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FIXED How to Import Coffee to Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide for Importers
Learn how to import coffee to Canada successfully. This guide covers import regulations, customs duties, documentation, and best practices for sourcing quality coffee beans.
Canada’s thirst for coffee runs deep - whether it's specialty single origin beans, vibrant Vietnamese coffee, or classic espresso blends, demand is always growing. But if you’re aiming to bring coffee into Canada - whether as a business venture or for your own roastery - the journey involves more than just picking a supplier and placing an order. Navigating customs, regulations, shipping logistics, and quality assurance can seem overwhelming if you’re just getting started.
This step-by-step guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to import coffee to Canada - making the process clear, manageable, and (almost) as satisfying as that first cup.
This step-by-step guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to import coffee to Canada - making the process clear, manageable, and (almost) as satisfying as that first cup.
1. Know What Coffee Products You Can Import
Canada allows the import of:
Flavored coffees and coffee blends are also permitted, as long as all additives and ingredients comply with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) standards. Organic coffee has additional requirement for certification.
Personal observation: Many Canadian specialty roasters prefer importing green beans to roast locally, giving them more control over flavor and freshness.
- Green (unroasted) coffee beans
- Roasted coffee beans
- Ground coffee
- Instant and soluble coffee (powder, granules)
- Ready-to-drink packaged coffee
Flavored coffees and coffee blends are also permitted, as long as all additives and ingredients comply with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) standards. Organic coffee has additional requirement for certification.
Personal observation: Many Canadian specialty roasters prefer importing green beans to roast locally, giving them more control over flavor and freshness.
2. CFIA Guidelines & Food Safety
All food imports into Canada are regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Coffee is considered a “food” under the Food and Drugs Act and Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR), which means you need to:
If you want to sell your coffee as "organic", the product and facility must be certified according to Canadian Organic Regime standards. See CFIA’s importing organic products page for details.
Tip: To avoid issues at the border, ask your supplier for food safety management certifications such as HACCP or equivalent.
- Ensure suppliers use hygienic processing, storage, and transport.
- Verify your product is free from contaminants (e.g., pesticides, mold, microbiological hazards).
- Have traceability documentation - know where your coffee comes from.
If you want to sell your coffee as "organic", the product and facility must be certified according to Canadian Organic Regime standards. See CFIA’s importing organic products page for details.
Tip: To avoid issues at the border, ask your supplier for food safety management certifications such as HACCP or equivalent.
3. Licenses and Permits
Most businesses will need:
If you are only importing for personal use (small amounts for home), licensing usually isn’t required.
- A Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) license for importing food, including coffee (even if just as an ingredient in another product). Apply via the My CFIA portal.
If you are only importing for personal use (small amounts for home), licensing usually isn’t required.
4. Labeling Requirements
Packaging for coffee imported into Canada must:
CFIA strictly enforces food labeling. For roasted/ground coffee, standard nutrition facts can be exempt, but anything containing additives or flavors may require a nutritional panel.
For a practical walk-through, check CFIA’s Food Label Requirements Checklist.
- Be bilingual (English & French) for key information.
- Include “country of origin”, net weight, ingredients (if flavored or blended), and your contact details.
- State if the product is “decaffeinated”, “organic,” or contains any allergens.
CFIA strictly enforces food labeling. For roasted/ground coffee, standard nutrition facts can be exempt, but anything containing additives or flavors may require a nutritional panel.
For a practical walk-through, check CFIA’s Food Label Requirements Checklist.
5. Customs Clearance and Duties
Coffee imports into Canada are generally duty-free according to the national customs tariff (HS code: 0901.11 for green coffee, 0901.21 for roasted). However, you still need to:
GST (Goods and Services Tax) is generally payable on food imports, including coffee, unless your shipment is under a de-minimis value. Pro tip: Check the latest CBSA rules or work with an experienced customs broker.
External resource: CBSA’s Step-by-Step Guide to Importing Commercial Goods.
- Complete a Canada Customs Invoice and/or commercial invoice
- Provide a Bill of Lading and packing list.
- Submit the import declaration using the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) system.
