Coffee export There are three main types of coffee in Vietnam: green coffee, roasted coffee (whole beans or ground) and instant coffee. To export coffee to China via official channels, businesses need to identify the correct product group to register for the appropriate GACC, meet plant quarantine for green coffee, label packaged goods in Chinese, and prepare a unified set of documents.
Popular forms of exported coffee
Vietnam is one of the major coffee producing countries, with two main varieties being Robusta and Arabica. Depending on the needs of the buyer, coffee is exported at different levels of processing.
- Green coffee bean: Shelled, dried or dried seeds, classified according to sieve size and error rate.
- Roasted coffee: whole or ground, in bags with one-way valves, aimed at retail chains and cafes.
- Instant coffee: powder or dried granules, can be pre-mixed with sugar and milk (2in1, 3in1 types), packed in small packages for immediate use.
Quality standards often required by buyers
Each contract has its own parameters, but buyers often consider some common criteria.
- The humidity of green coffee is at a suitable level so that it does not become moldy during long-term transportation.
- The ratio of black particles, broken particles, impurities and sieve size are correct for the offered classification.
- Not contaminated by live insects, no strange smell.
- For roasted and instant coffee: food safety criteria, microbiology, and additives comply with the regulations of the importing country.
Packaging and storage specifications
Coffee absorbs moisture and odor very quickly, so packaging largely determines the quality when the product arrives.
| Product form | Popular packaging | Note on preservation |
|---|---|---|
| Green coffee bean | Jute bags, PP bags, can be lined with moisture-proof bags or packed in lined containers | Line the container wall with dehumidifying paper to avoid condensation |
| Roasted coffee | Multi-layer bags with one-way valve, carton stacking | Avoid sunlight and high heat; clearly state the expiration date |
| Instant coffee | Packages, boxes, airtight jars, cartons | Keep dry, avoid punctured or dented packaging |
If wooden pallets are used, they must be treated and marked according to ISPM 15 standards.
What does it take to export coffee to China?
China Customs (GACC) manages imported food under Order 280 on registration of foreign food manufacturing enterprises, effective from June 1, 2026 and replacing Order 248. The registration code issued under Order 248 is still valid.
Identify product groups for GACC registration
Green coffee, roasted coffee and instant coffee may belong to different product groups in the registration system. Businesses need to compare HS codes and actual product descriptions to choose the appropriate group, avoiding incorrect registration that causes goods to be blocked during customs clearance. When changing the production address or legal representative, the enterprise must re-register.
Plant quarantine with green coffee
Green coffee beans are agricultural products that have not been deeply processed, so they still need plant quarantine according to the requirements of the importing country.
Chinese labels and documents
Retail packaged goods must have a Chinese label showing the product name, ingredients, origin, date of manufacture, expiry date and importer information. China Customs does not charge registration fees; Businesses should only operate on the official website customs.gov.cn or singlewindow.cn.
Other markets and common documents
Each market has its own requirements, businesses should check with the competent authority before each new application. The set of documents usually includes:
- Contracts, commercial invoices, packing slips, bills of lading.
- Plant quarantine certificate (for green coffee).
- Certificate of origin when the buyer needs to enjoy tax incentives.
What stages does Andwind support?
Andwind supports businesses in reviewing product groups and GACC registration documents, completing plant quarantine procedures, customs declaration, preparing documents and arranging appropriate road, sea or air transportation for each batch of coffee.
Frequently asked questions
Do roasted coffee and instant coffee require plant quarantine?
Coffee that has been roasted or processed into instant coffee is often managed towards processed foods. Specific requirements depend on the regulations of the importing country, so businesses need to check with the competent authority before exporting.
Can a business that exports both green coffee and instant coffee use the same GACC code?
Not sure, as each product group may have its own registration requirements. Enterprises should review each product to register with the correct group and production facility.
Can Chinese labels be applied after goods arrive in China?
Packaged goods should have proper Chinese labels right from the time of export to avoid being retained during inspection.
Conclude
Successful coffee export requires stable quality, good moisture-proof packaging and correct product group records.
Need advice on procedures, codes or shipping? Contact Andwind – Zalo 0967948685 · andwind.vn