How to import green coffee into the United States: FDA, customs and tariffs

The United States is the world's largest coffee importer, and green coffee enters duty free. But every shipment still has to meet FDA food rules and US customs requirements. This guide walks importers, and the exporters who sell to them, through the main steps.

Updated November 1, 2026 · 4 sources

Duty and tariffs

Green coffee (HS 0901) is normally duty free in the United States. In 2025 the government added a 10% baseline "reciprocal" tariff on most imports and a further 40% on Brazilian goods, which hit coffee hard. In November 2025 it removed the baseline tariff on coffee and other agricultural goods not grown in the US, and removed the extra tariff on Brazilian coffee for entries from 13 November 2025. Tariff policy can change quickly, so check the current rules with your customs broker before you contract.

FDA requirements

Food facility registration: foreign facilities that process, pack or hold food for the US, such as dry mills and export warehouses, must be registered with the FDA. Farms are generally exempt.
Prior Notice: every food shipment must be notified to the FDA before arrival. For ocean shipments the deadline is at least 8 hours before arrival; for air and rail 4 hours; for road 2 hours.
The FDA can sample and hold shipments at the port, so build time into your plans.

Customs entry

Importer Security Filing (ISF): due 48 hours before the vessel leaves the last foreign port.
A customs bond, either continuous or for a single entry, and a licensed customs broker to file the entry.
Fees: the Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464% of value, with a minimum and maximum) and the Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125% of value) for ocean shipments.
Country of origin marked on every bag, and the ICO certificate of origin from the exporter.

Contracts and logistics

Most US importers buy on standard Green Coffee Association (GCA) contracts, FOB or FCA at origin, and store coffee in licensed warehouses near the ports. Read how to buy green coffee directly and shipping green coffee. For pricing against the New York "C" contract, see how coffee prices work.

Tips for exporters selling to the US

Make sure your mill or warehouse is FDA registered and give the importer the registration number.
Mark the country of origin clearly on every bag.
Send shipping documents quickly so the importer can file ISF and Prior Notice on time.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a US import duty on green coffee?

Green coffee is normally duty free. In November 2025 the US removed the 2025 baseline tariff on coffee and the extra tariff on Brazilian coffee, but policy can change, so check before you buy.

What is FDA Prior Notice?

An advance notice to the FDA for every food shipment. For ocean freight it must be submitted at least 8 hours before the ship arrives.

Does a coffee exporter need FDA registration?

Foreign facilities that process, pack or hold food for the US, such as mills and export warehouses, must be registered. Farms are generally exempt.

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.