Complete step-by-step guide covering supplier selection, documents, Incoterms, customs clearance, HS codes, tariffs, and transit times.
Indonesia is the world's fourth-largest coffee producer and the largest Robusta exporter. Importing Indonesian green coffee — Arabica from Gayo, Mandheling, Toraja, or Flores, and Robusta from Lampung and Java — requires understanding the export documentation process, choosing the right Incoterms, and knowing what to expect from customs clearance in your country.
This guide covers the complete process for first-time and experienced importers.
Look for suppliers who are registered exporters (have SIUP and NIB — Indonesian business licenses), can provide Grade 1 certified lots, and issue full export documentation. Always request a cupping sample (5–10 kg) before committing to bulk orders. Verify the supplier on Tridge, Alibaba, or through the Indonesian Coffee Exporters Association (AEKI).
Red flags: No physical address, no export license number, no SCA cupping reports, requests for full payment upfront from unknown buyers.
Before any bulk order, request a 5–10 kg cupping sample. Specify: origin, processing method, grade, screen size, moisture content, and SCA cupping score requirement. Get a cupping report from the supplier. Agree on packaging (jute bags vs. GrainPro), labeling, and lot traceability.
The two most common Incoterms for green coffee import from Indonesia are FOB (Free on Board) and CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight). See the comparison below.
Indonesian green coffee exporters must provide the following documents with every commercial shipment:
| Document | Issuing Authority | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Phytosanitary Certificate | BARANTAN (Indonesian Quarantine Agency) | Confirms goods are free from plant pests and diseases. Required by most importing countries. |
| Certificate of Origin (Form ICO) | Dinas Perindustrian (Local Trade Office) | Proves Indonesian origin. Required for tariff preferences and ICO tracking. |
| Health Certificate | Ministry of Health / BPOM | Confirms product meets food safety standards. Required by EU, US, and many markets. |
| Fumigation Certificate | Licensed fumigation company | Confirms cargo was fumigated (methyl bromide or phosphine). Required by most ports. |
| Commercial Invoice | Exporter | States price, quantity, buyer/seller details. Required for customs valuation. |
| Packing List | Exporter | Details bags, weights, lot numbers. Required for customs clearance. |
| Bill of Lading (B/L) | Shipping line | Title document for the cargo. Required to release goods at destination. |
| Organic Certificate (if applicable) | Certifying body (e.g., Lembaga Sertifikasi) | Required for organic labeling claims in destination market. |
| GACC Registration (China only) | General Administration of Customs China | Mandatory for food exports to China since 2022. |
0901.11.00 — Coffee, not roasted, not decaffeinated (green coffee beans)
0901.12.00 — Coffee, not roasted, decaffeinated
Always confirm the exact national tariff code with your customs broker, as sub-headings vary by country.
| Destination | Import Tariff (HS 0901.11) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 0% | MFN rate — no duty on unroasted coffee |
| European Union | 0% | GSP/MFN — Indonesia beneficiary |
| Australia | 0% | IACEPA (Indonesia-Australia FTA) — 0% |
| Japan | 0% | Under Indonesia-Japan EPA |
| South Korea | 2% → 0% | Indonesia-Korea CEPA phased reduction |
| China | 8% → reduced | RCEP may reduce; GACC registration required |
| Canada | 0% | MFN rate |
| United Kingdom | 0% | Post-Brexit MFN (UK Global Tariff) |
For LCL (Less than Container Load, under ~5 MT), use a freight forwarder who consolidates cargo. For FCL (Full Container Load, 17–19 MT of green coffee per 20' container), book directly with a shipping line or forwarder. Common Indonesia → Europe carriers: Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM. Indonesia → USA: Evergreen, Yang Ming, MSC.
At destination, your customs broker will handle entry, pay any duties, and release the cargo. Ensure all documents are received from the exporter before vessel arrival.
After customs release, cargo is trucked to your roastery, warehouse, or bonded warehouse. For specialty lots, store green coffee at 15–18°C, 50–60% RH. GrainPro-bagged lots maintain freshness for 18–24 months. Standard jute bags: 12 months under good conditions.
| Destination | Port | Transit Time (Sea) |
|---|---|---|
| Europe (Netherlands/Germany) | Rotterdam / Hamburg | 25 – 35 days |
| USA East Coast | New York / Baltimore | 35 – 45 days |
| USA West Coast | Los Angeles / Seattle | 28 – 35 days |
| Australia | Melbourne / Sydney | 10 – 18 days |
| Japan | Tokyo / Osaka | 10 – 15 days |
| South Korea | Busan | 12 – 18 days |
| China | Shanghai / Guangzhou | 8 – 14 days |
We handle full export documentation, provide SCA cupping reports, and offer sample orders before bulk commitment. Contact us to start the process.