Italy is one of Europe’s important coffee markets and has a strong roasting and coffee culture. For Italian importers, roasters, distributors and coffee companies, sourcing green coffee directly from India can provide access to Arabica, Robusta and distinctive specialty coffees.
However, importing coffee from India to Italy involves more than finding an attractive price.
The buyer needs to evaluate the coffee specification, supplier, commercial terms, EU customs requirements, food-safety obligations, documentation, shipping arrangements and, increasingly, sustainability and traceability requirements.
This guide explains the process of importing green coffee from India to Italy, from selecting the right Indian coffee to receiving the shipment in Italy.
Important: Import requirements can change. This guide is intended for general B2B information and should be checked against current EU and Italian requirements before a commercial shipment. The European Commission’s Access2Markets and TARIC databases should be used to confirm the current product-specific requirements. Taxation and Customs Union
India offers Italian buyers a diverse range of coffee products.
The two principal commercial coffee species are:
Indian coffee can be supplied in several commercial forms, including:
The Coffee Board of India officially lists these commercial categories and provides export-related services for registered Indian coffee exporters. Coffee Board
For an Italian buyer, Indian coffee can therefore be considered for:
Coffee can be imported into Italy by businesses such as:
An Italian buyer does not necessarily have to purchase directly from a coffee estate.
Coffee may be sourced from an Indian:
For a first-time importer, working with an experienced exporter and an Italian customs broker or freight forwarder can simplify the process.
Before contacting an Indian supplier, the Italian buyer should decide what type of coffee is required.
Common options include:
Suitable for:
Suitable for:
Potential options include:
The right coffee depends on the buyer’s roasting style, target market and desired cup profile.
Italian buyers sourcing from India should understand the terminology used in the Indian coffee trade.
Generally refers to washed Arabica coffee.
Common commercial grades include:
Generally refers to naturally processed Arabica.
Generally refers to washed Robusta.
Common grades include:
Generally refers to naturally processed Robusta.
The exact specification should always be confirmed with the Indian exporter.
An Italian buyer should not simply ask for:
“Indian coffee.”
Instead, prepare a complete specification.
For example:
Product: Indian Green Coffee
Species: Arabica
Variety: S.795
Origin: Karnataka
Process: Washed
Grade: Plantation A
Screen: Buyer specification
Moisture: Buyer specification
Defects: Buyer specification
Cup Profile: Chocolate, caramel, nuts
Crop: Current crop
Quantity: 20 MT
Packaging: Jute + hermetic liner
Incoterm: FOB
Destination: Italy
This makes it much easier for Indian exporters to provide comparable quotations.
Italian coffee companies often use both Arabica and Robusta depending on their blend and roasting requirements.
Indian Arabica may provide:
Indian Robusta may provide:
For espresso blends, a buyer may evaluate both species rather than treating them as alternatives.
The processing method is an important part of the buying specification.
Examples from India include:
Washed coffees can provide cleaner and more defined cup characteristics.
Examples include:
Natural coffees can provide greater body and fruit characteristics depending on the lot and processing conditions.
India also produces distinctive coffees using specialized post-harvest methods.
One important example is Monsooned Malabar, which undergoes controlled exposure to humid monsoon conditions and develops its characteristic physical and sensory properties.
Once the coffee requirement is defined, the Italian buyer should identify suitable Indian suppliers.
When evaluating an exporter, check:
The Coffee Board of India states that coffee exporters can register with the Board and obtain a Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC). It also issues export permits and ICO Certificates of Origin to registered coffee exporters. Coffee Board
Before placing a commercial order, request basic company information.
The buyer can verify:
Do not send payment solely because a supplier provides an attractive quotation.
The commercial identity of the supplier and the bank/payment details should be independently verified.
A professional Italian buyer should request a representative sample before purchasing a commercial quantity.
Evaluate:
For specialty coffee, the buyer should also evaluate the stated cup profile and, where relevant, cupping score.
Do not compare suppliers only on price.
Compare the same specification.
| Parameter | Supplier A | Supplier B | Supplier C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Species | Arabica | Arabica | Arabica |
| Origin | Same | Same | Same |
| Variety | Same | Same | Same |
| Process | Washed | Washed | Washed |
| Grade | Same | Same | Same |
| Screen | Same | Same | Same |
| Moisture | Same | Same | Same |
| Defects | Same | Same | Same |
| Crop | Same | Same | Same |
| Packaging | Same | Same | Same |
| Quantity | Same | Same | Same |
| Incoterm | FOB | FOB | FOB |
| Port | Same | Same | Same |
| Price | Compare | Compare | Compare |
This prevents a lower price from appearing attractive simply because the supplier is offering a different quality specification.
Coffee is classified under HS heading 0901.
