Home»Food & Beverage» Comprehensive Analysis of Coffee Bean Import Process: How to Bring Global Premium Beans Home?
Want to introduce premium coffee beans from around the world to the Chinese market but troubled by complex import qualifications, tedious documentation, strict quarantine requirements, and potential classification disputes? How to apply for Imported Food Consignee Registration? What documents are needed for overseas manufacturer registration? How to enjoy zero-tariff benefits from ASEAN countries? How to avoid quarantine risks like coffee berry borer? This article provides detailed answers, analyzing key steps from access qualification processing and label compliance services to document preparation and logistics clearance, helping you avoid risks and complete imports efficiently, making your coffee business thrive!
I. Core Content
Handling of access qualifications
Apply for Imported Food Consignee Registration (requires Food Business License)
Overseas manufacturer registration (requires filing through Customs General Administration system)
Special category approval (green coffee beans require origin access confirmation, e.g., Bolivia requires official registration)?
Pay comprehensive taxes and fees on behalf (8%-15% tariff + 13% VAT)
II. Operation Process
Stage
Key operations
Define the boundary of agency responsibilities
Pre - preparation
Signforeign tradeContract (specify HS code, e.g. 0901210000) Pre-approve Chinese labels overseas
3-6 months (including filing)
Port Clearance
Bill of lading exchange (B/L → Delivery Order) Declaration (submit contract/packing list/certificate of origin, etc.)
1-3 working days
Inspection and quarantine
Sampling inspection (focus on coffee berry borer detection) Full laboratory testing (microorganisms/heavy metals)
5-15 working days
Issue certificate and release goods
Apply for Inspection and Quarantine Certificate of Entry Goods, Affix Chinese labels (completed in supervised warehouse)
International Transportation
Market circulation
Upload blockchain traceability data (production batch → logistics tracking) Sales permitted after issuing Sanitary Certificate
Real-time synchronization
III. Risk management key points
Quarantine risks
Coffee beans from Vietnam/Africa require special prevention against coffee berry borer (mandatory fumigation treatment)
Retain 15% Payment Pending Laboratory Test Approval
Classification dispute
Accurately distinguish HS codes (e.g. non-decaffeinated 0901210000 with 15% tariff)
Apply for advance classification ruling (avoid late declaration penalties due to errors)
Label Compliance
Prohibited use of unverified claims like organic or natural
Nutrition facts table must be labeled per 100g unit (error margin ±20%)
IV. Fees and Time Efficiency
Project
Standard fee
Express channel
Agent service fee
1.5%-3% of goods value
+0.3% expedited fee
Laboratory testing
8000-20000 RMB/batch
Testing cycle reduced by 50%
Customs clearance cycle
15-25 working days
7 working days (guarantee release)
V. Special Notes
Preferential origin
ASEAN countries (e.g., Vietnam) enjoy zero tariffs (requires FORM E certificate)
Least developed countries like Ethiopia qualify for special preferential rate of 0%
New regulations
From 2025, blockchain data must be uploaded via the Single Window system
Unroasted coffee bean imports require overseas companies to directly apply for customs registration
Prohibited circumstances
Green coffee beans are subject to origin restrictions (e.g., non-approved countries require re-export)
Contamination with soil or plant residues will be directly deemed non-compliant
Successful coffee bean imports require in-depth understanding and precise control of Chinas customs policies, food safety standards, origin access requirements, and consumer market trends. Leave professional matters to professional teams to make your coffee import journey smoother!