The global demand for coffee is quickly growing, and specialty coffee from small roasters is at the forefront. From single-origin coffees to sustainable Fair Trade coffee, people throughout the world have created a demand for high-quality coffee that every roaster can take advantage of.
Breaking into the global coffee market can be difficult because of the challenges that come with global coffee shipping. Preserving the freshness and quality of coffee can be difficult over long periods of time.
If you want to share your unique coffee with the world, this guide includes everything you need to know about how to ship coffee internationally.
Shipping coffee internationally is an excellent way to take advantage of the growing global demand for specialty coffee. As more specialty coffees become available, coffee drinkers around the world have grown to enjoy searching out unique brands and sampling specialty coffee.
Global coffee shipping also gives you an opportunity to share your passion with people around the globe, from unique roast profiles to rare green beans.
International coffee shipping is a long process that starts with roasting or sourcing coffee beans. After the beans have been sourced or roasted, they’re packaged in vacuum-sealed packaging to maximize freshness.
Next, you have to select a carrier to transport your coffee beans. Air freight is the most costly carrier option, but the faster shipping times help maximize the freshness of your coffee. Sea freight is a more common and affordable global shipping option, but shipping times are longer.
Once your coffee arrives on land, another courier will transport those beans to local buyers.
Tracking is another factor to consider. Different couriers use different tracking systems, and some couriers provide more frequent tracking updates.
Before the last-mile delivery, coffee shipments have to clear customs. Freight forwarders and customs brokers can simplify this process by coordinating documentation, consolidating shipments and navigating compliance.
The Harmonized System (HS) code is used to classify goods to determine export duties. The HS code for green coffee beans is 0901.11 and the HS code for roasted coffee beans is 0901.21.
The level of processing, origin and intended use of your coffee can affect the HS code classification. We recommend consulting national customs databases or WCO’s tariff schedules to find current duty rates.
In some cases, you may need to obtain a phytosanitary certificate. This certification is almost always required for green coffee beans.
You can apply for a phytosanitary certificate through USDA APHIS or an equivalent agency. There are several steps involved in the inspection process, including pest sampling, laboratory analyses and heat-treatment verification. This process usually takes 7–14 days.
Including the certificate number, issuing agency stamp and treatment declaration can help you avoid delays.
Import tariffs can vary widely depending on bilateral agreements. Import duties can be as low as zero in free-trade zones, but they can also be as high as 30% or more.
The customs clearance process includes submitting an invoice, packing list and certificate of origin, as well as any other special permits you’re required to have.
You can speed up inspections and avoid fines by keeping clear line-item descriptions, accurate values and incoterm definitions.
Vacuum-sealed packaging is essential when it comes to preserving the freshness and quality of coffee beans. Vacuum-pouch and foil-lined bags help remove oxygen, block out UV light, and lock in the fresh aroma of the coffee.
One-way degassing valves allow freshly roasted beans to release CO2 without letting oxygen back in. When choosing packaging, make sure you’re using food-grade materials that comply with FDA and EU regulations.
For maximum freshness, coffee should be stored and shipped in moisture levels below 12% and a temperature range of 10–20° C. This helps prevent mold, staling and flavor degradation.
Desiccant packets and humidity indicator cards allow you to monitor and control moisture. For even better moisture and temperature control, you can use insulated liners or thermal blankets to protect your cargo.
Preserving the quality of your coffee is important, but the process is different depending on the type of beans you’re shipping.
Roasted coffee beans should be shipped with shock-absorbent packaging and minimum headspace to keep beans intact and preserve the volatile flavor compounds.
Green beans should be stored in jute sacks or grain-pro bags that prevent contamination without restricting airflow.
For larger pallets, you can separate products with cardboard sheets or use shrinkwrap to prevent damage.
Choosing a shipping method is the first step to shipping coffee internationally.
Air freight offers 3–7 day shipping times at a higher cost with better temperature control. This is ideal for particularly sensitive or expensive coffee shipments.
Sea freight takes 20–40 days but is significantly more cost-effective, especially for bulk shipments. If you’re shipping large quantities of coffee, sea freight is typically the best option.
Express couriers handle last-mile deliveries and local shipments. This is ideal for small parcels, and door-to-door tracking helps you keep track of your product.
Check service schedules, cut-off times and consolidation options with freight forwarders before choosing a carrier.
Coffee has to be properly packaged to preserve its quality. Roasted coffee beans should be tightly sealed in vacuum-sealed packaging. Green beans should be packaged in jute bags or something similar that prevents contamination while allowing airflow.
For high-value parcels, insulated liners and thermal foam provide additional protection. You can also protect your cargo by evenly distributing the weight on the pallet and stacking and wrapping everything neatly.
Wood pallets should have ISPM-15 treatments to satisfy phytosanitary rules.
There are several documents you need to have to ship coffee internationally:
You can simplify the documentation process by using digital templates with clear line items, HS codes, net vs. gross weights and incoterms.
Double-check signatures, stamps and electronic filings in custom portals.
Now that you’ve got the basics figured out, you can request a quote based on cargo dimensions, weight, value and urgency. When you’re choosing a carrier, it’s important to verify carrier liability limits and check whether the carrier offers coverage for theft, damage or spoilage.
When you book your shipment, make sure you coordinate pickup times, packaging drop-off and any on-site inspections.
After you’ve shipped your coffee beans, you can use carrier tracking numbers to track your shipment. You can even receive an alert when your cargo has been safely delivered.
If you have to file a claim, you’ll need photos of the product you’re filing a claim for. Document the condition of your cargo with photos at drop-off and arrival.
If you expect delivery delays, make sure you’re keeping in touch with recipients and making them aware of those delays.
There are several common mistakes people make when they’re learning how to ship coffee globally, including:
Yes, you can ship roasted coffee beans internationally using the HS code 0901.21.
Required documentation for coffee shipments includes invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin and phytosanitary/health certificates for green beans.
The cost of shipping coffee overseas varies based on the carrier, shipment size, duties and other factors.
Whole coffee beans can last for 6–12 months when properly stored in vacuum-sealed packaging.
Shipping green coffee beans typically requires a phytosanitary certificate while that certification isn’t necessary for roasted coffee beans.
Shipping coffee internationally isn’t rocket science, but it does require some research on regulations, proper packaging and thorough documentation.
The key to successfully shipping coffee overseas is to verify HS codes, secure phytosanitary certificates, find the right packaging for freshness and choose the best carrier based on your needs and budget.
We recommend starting with small test runs and building your way up to bulk shipments. With some experimentation, you can learn how to ship coffee all over the world.
Sandra Malouf is the President of Eurolog Packing Group and has spent her career focused on Industrial Packaging. With a proven track record of helping businesses avoid supply chain disruptions, Sandra’s visionary leadership elevates the industry. She’s committed to developing sustainable practices and continues to shape the future of industrial packaging by listening to the customer and offering unique solutions applicable to various industries across the world. The company’s main focus is temperature stabilization and moisture damage prevention in exports affected by extreme variations in global temperatures.
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