For green, non-decaffeinated coffee, the EU Combined Nomenclature includes CN code 090111 for coffee that is not roasted and not decaffeinated. European Commission
However, the exact classification should be confirmed for the specific product before shipment.
The EU’s TARIC database integrates customs tariffs and other EU commercial and agricultural measures and is updated daily. Taxation and Customs Union
For an Italian import, the buyer or customs broker should verify:
Before confirming a purchase, Italian buyers should check the current EU requirements using:
TARIC
TARIC provides EU customs tariff and trade measures.
Access2Markets
Access2Markets provides information on:
These official databases should be checked for the specific product and origin before every commercial shipment. Taxation and Customs Union
An Italian business importing coffee into the EU needs an EORI number for customs operations.
EORI stands for:
Economic Operators Registration and Identification
The European Commission states that an EORI number is mandatory for customs clearance operations in the EU, including import, export and transit. Taxation and Customs Union
An Italian importer should therefore have its EORI arrangements in place before the first commercial import.
The EORI number is used in customs communications and declarations.
A customs broker or customs representative can assist with:
For a first-time coffee importer, using a customs professional familiar with food products can reduce administrative problems.
The EU’s Access2Markets guidance provides information on customs documents, EORI and import procedures. EU Trade
Coffee imported into Italy must comply with applicable EU food-safety requirements.
EU rules for foodstuffs of non-animal origin include general food hygiene and official-control requirements. EU Trade
Depending on the product and circumstances, buyers should consider requirements relating to:
The importer remains responsible for ensuring that the product complies with applicable EU requirements.
EU pesticide maximum residue levels are regulated under EU legislation.
The European Commission states that EU legislation establishes maximum residue levels for pesticides in food and feed, with a harmonized assessment system covering agricultural products. Food Safety
For coffee sourced from India, buyers should therefore discuss appropriate quality-control testing with the exporter.
For example, an Italian buyer may request a laboratory report covering relevant parameters before shipment.
The exact testing requirements should be agreed based on the product, buyer specification and current EU rules.
EU food legislation also regulates contaminants in food.
Depending on the product and applicable legislation, contaminant controls can include substances such as:
The European Commission provides the current framework and guidance for food contaminants. Food Safety
For commercial shipments, Italian buyers should identify any required laboratory testing before the coffee leaves India.
If the buyer is purchasing coffee marketed as organic, additional requirements apply.
Organic status should not be assumed simply because the coffee is described as “chemical-free,” “natural” or “sustainably grown.”
The buyer should request:
The EU has specific rules governing organic products imported from third countries. Access2Markets notes India among countries recognized for organic equivalence arrangements under the relevant EU framework. EU Trade
Always verify the current certification and documentation requirements before shipment.
The EU Deforestation Regulation, commonly known as EUDR, is particularly important for coffee imports.
Coffee is one of the commodities covered by the regulation.
The current EU implementation timetable is:
The European Commission has also updated the regulation and implementation guidance during 2026. Environment
For coffee entering the EU, buyers should therefore begin discussing EUDR-related traceability with Indian suppliers before the applicable deadline.
EUDR compliance can require supply-chain information demonstrating that relevant coffee was produced without prohibited deforestation or forest degradation.
Depending on the buyer’s role and the applicable rules, information can involve:
The European Commission explains that the EUDR framework uses information about the location of production and due diligence to demonstrate compliance. Consilium
For Italian buyers, this means that EUDR should be discussed before purchasing, not after the coffee has arrived at the port.
An Italian buyer should ask the Indian exporter:
Not every Indian coffee supplier will have the same level of traceability.
Therefore, EUDR requirements should be included in the sourcing specification.
The Indian exporter is responsible for completing the required Indian export formalities.
Coffee Board of India states that registered coffee exporters can apply for:
The Board also requires post-shipment documentation from registered exporters. Coffee Board
Typical export documentation may include:
The exact document set depends on the transaction and current destination requirements.
A Certificate of Origin identifies the origin of the exported coffee.
For Indian coffee exports, the Coffee Board issues the ICO Certificate of Origin to registered coffee exporters as part of the export process. Coffee Board
An Italian buyer may request the Certificate of Origin for:
The buyer should confirm the required format with the Italian customs broker before shipment.
Green coffee is commonly transported by sea for commercial quantities.
The shipment process generally involves:
Indian supplier → Inland transport → Indian port → Ocean freight → Italian/EU port → Customs clearance → Warehouse
The appropriate port depends on:
Possible Indian ports may include:
The exporter and freight forwarder should determine the most practical route for the specific shipment.
The buyer should not assume that the closest Italian port is automatically the best option.
Consider:
The most economical route can sometimes involve an EU port outside Italy followed by onward movement, depending on the commercial arrangement.
The customs and VAT implications should be confirmed before choosing such a route.
