How to import green coffee into Japan: tariffs, food notification and pesticide limits

Japan is one of Asia's largest and most demanding coffee markets. Green coffee enters duty-free, but every shipment must be notified under Japan's food safety law, and pesticide residues are checked strictly. This guide explains the main steps for importers and for exporters who sell to them.

Updated November 5, 2026 · 5 sources

Japan's coffee imports

According to the All Japan Coffee Association, Japan imported about 30,135 tonnes of green coffee in March 2025 alone. Brazil supplied about 38%, Vietnam about 30%, Colombia about 14%, Guatemala about 6% and Indonesia about 4%. See the lots pages for Brazil, Vietnam and Colombia.

Tariffs

Product (Japanese tariff code)	Import duty
Green coffee, not decaffeinated (0901.11)	Free
Green coffee, decaffeinated (0901.12)	Free
Roasted coffee, not decaffeinated (0901.21)	General rate 20%, temporary rate 12%, WTO rate 10%; free for GSP and least developed countries

Economic partnership agreements can lower the rate on roasted coffee further. Check the current schedule on the Japan Customs website before you sign.

Food import notification

Anyone importing food for sale or business in Japan must file a «Notification Form for Importation of Foods» with the quarantine station of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) at the port of entry, before customs clearance ends.
A food sanitation inspector examines the documents. Based on that review, the station can order a physical inspection, for example for products with past violations.
If the shipment passes, the station returns a certificate of notification and the coffee can be cleared. If it fails, it cannot be imported.
Coffee imported without notification cannot be sold or used for business.

Pesticide residues

Since 29 May 2006, Japan has applied a «Positive List System» to agricultural chemical residues. Japan sets maximum residue limits for green coffee beans, and any chemical without a specific limit faces a uniform limit of 0.01 ppm. Green coffee above these limits cannot be imported, distributed or processed in Japan. This is the most common reason coffee lots are stopped at Japanese ports, so a lab residue test before shipping is a good investment.

Plant health

According to Australia's export database (reviewed September 2024), green coffee beans can enter Japan without a phytosanitary certificate or an import permit. Shipments must still be free from pests, soil, weed seeds and extraneous material.

Tips for exporters selling to Japan

Ask your buyer which residue tests they need, and send a lab report with your pre-shipment sample.
Japanese buyers expect consistent quality, clean cups and careful sorting: approve samples first and keep defects low. See cupping scores.
Use secure payment terms such as a letter of credit or cash against documents; see how to buy green coffee direct.
Plan long sea routes with hermetic liners; see shipping green coffee.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an import duty on green coffee in Japan?

No. Green coffee (0901.11 and 0901.12) enters Japan free of duty. Roasted coffee has a general rate of 20%, a temporary rate of 12% and a WTO rate of 10%, and is free for GSP and least developed countries.

Does green coffee need a phytosanitary certificate for Japan?

No. According to Australia's export database, green coffee beans need no phytosanitary certificate or import permit, but must be free from pests, soil and weed seeds.

Why are coffee lots stopped at Japanese ports?

Mostly for pesticide residues. Japan's Positive List System applies a uniform limit of 0.01 ppm to chemicals without a specific limit, so test lots before shipping.

Sources

Checked on November 5, 2026. Laws, rules and prices change: always check the official source before you trade. This guide is general information, not legal advice.