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One of the first things that millions of Americans do when they wake up is have their morning coffee. Since the United States produces very little coffee domestically, imports supply virtually all U.S. demand.
USDA forecasts the United States to import approximately 23.8 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee beans in the 2025/26 marketing year, making it one of the world’s largest coffee-importing markets. Brazil and Colombia have historically been particularly important suppliers to the U.S. market.
Whether you’re bringing in green coffee beans, roasted coffee, or another coffee product, there are several import and transportation requirements worth understanding before the shipment leaves the exporter.
To begin the import process, the shipper must understand the requirements. It is vital to ensure that the import complies with the requirements of governing agencies such as the CBP, FDA, and USDA.
See A1’s U.S. import guides for guidance on other commercial imports.
The form of coffee you are importing to the USA matters a lot when determining requirements.
Roasted coffee is a fully processed plant product and generally does not require an APHIS import permit.
Green, unroasted coffee beans are generally admissible into the continental United States, although different restrictions apply to destinations such as Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
Whole fresh coffee berries, or coffee cherries, are treated differently because the fruit pulp presents a plant-pest risk. APHIS prohibits fresh coffee berries from entry at U.S. ports.
Importers should check the current USDA requirements for the exact commodity, country of origin and intended use before a commercial shipment leaves the exporter.
U.S. coffee importers source coffee from a wide range of producing countries, although the origin mix varies by product and year.
Among the most important sources for U.S. importers are Brazil and Colombia, while coffee also arrives from countries including Vietnam, Honduras, Guatemala, Peru and Mexico.
USDA reported that around 80% of U.S. unroasted coffee imports came from Latin America in 2023, led by Brazil and Colombia.
For an importer, the supplier country can affect origin documentation and any trade measures in effect at the time of entry, but the FDA and Customs requirements still need to be checked for the actual product being imported.
Commercial coffee is also an imported food product. FDA does not pre-approve individual food shipments, but applicable food-facility registration and Prior Notice requirements need to be addressed before entry. The U.S. importer should also determine whether Foreign Supplier Verification Program requirements apply.
Customs requirements also depend on the shipment and type of entry. Formal Customs entries require a Customs bond, while the broker needs the commercial documentation and classification information required to prepare the entry.
Coffee packaged for sale in the United States must meet applicable FDA labeling requirements. Depending on the product and packaging, this can include the statement of identity, net quantity, and other required information. Coffee products containing additional ingredients may have further ingredient and allergen-labeling requirements.
The exact paperwork depends on the coffee product and transportation method, but a commercial shipment will commonly involve a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading or Air Waybill.
The importer and customs broker will also need the information required for the Customs and FDA entry. Prior Notice must generally be dealt with before imported food arrives, while additional information may be needed for FSVP or other applicable food requirements.
For ocean shipments, applicable Importer Security Filing (ISF) requirements also need to be addressed before loading at the foreign port.
See our guide to documents used in customs clearance for more information.
Most ordinary coffee beans are classified under heading 0901 of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
The classification distinguishes between coffee that is roasted or unroasted and whether it is decaffeinated. The current general duty rate for the principal classifications covering green and roasted coffee is free, although other coffee products and preparations can fall under different HTS provisions and have different treatment.
Instant coffee and certain coffee extracts or preparations, for example, are generally classified separately under heading 2101. The importer should therefore classify the actual product being shipped rather than assuming every coffee product has the same tariff treatment.
A customs broker can confirm the appropriate classification and current duty treatment before entry.
In the shipment arrangement, select the conveyance method that corresponds to the shipment type.
For example, a commercial shipment of multiple pallets of green coffee beans may move by ocean freight. Larger quantities can use a Full Container Load (FCL), while smaller commercial shipments can move as Less than Container Load (LCL) cargo. Air freight can make sense for smaller shipments where delivery time is particularly important.
Coffee also needs to be protected from moisture, contamination, and other conditions that could affect its quality during transportation. The appropriate packaging and handling should therefore be planned with the supplier and logistics provider before shipment.
A freight forwarder can coordinate pickup from the exporter, carrier booking, and international transportation.
Whether you’re a first-time importer of coffee beans or a business that imports regularly to the USA, it’s essential to prepare before the cargo leaves the exporter. If you plan to import coffee or other goods, contact A1 Worldwide Logistics at 305-821-8995 with the type of coffee, country of origin, and shipment details to get started.
We provide international freight forwarding and customs brokerage for commercial coffee imports. Our team can coordinate the international transportation, prepare the Customs entry, and arrange trucking and final delivery after release, when required.
Regulatory note: This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. U.S. import rules and agency requirements can change and may vary by product, country of origin, and shipment. Importers should confirm current requirements with the relevant U.S. agency and, where appropriate, a licensed customs broker or legal adviser before shipping.
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