How to import coffee from Ethiopia: a step-by-step guide for roasters

Ethiopia is one of the world's most important coffee origins: a source of Grade 1 Arabica with traceable cooperative production, reliable annual harvests, and an export system that, once understood, is straightforward to work with.

For roasters importing Ethiopian green coffee for the first time, the process can appear complex. This guide covers each stage so that roasters can approach their first Ethiopian import with a clear view of what to expect.

Why import directly from Ethiopia?

Direct import gives roasters access to named-lot and microlot coffees at earlier pricing stages, direct traceability documentation, and a relationship with the producer country rather than an intermediary. The trade-off is that the roaster takes on the importer role and the responsibilities that come with it.

Step 1: Choose a licensed Ethiopian coffee exporter

Ethiopian coffee exports are regulated by the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) and the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA). Before placing any order, verify that your exporter:

• Holds a current ECTA export licence
• Can provide an ICO Certificate of Origin
• Has a track record of direct export to your target market
• Can supply lot-specific traceability documentation

Ethiopian Arabica is a licensed ECTA exporter with a direct export record to the EU, UK, and international markets.

Step 2: Select your lot and agree on price

Ethiopian Arabica exports five primary origins: Yirgacheffe, Sidama, Guji, Harrar, and Jimma. When selecting a lot, you will typically receive a green sample (100-200g) with cupping notes, arriving by courier within 3-5 days. Minimum order quantities are 50 bags (60kg each, 3,000kg total).

Pricing is quoted FOB Djibouti. The Ethiopian Arabica price covers the coffee, export clearance, inland freight from the dry mill to Djibouti, and loading onto the vessel.

Step 3: Sign a sale contract

Once you have agreed on the lot, quantity, and FOB price, Ethiopian Arabica issues a sale contract covering specification, weight, FOB price, payment terms (typically 30% deposit on contract, 70% against shipping documents), and shipment window.

Step 4: Arrange freight and insurance

Key logistics facts for Ethiopian coffee imports:

• Export route: Ethiopian dry mill to Djibouti port (overland, approx. 900km) then vessel loading
• Djibouti to EU ports: 18-28 days sailing time (Hamburg, Rotterdam, Felixstowe)
• Djibouti to US East Coast: 20-30 days
• Container size: 20ft FCL typically carries 275-300 bags (60kg). LCL groupage is available for smaller orders.

Cargo insurance should cover 110% of CIF value.

Step 5: Receive and verify shipping documents

When the coffee is loaded at Djibouti, Ethiopian Arabica provides: bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, ICO Certificate of Origin, phytosanitary certificate, and EUDR due diligence documentation (for EU-bound shipments).

Step 6: Clear customs and take delivery

EU import: Green (unroasted) coffee attracts 0% import duty. Before the coffee can be placed on the EU market, you must submit a due diligence statement via the EU EUDR Information System. See our EUDR guide for EU roasters for detail.

UK import: 0% under the UK Global Tariff.

US import: 0% under the standard tariff.

How long does the full process take?

| Stage | Typical duration | |---|---| | Green sample receipt and cupping | 5-10 days | | Contract agreement and deposit | 3-7 days | | Export preparation and loading | 14-21 days | | Ocean transit to EU port | 18-28 days | | Customs clearance and delivery | 5-10 days | | Total | 45-66 days |

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to import coffee from Ethiopia?

In the EU, UK, and US, there is no specific licence required to import green coffee for commercial use. In the EU, EUDR compliance is a prerequisite for placing the coffee on the market.

Does Ethiopian coffee attract import duty?

No. Green (unroasted) coffee from Ethiopia attracts 0% import duty in the EU, UK, and US under standard tariff schedules.

Can I import a sample before committing to a full order?

Yes. Ethiopian Arabica provides green samples (100-200g) by courier before any commercial order is placed. The sample is from the same lot as the offered export quantity.

What payment methods do you accept?

Ethiopian Arabica accepts international bank transfer (SWIFT). Letters of credit are available for orders above 100 bags. Payment terms are typically 30% deposit on contract, 70% against shipping documents.

Can Ethiopian Arabica arrange the freight to my port?

Ethiopian Arabica quotes FOB Djibouti. Freight from Djibouti to your destination port is arranged by the buyer's freight forwarder. Ethiopian Arabica can recommend freight forwarders with experience on Djibouti-Europe and Djibouti-US lanes if required.

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To start the import process for Grade 1 Ethiopian Arabica, contact Ethiopian Arabica at info@premium-ethiopian-coffee.com or WhatsApp +251 911 598 197. Green samples, lot availability, and current FOB pricing on request.