How to import green coffee into South Korea: tariffs, facility registration and plant health

South Korea is one of the world's fastest-growing coffee markets, with cafés on almost every street. Green coffee faces a low or zero tariff, but the exporting facility must be registered with Korea's food safety ministry and each shipment needs a phytosanitary certificate. This guide explains the main steps.

Updated November 5, 2026 · 5 sources

Korea's coffee imports

According to the Korea Customs Service, South Korea imported 194,809 tonnes of coffee beans in 2024, raw and roasted, worth about USD 1.24 billion, 13% more than in 2023. Brazil supplied about 30% of the volume, followed by Colombia (29,835 tonnes) and Vietnam (29,781 tonnes). See the lots pages for Brazil, Colombia and Vietnam.

Tariffs and VAT

Case	Tariff on green coffee (0901.11)
Basic (MFN) rate	2%
Free trade agreements, including the EU, US, Vietnam, Colombia, Peru, Central America, Indonesia, India and RCEP for ASEAN	0% with a certificate of origin
RCEP for China and Japan	1%

Korea has at times cut the tariff on green coffee to 0% through tariff quotas, and in 2022–23 it temporarily removed the 10% VAT on imported green beans. Rates change, so confirm the current tariff and VAT with your customs broker before you sign.

Foreign food facility registration

Overseas facilities that produce, process, package or store food for Korea must be registered with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) through its import food portal (impfood.mfds.go.kr) before the importer files an import declaration.
Register the real site where the coffee is processed or stored, not a head office or agent. If a facility is already registered by another importer, it does not need to register again.
Registration is valid for 2 years. Renew at least 7 days before it expires; one month early is safer.
MFDS can reject the import declaration if the facility is not registered or its details are out of date.

Plant health

According to Australia's export database (reviewed September 2024), green coffee beans need a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country to enter Korea, but no import permit. Shipments must be free from pests, soil, weed seeds and extraneous material.

Tips for exporters selling to Korea

Make sure your dry mill or warehouse is registered with MFDS, and send the importer the registration details early.
Get the phytosanitary certificate and a certificate of origin for FTA rates ready before shipping.
Korean roasters value traceable specialty lots: send samples with full specs and cup scores. See cupping scores.
Use secure payment terms; see how to buy green coffee direct and shipping green coffee.

Frequently asked questions

What is Korea's tariff on green coffee?

The basic rate is 2%, and it is 0% under many free trade agreements with a certificate of origin. Korea has at times cut it to 0% through tariff quotas, so confirm the current rate with your customs broker.

Does an overseas coffee facility need to register in Korea?

Yes. Facilities that process, package or store food for Korea must register with MFDS before the import declaration. Registration is valid for 2 years.

Does green coffee need a phytosanitary certificate for Korea?

Yes. According to Australia's export database, green coffee beans need a phytosanitary certificate, but no import permit.

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.