Common coffee trading terms include:
For an Italian buyer, FOB India may provide greater control over the international freight arrangement.
CIF Italy may be convenient for buyers who prefer the exporter to arrange ocean freight and insurance to the named destination port.
The correct choice depends on the buyer’s logistics capabilities and commercial strategy.
Always specify:
Incoterm + Named Place/Port + Incoterms Version
For example:
CIF Genoa, Italy – Incoterms® 2020
The purchase price is not the final cost.
A buyer should calculate:
Landed Cost = Coffee Price + Freight + Insurance + Customs Duty + VAT + Port Charges + Customs Clearance + Inland Transport + Other Applicable Costs
For an Italian buyer, taxes and import charges should be calculated with a customs broker or tax professional based on the exact product classification and transaction.
Do not use a generic online duty estimate for a commercial purchase.
Import taxation in Italy can depend on:
Coffee can also be subject to specific Italian tax treatment depending on the form of coffee and applicable legislation.
For example, the EU Access2Markets database currently identifies an Italian excise duty framework for coffee. EU Trade
Because tax rules can change, the importer should confirm the current treatment with an Italian customs/tax professional before calculating the final landed cost.
Green coffee must be protected from:
Common packaging includes:
The packaging should be agreed between buyer and exporter before the purchase contract is finalized.
For a commercial shipment, consider establishing a pre-shipment quality-control procedure.
Possible checks include:
For high-value or large shipments, an independent inspection company may be used.
The inspection procedure should be agreed before shipment rather than after a quality dispute occurs.
The exact documents depend on the transaction and destination requirements.
A typical commercial shipment may include:
The buyer should provide the required document list to the exporter before shipment.
Do not assume that every coffee shipment automatically requires or does not require a phytosanitary certificate.
The requirement can depend on the product, packaging, plant-health rules and current Italian/EU requirements.
The Italian importer should confirm the requirement with:
If required, the exporter should arrange the appropriate certificate before shipment.
When the shipment arrives, the Italian importer or its customs representative normally completes the import customs process.
The process can involve:
EU customs guidance states that goods entering the EU are placed under customs supervision and then assigned an appropriate customs procedure. Food Safety
Import logistics also involve advance cargo-security information.
The EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) requires advance security data for goods entering the EU.
The European Commission states that consignments entering EU territory from 1 June 2026 must have a valid Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), submitted through ICS2 or, in certain circumstances, through the relevant transit process. Taxation and Customs Union
In practice, the importer, carrier and freight-forwarding chain should coordinate to ensure the required data is submitted correctly.
Before placing an order, ask:
Italy has access to coffee from many producing origins.
The following comparison is a broad sourcing guide rather than a quality ranking.
| Origin | Major Coffee Strength | Potential Buyer Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| India | Arabica, Robusta and specialty coffee | Diverse products and distinctive Indian processing |
| Brazil | Arabica and Robusta | Large volumes and broad commercial availability |
| Vietnam | Robusta | Strong commercial Robusta supply |
| Colombia | Arabica | Established washed Arabica supply |
| Ethiopia | Arabica | Distinctive specialty profiles |
| Indonesia | Arabica and Robusta | Diverse origins and processing styles |
The right origin depends on:
India can be particularly interesting for Italian roasters looking beyond conventional sourcing patterns and seeking both commercial Robusta and distinctive Arabica or specialty coffees.
Italy’s coffee culture has a strong connection with espresso.
Indian Robusta can be considered for espresso blends where the roaster is looking for:
Indian Arabica can complement Robusta by contributing:
The ideal blend ratio should be determined through roasting and sensory trials rather than assumed from origin alone.
The appropriate quantity depends on:
A new buyer may prefer to establish the supplier relationship with a manageable commercial shipment before moving to larger recurring volumes.
For large-volume purchasing, buyers should discuss annual supply programs and shipment schedules with the exporter.
The cheapest quotation may not represent the lowest landed cost.
Always evaluate the actual coffee before a commercial purchase.
A product name alone is not a complete quality specification.
Destination requirements should be checked before shipment.
Italian buyers should discuss traceability requirements with suppliers before the applicable EUDR deadlines.
The importer should have the appropriate customs identification before importing.
Confirm the applicable CN/TARIC code with the customs broker.
Documentation problems can cause delays at the destination.
FOB or CIF price alone does not tell the buyer the final cost.
The contract should establish the agreed quality parameters before shipment.
The complete process can be summarized as:
Choose:
Identify exporters capable of supplying the specification.
Ask for comparable FOB/CFR/CIF quotations.
Evaluate the coffee before purchasing.
Check company and export credentials.
Check:
Confirm:
Define the complete product and quality specification.
The Indian exporter completes the export documentation and customs process.
Coffee is transported by sea to the agreed destination.
