Roasted and ground coffee is roasted green coffee beans, which can be left whole or ground into powder for brewing. When exporting roasted coffee to China, the production facility must register with China Customs (GACC) according to Order 280, the product needs flavor-preserving packaging (usually with a one-way valve), clear expiration date, correct Chinese label and a unified set of documents.
What is the difference between roasted coffee beans and roasted ground coffee?
Both are roasted coffee, the only difference is the grinding step. Which form to choose depends on the sales channel and mixing habits of users in the import market.
| Criteria | Roasted coffee beans | Roasted and ground coffee (powder) |
|---|---|---|
| Keep the scent | Longer because the contact surface is less | Loss of flavor faster after opening the bag |
| Object | Coffee shop, person with blender | Household, office, filter mixing, filtering |
| Packaging | One-way valve bag, tin box | One-way valve bags, vacuum bags, filter packs |
| Expiry date | Usually longer | Usually shorter, needs to be clearly stated |
Quality standards for roasted and ground coffee for export
Roast level and flavor
The level of light, medium or dark roast needs to be stable between batches. International buyers often request a standard sample and compare each lot to that sample.
Ingredient
If the product is mixed with ingredients other than coffee, the business must fully state it on the label. Each market has its own regulations regarding allowed additives.
- Roasted beans are evenly colored, not burned, not raw.
- The powder is ground to the declared fineness, without any impurities.
- Control humidity and food safety standards according to the market.
- There are records of traceability of raw materials and production batch numbers.
One-way valve packaging and expiration date
After roasting, coffee continues to release gases. The one-way valve allows air to escape but prevents air from entering, preventing the bag from bulging and limiting oxidation.
- Multi-layer bags have layers that block air, moisture and light.
- The one-way valve is securely attached, no air leaks.
- Sealed seams, resistant to impact during transportation.
- The outer carton has the product name, batch number, weight, and production date written on it.
Expiration date is determined by the manufacturer based on packaging and testing conditions. Production date and expiration date on the label must match the shipment documents.
Exporting roasted and ground coffee to China
Roasted coffee is a food, so production facilities must register with GACC before exporting. Order 280 takes effect from June 1, 2026, replacing Order 248; The registration code under Order 248 is still valid and can still be used.
- Register production facility on the official system of GACC.
- Update information: If you change the production address or legal representative, you must re-register.
- Chinese label: Product name, ingredients, net weight, production date, expiration date, storage method, origin, importer information, facility registration code.
- Declaration and customs clearance: Declarations, invoices, packing slips and labels must be consistent.
China Customs does not charge registration fees. Businesses should only search and register on customs.gov.cn or singlewindow.cn.
Documents need to be prepared
- Contracts, commercial invoices, packing slips.
- Food safety testing certificate when required by buyers or the market.
- Certificate of origin to enjoy tax incentives.
- Customs declaration, bill of lading.
- The Chinese label sample has been confirmed by the importer.
For other markets such as Korea, Japan, and the EU, businesses should check label regulations and food safety indicators with competent authorities.
Frequently asked questions
Does roasted coffee need a GACC code?
Have. Roasted coffee is a food, so the production facility must be registered with GACC before goods enter China.
Why do bags of roasted coffee need a one-way valve?
Freshly roasted coffee continues to release gases. The one-way valve helps release air, preventing outside air from entering, keeping the scent longer and avoiding bag inflation.
Can Chinese labels be attached?
Additional labels can be used if they meet regulations, but must be pasted before customs clearance and the content must be complete and match documents.
Conclude
Roasted and ground coffee for export needs stable quality, good flavor-retaining packaging, clear labels and expiration dates, and a valid facility registration code. Andwind supports procedures consulting, GACC code registration, label checking, documents and shipping for businesses.
Need advice on procedures, codes or shipping? Contact Andwind – Zalo 0967948685 · andwind.vn