Need help planning your shipment? Contact Those Coffee People for a coffee and shipping quote.

Regulatory information in this article was reviewed and updated August 25, 2026. U.S. food-import and tariff regulations can change. Confirm current requirements with FDA, CBP, USDA/APHIS, the current Harmonized Tariff Schedule, and a licensed customs broker before shipping.

Start Your Coffee Journey With Our Importation Course

Learn More

What Can We Conclude From This Guide:

Investing in green coffee quality control protects your brand, improves your final cup, and builds stronger relationships with clients. With the right tools and processes in place, you can spot problems early, and prevent losses down the line.

From sourcing premium coffee beans to do the right quality control, these steps will help you establish a solid foundation for your business.

Having problems downloading the ebook? Just email inquiry@thosecoffeepeople.com and we’ll send you a copy

Also Included in the Ebook is:

Where are you in the process of opening your own café or coffee distribution center? If you are already in the final steps and ready for a free consultation with us, please send us an email to inquiry@thosecoffeepeople.com or send us a WhatsApp or iMessage to: +57 350 8686720.

A Guide to Importing Coffee Beans into the US

Importing coffee into the United States can seem complicated at first. Between FDA requirements, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, shipping documentation, customs brokers, and food-safety regulations, there are several pieces that need to come together before your coffee arrives.

The good news is that importing green or roasted coffee into the U.S. is a well-established process, and once the correct structure is in place, repeat shipments become considerably easier. Today, the U.S. is the largest importer of Colombian coffee, with over 40 percent market share.

At Those Coffee People, we specialize in sourcing and exporting Colombian green coffee beans to customers throughout the United States. This guide explains the major steps involved in importing coffee into the U.S., including the latest regulatory and tariff changes as of August 2026.

Are you looking for affordable assistance to import coffee into the USA? Click here to explore our online course!

    Do you need an import license to import coffee into the USA?

    There is no general U.S. Customs and Border Protection license required simply to become an importer.

    CBP explains that importers generally do not need a federal import license from CBP, although other federal, state, or local agencies may impose requirements based on the commodity being imported. Coffee is food, so FDA requirements are particularly important.

    You will normally need to establish who will act as the Importer of Record, provide an appropriate importer identification number, meet applicable FDA requirements, and complete the correct customs entry.

    For businesses importing commercial quantities of coffee, working with a licensed customs broker and/or an experienced foreign supplier is usually the simplest approach, particularly for the first shipment.

    Choosing a coffee supplier

    The first step in importing coffee beans into the U.S. is selecting a reliable and trustworthy coffee supplier. Given the complexity of import regulations, partnering with a supplier experienced in navigating the U.S. import process is crucial. Three key government agencies oversee coffee imports, and understanding their requirements will be essential for ensuring a smooth and compliant process:

     

    When evaluating a potential supplier, consider their quality standards, export experience, and commitment to sustainability. Ask specific questions about their experience exporting coffee to the U.S., the types and quality of green coffee they offer, any minimum order requirements, and their sustainability practices.

    Additionally, inquire as to whether they hold the necessary export licenses and certifications required for shipping coffee to the USA. Ensuring the supplier has the proper credentials helps guarantee that their coffee meets both legal and quality standards, minimizing potential issues during the import process.

    Looking for a coffee bean supplier? Discover our range of green coffee beans and private label roasted coffee for export to the U.S.

    Are you looking for affordable assistance to import coffee into the USA? Click here to explore our online course!

      Arranging shipping and documentation 

      Shipping and logistics are also critical aspects to consider when importing coffee into the USA. The following methods are commonly used for transporting coffee beans:

      • Courier model, like Fedex, DHL, UPS
      • Air Freight with major commercial airlines
      • LCL Sea Freight
      • FCL Sea Freight

      Regardless of your shipping method, you will have a variety of documentation requirements. While navigating these rules can be time-consuming, it’s essential to avoid delays and ensure that your shipment complies with all federal regulations. These include:

      • Filing prior notice of the commercial coffee import with the FDA and registering your manufacturer or distributor with the FDA before sending out the coffee. This notice can be submitted to the FDA through the CBP or alternatively through the Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI). For further advice, refer to FDA guidance. 
      • For coffee cargo arriving into the US by vessel, you’ll also have to file your Importer Security Filing (ISF) 
      • You’ll need to arrange a Certificate of Origin as a requirement of the International Coffee Organization (ICO).

