How to import green coffee into the UK: tariffs, plant health and deforestation rules

Since leaving the EU, the United Kingdom has its own tariff, plant health system and, soon, its own deforestation rules. Green coffee still enters duty-free, but importers and exporters need to know which UK rules apply. This guide covers the main steps.

Updated November 1, 2026 · 5 sources

Tariffs

Product (UK commodity code)	Third-country duty
Green coffee, not decaffeinated (0901 11 00 00)	0%
Roasted coffee, not decaffeinated (0901 21 00 00)	6%

Under the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), the 47 least developed countries in the Comprehensive Preferences tier pay 0% on all products except arms and ammunition, so roasted coffee from countries such as Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda or Burundi can also enter duty-free with proof of origin. Enhanced and Standard tiers cover fewer products, so check your tier first.

Plant health

Great Britain sorts plants and plant products into risk categories: high, medium A, medium B and low. Low-risk goods are exempt from plant health controls. High, medium A and medium B goods need a phytosanitary certificate for each consignment, and high and medium A goods must also be pre-notified in the IPAFFS system. Check the current category for green coffee on the UK Plant Health Portal before you ship, because categories can change.

Deforestation rules

In June 2026 the UK government said it will use Schedule 17 of the Environment Act 2021 to create a Forest Risk Commodities scheme covering coffee. Unlike the EU rules, it will target only illegal deforestation. A consultation is planned before the rules are made, and no start date has been set yet. If you also sell to the EU, read our EUDR guide.

The UK market

In January 2026 the UK imported 16,800 tonnes of coffee worth USD 181.8 million from 59 countries, according to International Trade Centre data. Brazil supplied 34%, Colombia 11% and Vietnam 9%.

Tips for exporters

Send a certificate of origin if your buyer will claim DCTS or trade-agreement preferences.
Ask your buyer which plant health category and documents their customs agent expects before booking.
UK buyers often use the same contracts and payment terms as EU buyers; see how to import into the EU and shipping green coffee.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a UK import duty on green coffee?

No. Green coffee that is not decaffeinated (0901 11 00 00) pays 0% third-country duty. Roasted coffee pays 6%, unless a preference such as DCTS applies.

Does green coffee need a phytosanitary certificate for the UK?

It depends on the plant health risk category. High and medium-risk goods need one; low-risk goods are exempt. Check the current category on the UK Plant Health Portal.

Does the UK have deforestation rules for coffee?

Not yet in force. In June 2026 the government announced a Forest Risk Commodities scheme covering coffee and illegal deforestation, with a consultation first and no start date set.

Sources

Checked on November 1, 2026. Laws, rules and prices change: always check the official source before you trade. This guide is general information, not legal advice.