Importing Coffee to the USA: What You Need to Know Before Getting Started

Learn how to import coffee to the USA with this step-by-step guide for businesses. Covers FDA rules, labeling, duties, supplier selection, and compliance tips.

The United States is the largest importer of coffee in the world — and the demand for high-quality, globally sourced coffee continues to grow. Whether you’re an established distributor or a retailer looking to expand your product range, importing coffee into the U.S. can be a profitable opportunity.
But it’s also a regulated process with specific steps, especially when you're importing retail-ready packaged coffee. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before getting started.

1. Decide What Type of Coffee You’re Importing

The U.S. classifies coffee imports in different ways depending on the format:

Green coffee beans (unroasted)
Roasted beans
Ground coffee
Instant coffee (soluble)
Retail-ready packaged coffee
Ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee

Each type may have different import documentation, labeling, and FDA requirements.

2. Understand U.S. Coffee Import Regulations

Importing coffee to the U.S. involves multiple federal agencies. Here’s what you need to know:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Classifies the product for tariff and duty purposes
Coffee is usually duty-free, but you still need proper classification and paperwork.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

All food products, including coffee, must be registered and may be subject to inspection.
Prior Notice must be filed before your shipment arrives.
Labeling must follow FDA guidelines, including ingredients, allergens, and nutrition facts if applicable.

USDA – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Applies primarily to unroasted coffee. Retail-ready roasted or ground coffee typically has fewer plant-related restrictions.

3. Ensure Your Supplier Can Meet U.S. Standards

Choose a supplier experienced in exporting to the U.S. market. Make sure they can provide:

FDA-registered facilities
Clear product labeling in English
Certificates of origin, packing lists, commercial invoices
Product testing (for example, if importing organic or specialty-grade coffee)

Tip: Consider working with established Vietnamese brands like Mr. Viet, which offer bold packaging, full compliance, and experience working with U.S. partners.

4. Labeling Requirements for Retail-Ready Coffee

The FDA requires the following for packaged food items:

Statement of identity (e.g., “Ground Coffee”)
Net weight in both metric and U.S. customary units
Ingredients list (even if just “100% Robusta Coffee”)
Allergen statement, if applicable
Nutrition Facts Panel – often not required for 100% coffee, but mandatory for flavored or mixed products
Name and address of manufacturer or distributor
Country of origin (“Product of Vietnam”)

5. Choose the Right Import Method

Most U.S. coffee importers use one of the following options:

Direct Import (FOB or CIF) – You manage the shipping and customs clearance
Use an Importer of Record (IOR) – A third party handles compliance
Work with a U.S.-based distributor or partner – Some coffee suppliers already stock goods at U.S. warehouses
Also, consider whether you’re importing full containers or smaller pallets, which will affect your freight choices (ocean vs. air).

6. Certifications and Organic Claims

If you plan to import or sell organic coffee, the product must be:

Certified to USDA Organic standards (not just "organic" in the country of origin)
Verified by a certified organic control body
Labeled appropriately for the U.S. market

Other useful certifications for U.S. buyers include Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, Halal, and Kosher, depending on your target demographic.

7. Get Help From a Customs Broker

A licensed customs broker can help you navigate the complexities of coffee importation, especially when it comes to:

Classifying your product correctly
Submitting Prior Notice to the FDA
Filing documents to CBP
Avoiding costly delays or rejections

Hiring a broker is strongly recommended unless you have deep experience in food importing.

Final Note: Start Small, Then Scale

If you’re testing the U.S. market for the first time, consider importing:

Sample orders for pilot testing
A few SKUs that best match your customer base
Coffee with marketing-ready packaging and clear brand identity
A strong supplier relationship will help you expand with confidence as your U.S. sales grow.

Looking for a US-Ready Vietnamese Coffee Brand?

At Mr. Viet, we specialize in bold, retail-ready Vietnamese coffee with international certifications and experience supplying to partners around the world. If you're considering adding Vietnamese coffee to your U.S. product lineup, let's connect.