       

      An experienced coffee supplier can help you through the process and will likely have established relationships with trusted customs brokers, making the process even smoother and more efficient. 

      Shipping costs 

      Most suppliers will include shipping costs in the final order quote. However, it’s important to clarify exactly what is included in the quote, as some suppliers may only cover the cost of transportation up to the port of departure or entry. If that’s the case, additional shipping fees will apply once the goods arrive, including:

      • Merchandise Processing Fee. MPF is an ad valorem fee of 0.3464%. This is based on the value of the coffee being imported, excluding duty, freight, and insurance charges. The minimum MPF is $27.23 and the maximum fee should not exceed $528.33. 
      • Harbor Maintenance Fee. The HMF is 0.125% of the value of the commercial cargo shipped through ports. HMF is not collected on goods that are transported via air or mail. 

        US coffee imports product labeling requirements

        The FDA also has strict regulations on how coffee bean imports to the U.S. should be labeled. Each invoice must clearly and legibly display key information, including the product name, the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, and the country of origin, all in English.

        Additionally, roasted coffee imports must also include the following information:

        • Ingredients
        • Net Weight
        • Gross Weight
        • Content 
        • Other details. For more detailed information on labeling roasted coffee imports, contact the FDA.

        Customs clearance declarations in the US

        Customs clearance declarations are a critical step in the import process when bringing coffee beans into the U.S. Any shipment valued above $2,500 will require a formal CBP entry form customs bond to ensure that all duties, taxes, and fees are paid. This must be completed at least five days prior to the expected arrival of your coffee shipment. For shipments valued below $2,500, a bond may not be required, but it’s still important to ensure all other import requirements are met.

        For those handling the importation process without an experienced international coffee supplier, hiring a licensed customs broker can be invaluable. These are professionals who specialize in navigating the complexities of U.S. import regulations and can ensure that all required documentation, including the entry form and customs bond, is accurately completed and submitted on time. 

        Are you looking for affordable assistance to import coffee into the USA? Click here to explore our online course!

          Coffee import customs duties in the US

          In 2025, the United States implemented sweeping tariffs that required between 10-50% be paid over the declared value of the merchandise based on country of origin. In November 2025 this has been removed and coffee no longer has any import duty or tariff. 

          Sales tax on coffee sales in the US

          In the United States, sales tax on coffee varies by state and sometimes even by local jurisdiction. While coffee itself is generally exempt from sales tax in some states, others impose tax based on the type of coffee or the way it is sold. For example, in many states, coffee purchased for home brewing, such as green beans or ground coffee, is not subject to sales tax. However, coffee served in cafes, restaurants, or other retail establishments may be subject to sales tax.

          As of 2024, the average combined state and local sales tax rate across the U.S. is 6.44%, with 31 states falling above this average and 19 below. Notably, some states, including Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon, do not impose any sales tax at all, offering a unique advantage for both consumers and businesses operating in those regions. 

          You can read more about sales tax on coffee in the US from our blog post here 

          Important: U.S. import regulations can change, and the requirements for a particular shipment can depend on the product, country of origin, value, port of entry, and intended use. This guide is intended as general educational information rather than legal or customs advice. For a specific shipment, confirm requirements with your customs broker, FDA specialist, or the relevant government agency.

          Is importing coffee into the USA difficult?

          The first shipment is usually the hardest.

          There are multiple organizations involved, and terms such as FSVP, Prior Notice, ISF, Importer of Record, MPF, HMF, and HTS classification can make the process sound more intimidating than it actually is.

          The key is to establish the compliance structure before shipping the coffee.

          Once you have:

          • A reliable foreign supplier
          • An established FSVP process
          • A customs broker
          • An Importer of Record
          • The correct FDA information
          • A repeatable shipping and documentation process

          future shipments generally become much more routine.

