Export Coffee (Arabica / Robusta, green and instant) from India: Buyers, Process & Requirements
How to export Coffee (Arabica / Robusta, green and instant) from India, who buys it, the quality and documentation buyers expect, and how to connect with verified export buyers.
Top export markets for Coffee (Arabica / Robusta, green and instant)
How to export Coffee (Arabica / Robusta, green and instant) from India
Get an IEC from DGFT and register with the Coffee Board of India and follow its export registration and documentation procedure. Source from registered growers or curing works, process green beans (washed or natural) or instant coffee in compliant facilities, and meet the importing country's MRL, ochratoxin and food-safety limits, which matter for the EU. Grade by screen size, defect count and cup quality, and test where the market requires it. Pack green coffee in jute or GrainPro-lined bags and instant coffee in sealed moisture-barrier packs, labelling per the destination including any GI. Agree Incoterms and a secure payment method such as advance or letter of credit with the buyer first, then confirm Coffee Board registration, residue and ochratoxin limits and market access on the Coffee Board and FSSAI portals before booking.
Quality and standards buyers expect
Meet destination MRL, ochratoxin A and moisture limits. Green coffee should be graded by screen size, defect count and cup score; specialty lots command quality-based interest. Keep moisture controlled to prevent mould and ochratoxin. Confirm exact grades and limits per buyer and market.
Packaging
Jute bags, often with GrainPro or hermetic liners, for green coffee to preserve quality; sealed moisture-barrier packs for instant coffee. Label per destination and use the GI name only for genuine origin.
Demand and opportunity
Established demand, with Europe (notably Italy and Germany) a major destination for Indian green coffee, much of it Robusta, plus interest in specialty and monsooned lots. India exports a large share of its crop, but prices follow global commodity markets and the trade is competitive. Verify buyer demand directly.
GI tags and premium positioning
Several Indian coffees are registered GIs, including Coorg Arabica, Wayanad Robusta, Chikmagalur Arabica, Araku Valley Arabica, Bababudangiris Arabica and Monsooned Malabar Robusta; use the GI name only for genuinely sourced coffee.
Common pitfalls and scams to avoid
Ochratoxin or MRL rejection; moisture and mould from poor storage; commodity price volatility; misuse of GI names; and advance-fee or fake-buyer scams.
Indicative HS code: 0901 (coffee, green or roasted; husks and substitutes) and 2101 (extracts, essences and instant coffee). Confirm the exact 8-digit line for your form on the DGFT schedule.. Confirm the exact 8-digit code, current export policy, fees and MRLs on the official Coffee Board of India portal before you ship.