GST (Goods and Services Tax) is generally payable on food imports, including coffee, unless your shipment is under a de-minimis value. Pro tip: Check the latest CBSA rules or work with an experienced customs broker.
External resource: CBSA’s Step-by-Step Guide to Importing Commercial Goods.
Bill of Landing example
6. Shipping Logistics & Transportation
Coffee shipments typically arrive by sea freight (for larger orders) or air (for smaller, urgent deliveries). Your options:
Canada’s major ports for coffee imports include Vancouver (West Coast), Toronto/Montreal (East/Central). Make sure the shipment is well-packed to protect from moisture and pests, as Canadian authorities may require inspection at the border.
- Full Container Load (FCL): Cost-effective for large volumes.
- Less than Container Load (LCL): For smaller quantities.
- Air Freight: Fast but expensive; best for samples or premium, small-batch coffee.
Canada’s major ports for coffee imports include Vancouver (West Coast), Toronto/Montreal (East/Central). Make sure the shipment is well-packed to protect from moisture and pests, as Canadian authorities may require inspection at the border.
7. Finding Reliable Coffee Suppliers
Your supplier’s reliability directly affects your coffee’s quality and your reputation in the Canadian market. When sourcing abroad, whether in Vietnam, Brazil, Ethiopia or Colombia, vet your partners for quality, certifications, logistical experience, and responsiveness.
If Vietnam is on your radar (it’s the world’s second-largest coffee producer), get an overview of reputable exporters in Top Coffee Supply Companies: A Global Overview for Importers of Retail-Ready Brands.
If Vietnam is on your radar (it’s the world’s second-largest coffee producer), get an overview of reputable exporters in Top Coffee Supply Companies: A Global Overview for Importers of Retail-Ready Brands.
8. Practical Tips for Successful Coffee Importing
A few lessons from those who’ve gone before you:
- Order samples before a large purchase; cup each batch to confirm it meets your flavor and quality expectations.
- Ask for documentation - origin certificates, lab test results, and export/compliance paperwork.
- Allow for lead time. Shipping and customs clearance can be unpredictable, especially with global supply chain disruptions.
- Stay up to date: Canadian food import regulations may change. Subscribe to CFIA alerts or work with an expert customs broker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I import coffee to Canada from Vietnam or Southeast Asia?
Yes! Vietnamese, Indonesian, and other Southeast Asian coffees are increasingly popular in Canada. The process is the same as outlined above - just ensure your supplier understands Canadian standards and documentation.
Do I have to register my coffee business in Canada before importing?
If you’re importing commercially (for resale), yes. You’ll need a Business Number and an SFC license.
Are there any tariffs on coffee imports?
No duties on raw or roasted coffee, but GST applies, and flavored/processed products may be different.
Do I need to test my coffee in Canada before selling?
Testing for toxins, pesticides, or mold is not required for every shipment but is best practice - especially for organic or specialty markets.
Yes! Vietnamese, Indonesian, and other Southeast Asian coffees are increasingly popular in Canada. The process is the same as outlined above - just ensure your supplier understands Canadian standards and documentation.
Do I have to register my coffee business in Canada before importing?
If you’re importing commercially (for resale), yes. You’ll need a Business Number and an SFC license.
Are there any tariffs on coffee imports?
No duties on raw or roasted coffee, but GST applies, and flavored/processed products may be different.
Do I need to test my coffee in Canada before selling?
Testing for toxins, pesticides, or mold is not required for every shipment but is best practice - especially for organic or specialty markets.
In Summary
Importing coffee to Canada involves more than just sourcing great beans - it’s about compliance, documentation, reliable logistics, and adapting to the Canadian consumer’s taste. With the right preparations and connections, you’ll be well on your way to introducing new, exciting coffee varieties to the Canadian market.
Looking for a supplier that’s already shipping to international markets with experience in compliance and labeling? MR.VIET offers Vietnamese coffee, chocolate, and fruit-based snacks that meet global standards and ship smoothly into North America.
Looking for a supplier that’s already shipping to international markets with experience in compliance and labeling? MR.VIET offers Vietnamese coffee, chocolate, and fruit-based snacks that meet global standards and ship smoothly into North America.