          Import Colombian coffee to the US directly with Those Coffee People

          At Those Coffee People, we specialize in sourcing and supplying Colombian coffee directly from origin.

          Our team works throughout Colombia’s coffee-producing regions to source traditional washed coffees, specialty processed coffees, and exotic varieties for roasters, coffee brands, retailers, and other businesses around the world.

          We offer both:

           

          We also work with customers importing everything from small commercial orders through pallets and full-container shipments.

          If you’re considering importing coffee from Colombia and want help understanding sourcing, export logistics, shipping options, or the import process, get in touch with our team.

          Looking for step-by-step help importing coffee into the United States? Explore our Import Coffee Into the USA course.

          Looking for Colombian coffee? Discover our selection of green coffee and private-label roasted coffee.

          Need help planning your shipment? Contact Those Coffee People for a coffee and shipping quote.

            . 

            41 Responses

            1. I’m originally from Bali, Indonesia where my family own coffee plantation. I’m living in Socorro, NM, USA
              May I connecting and get further information in regards to selling my family coffee beans to USA market?

              Reply

              1. I’m from Indonesia. Are you interested in coffee beans from Gayo, Aceh, and Sumatra? Perhaps we can add to your coffee repertoire there? Contact me at simotoha@gmail.com. Thank you, Erna.

                Reply

                1. Hi Ferry! We only work with Colombian coffee, but we hope you find the service you need. Have a great day!

                  Reply

            2. My husband and I are just looking to get started with roasting our own coffee. We have friends who live in coffee growing regions and would like to have them mail no more than 5-10 pounds of raw beans. We are just trying to find out if this is legal. Once we get to the point of understanding how the roasting process works, we would like to find out about licensing and hiring people who know what they are doing as far as the logistics of it all. We live in north Georgia USA.

              Reply

            3. Hello, we are coffee growers in Nicaragua. We grow and sell coffee to help the poor in this Central America country. We are trying to import roasted coffee beans into the US market, any help would be most appreciated.

              Reply

            4. Hello,
              I’m growing coffee in Colombia, I would like to import it to
              uS. How I can start the process?
              Thanks.

              Reply

            5. Hello – I spend a lot of time in Colombia and during my last trip I want to explore the possibility of importing Colombian coffee beans into the U.S. (Florida). The process seems daunting and would like to know how your company can help. Thank You

              Reply

            6. Hi I’m a small or micro producer of coffee in peru. I would like to know what requirements are needed to bring coffee via baggage on on air flight into the U.S. i.e. roasted beans in grain pro bags. Requirements or fees if any ?

              Reply

            7. Hello, I like your website, I am from Brazil and live in the US (Florida). I am interested in coffee trading…thanks!

              Reply

            8. Greetings.

              I have just bought a small 1 hectare coffee farm in Curití Colombia. I am interested in your services and what you charge to help me with all you mention on your website (importing to the states, ideally Michigan)

              Reply

            9. Hello, this is Cyusa. I live in Texas. I was wondering how I can get suppliers for the Rwandan Coffee beans.

              Reply

            10. Hi There, how much cost import granule roasted coffee per kilo/lb? The order delivered to my door? Thanks
              Carlos/Seattle

              Reply

            11. Do think you can send me a price list of your Arabica and Robusta coffee list, price per pound and how long it would take to ship and clear customs via air. I live in las Vegas.

              Reply

            13. I am us citizen. I have coffee exporting company registration and licensed in Ethiopia.
              I want to export green beans to the USA.
              What I need to do to export a container of green coffee?

              Reply

              1. Wayou,

                I would like to work with you if you’re interested. Lets talk about how you would like to do it and I can market your coffee ☕️ here in US.

                Regards,

                -aK>

                Reply

            14. Hi,

              I am new at this and I wanted to find out how can I bring Colombian Coffee to USA and sell it? Please let me know.

              Thank You.

