An HS code - or Harmonized System code - is a multi-digit number assigned to every product traded internationally. Developed by the World Customs Organization and used by more than 200 countries, the HS code is the language of cross-border trade. Customs officials, freight forwarders, and logistics professionals rely on it to identify what’s being shipped, apply the right tariffs, and ensure regulatory compliance.

For coffee businesses, inputting the correct HS code is as important as proper packaging or labeling. Mistakes can result in customs delays, fines, or even confiscated goods.

Coffee isn’t covered by just one code; there are different HS codes depending on how the coffee is processed. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Unroasted (Green) Coffee Beans

• HS Code: 0901.11
• Applies to: Not decaffeinated, still raw/green
• HS Code: 0901.12
• Applies to: Decaffeinated, unroasted

These are the codes you’ll use for green Vietnamese Robusta or Arabica beans intended for roasting elsewhere. Green beans are the mainstay of global wholesale coffee trades. Read more about the supply chain in Coffee Supply Chain Best Practices: Ensuring Consistency and Quality.

2. Roasted Coffee Beans

• HS Code: 0901.21
• Applies to: Not decaffeinated, roasted
• HS Code: 0901.22
• Applies to: Decaffeinated, roasted

If you’re exporting finished, ready-to-brew beans, these are the HS codes you’ll need. This is especially important for coffee brands and cafés who deal in retail-ready, roasted products.

3. Instant Coffee and Coffee Extracts

• HS Code: 2101.11
• Applies to: Extracts, essences, and concentrates of coffee
• HS Code: 2101.12
• Applies to: Preparations with a basis of these extracts or concentrates, including instant coffee mixes

Instant coffee and coffee mixes are often shipped globally thanks to their convenience and long shelf life. If you’re working with soluble coffee, ensure you don’t confuse this section with roasted bean codes! Compare the merits of instant and ground coffee in Instant Coffee vs Ground Coffee: What’s the Difference and Which One to Choose?.

4. Coffee Substitutes and Chicory

• HS Code: 2101.30
• Applies to: Coffee substitutes containing coffee (such as chicory blends)

While not pure coffee, these products often appear in the same trade channels.

1. Customs Clearance

Your shipment’s journey through customs heavily depends on proper coding. Incorrect classification can lead to costly holdups or even refusal at the port. According to the World Customs Organization, about 98% of international merchandise trade uses the HS system.

2. Tariff Calculation and Duties

HS codes dictate what import duties, taxes, and tariffs are charged. For coffee, rules and tax rates can vary widely based on the product’s form (green, roasted, instant, etc.) and the importing country’s trade agreements or restrictions.

3. Statistical and Regulatory Tracking

Accurate coding helps governments track commodity flows, sets the foundation for supply chain compliance, and ensures you’re following all phytosanitary and safety regulations.

The World Customs Organization sets forth the basic codes, but each country may add more digits for detail. For example, the U.S. uses the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) - so “0901.11” might appear as “0901.11.0020.” The EU and other regions have their own expanded systems. Always double-check with:

• Your freight forwarder or customs broker
• National customs database (such as U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule or the EU TARIC database)

Mismatches - even an extra digit - can create major paperwork headaches.

Let’s put it into practical context with a few real-life cases:

• Importing Vietnamese green coffee beans to the USA: Use HS 0901.11.0020. Your U.S. customs broker will need this code for all relevant documents.
• Exporting decaffeinated roasted beans from Italy to Japan: Use HS 0901.22, but double-check Japan’s specific extended classification.
• Shipping instant coffee mixes to Australia: Start with HS 2101.12, then check Australia’s tariff code database for any local variations.

Each situation may add complexity - flavorings, packaging, or admixtures can push you into adjacent HS categories.

Assigning the correct HS code for coffee is not just a bureaucratic box-ticking exercise - it’s crucial for legal trading, fair tariffs, and a smooth global coffee supply chain. With this simple guide, you’re equipped to identify, apply, and confidently manage HS codes for coffee - whether it’s green beans, roasted blends, or instant mixes crossing international borders.

If your business depends on coffee imports or exports, consider staying up-to-date with official tariff resources and guides, or partner with agents experienced in global coffee trade logistics.

Already working with coffee or planning to expand your range? MR.VIET supplies export-ready Vietnamese products with clearly labeled HS codes, documentation, and support for smooth cross-border shipments — from green beans to flavored instant mixes.