              Reply

            15. Hi i would like to import coffee from malawian coffee growers, i am new to the importation business can you help me out

              Reply

            16. I am starting a coffee business where we intend to sell high-quality medium-roasted coffee beans. Since we are just starting out we have no packaging. We would like to sell our coffee in quarter-pound and half-pound bags. For starters, we would like to begin with a pilot amount to determine what our consumers like and how fast it will sell. That way we will be able to determine a quantity to purchase every month moving forward. Do you have a brochure with pricing? Also, do we need an import license for the pilot amount which should not be over $2500? Looking forward to hearing from you.

              Reply

            17. Hi, my name is Kai from Kate of Tokyo Japan.

              We are currently having the plan to export our own branded coffee (Origin: Ethiopia) to the state.
              I understood that we have to fill in the documentation of CBP, FDA, and USDA in order to export our items. We have our own company in New York and we are planning to send our products there. However, this is our first time to export our coffee products to the state and I am confused with all the processes we have to follow. Kindly advise me on what else we have to do to export our coffee successfully.

              Thanks

              Reply

            18. Hello Dear Sir/Madam
              I’m a coffee producer in Brazil and, despite the fact that you sell coffee from Colombia, I’d like to know if your Company would consider to import the product of high quality from Brazil.z
              Looking forward to hear your feedback.
              Regards

              Reply

            19. Hello there,

              I’m working on a project of a cargo-sailing boat which would transport goods (including and starting with coffee) from Colombia & potentially other Caribbean islands to the US.

              I’m currently in Colombia, meeting producers and working on a Business Model and plan of action.

              At that point, I’m trying to understand the necessary documents required to import coffee to the USA and I found you and thought it might be smart to work with an experienced stakeholder.

              One of the thing that matters most for me is to be able to pay the producers a fairer price that they currently get.

              One of the idea at this stage would be to setup a non-profit and do a crowdfunding campaign to have pre-ordered coffee bags (either for cafes in the US or individuals).

              Anyway, lots of nice ideas on the paper, but lacking knowledge of the importing process.

              I’m not sure in what capacity you could help me navigate it and if you find the project appealing.

              If you do, don’t hesitate to answer me!

              Thanks I’m advance.

              Cheers,

              Noé

              Reply

            20. Me and my family own a coffee export company in Ethiopia. We are exploring ways to get into the US market and I am looking for companies who want to buy our product.

              Reply

              1. Hi Jeff I am looking to buy coffee beans roasted at first and then eventually roast our own coffee… Can you help me find a supplier that I can buy coffee beans already roasted in burlap bags to sell coffee beans by the pound at our store. We will also serve coffee already brewed. I wasn’t sure if these companies are at Hunts Point Market or at Elizabeth New Jersey. Thank you very much.

                Reply

            23. I appreciate perusing the exclusive details you provided about the U.S. regulations and compliance for importing coffee beans.
              Thank you for providing such information, it was very informative.
              Intrinsically, I have access to Liberica coffee beans from the country from which it originated.
              If you have any interest and desire to learn more about it, please do not hesitate to contact me.
              Cell: (312)885 5762

              Reply

            24. Hello Mi name is Michael. I come from a coffee farmers family in Colombia. I currently live in the US and would like to explore options to start importing our on coffee brand. I and not a certified importer by any means and I’m just looking to look into the process and see where I can begin. If you could give me some guidance I would greatly appreciate it.

              Reply

            25. I am from Arizona and have someone that is interested in bringing their brand of coffee here from Mexico. I will start off as a small business and sell it at small markets. However, I am stuck as to what types of permits I need to get started.

              Reply

            27. Hello My name Lien Rosas, my family have a coffee farmer in Vietnam. I would like to import coffee from my family to US.

              Reply

            29. Hi,

              I am from Papua New Guinea and would like to sell roasted coffee beans into the US market.

              How can i go about doing that?

              Bernard Noibano
              Goroka, EHP, Papua New Guinea
              Email: bnoibano@gmail.com

              Reply

            30. Dear sir/madam
              We are WK RANCH FEEDS LTD
              Located in East Africa I would like to get Bayer or distributors who willing to purchase coffee beans from Ugandan Kampala if it’s okay for you back to me for more information
              Regards kalule Ronald

              Reply

              1. Hi Kalule! We only work with Colombian coffee, but we hope you find the service you need. Have a great day!

                Reply

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