The Italian importer/customs representative completes the import declaration and applicable procedures.
The cargo is released and transported to the buyer’s warehouse.
☐ EORI available
☐ Customs broker appointed
☐ Coffee specification prepared
☐ Supplier verified
☐ Sample received
☐ Sample approved
☐ EU import requirements checked
☐ CN/TARIC classification checked
☐ Food-safety requirements checked
☐ EUDR requirements assessed
☐ Quantity confirmed
☐ Price confirmed
☐ Currency confirmed
☐ Incoterm confirmed
☐ Port confirmed
☐ Packaging confirmed
☐ Payment terms confirmed
☐ Shipment schedule confirmed
☐ Moisture specification
☐ Screen size
☐ Defect tolerance
☐ Cup profile
☐ Crop year
☐ Laboratory testing where required
☐ Pre-shipment inspection where required
☐ Commercial Invoice
☐ Packing List
☐ Bill of Lading
☐ Certificate of Origin
☐ Coffee Board Export Permit
☐ ICO Certificate of Origin
☐ Laboratory certificates where required
☐ Other destination-specific certificates
☐ EUDR information where applicable
Yes. An Italian business can purchase green coffee from an Indian exporter, subject to EU and Italian customs, food-safety and other applicable requirements.
Yes. An EORI number is required for EU customs operations, including imports. Taxation and Customs Union
Coffee falls under HS heading 0901. For non-roasted, non-decaffeinated coffee, the EU CN classification includes 090111. The exact classification should be verified in TARIC for the specific product and shipment. European Commission
A customs broker is not necessarily the only possible arrangement, but professional customs representation can be highly useful, particularly for first-time importers.
Typical documents can include:
The exact list depends on the product and current Italian/EU requirements.
Yes. The Coffee Board states that registered coffee exporters can apply for export permits and ICO Certificates of Origin. Coffee Board
Coffee is within the scope of the EU Deforestation Regulation. The current application dates are 30 December 2026 for large and medium operators and 30 June 2027 for most micro and small operators. Environment
Discuss traceability and production-location information with the supplier, including the information needed to support the buyer’s applicable due-diligence obligations.
Yes. Indian Arabica and Robusta can be used in espresso blends. Indian Robusta can contribute body and crema, while Arabica can contribute aroma, sweetness and complexity.
There is no fixed answer. Coffee prices depend on species, grade, quality, crop, market conditions, freight, quantity and commercial terms.
Yes. A representative sample should be evaluated before committing to a commercial quantity.
Yes. India produces specialty Arabica, Robusta and distinctive coffees such as Monsooned Malabar and Robusta Kaapi Royale.
Whether testing is required depends on the product, applicable EU controls and buyer requirements. Buyers should verify the current requirements and agree testing with the exporter before shipment.
There is no single best Incoterm. FOB can give the buyer more control over freight, while CIF can simplify freight procurement. The correct choice depends on the buyer’s logistics capabilities.
Transit time depends on the Indian port, shipping line, destination port, vessel schedule and other logistics factors. The exporter or freight forwarder should provide a current sailing schedule for the specific shipment.
Yes, depending on supplier MOQ and the commercial shipping arrangement. Samples and smaller commercial shipments can be discussed with the exporter.
Importing coffee from India to Italy can provide access to a diverse range of Arabica, Robusta and specialty coffees.
But successful sourcing depends on more than finding a competitive price.
An Italian buyer should follow a structured process:
Define the coffee → Find the right Indian exporter → Evaluate samples → Verify quality → Check EU/Italian requirements → Confirm EORI and customs arrangements → Agree commercial terms → Prepare documentation → Ship → Clear customs → Receive the coffee
For 2026 and beyond, Italian buyers should pay particular attention to EUDR readiness and traceability, alongside normal customs and food-safety requirements. The EU’s current EUDR implementation timeline places major obligations from 30 December 2026, with later application for most micro and small operators. Environment
The best sourcing relationship is one where the buyer and exporter agree on the coffee specification, quality, documentation, traceability, packaging and commercial terms before the coffee is shipped.
Dream Crest Coffee Exporters helps international coffee buyers source Indian Arabica, Robusta and specialty coffee according to specific quality and commercial requirements.
Our range includes:
Whether the requirement is for an Italian roaster, green coffee importer, distributor or coffee trading company, sourcing can be based on:
Species + Origin + Variety + Processing + Grade + Quality + Quantity + Packaging + Destination
Share the required coffee specification with Dream Crest Coffee Exporters to discuss suitable Indian coffee options.
Share your requirements and our team will get back to you with the best options tailored to your business needs.
Carefully sourced indian coffee that meets international standards.
Best value for premium quality and long-term partnerships.
Consistent quality and on-time shipments you can count on.
Dedicated support from inquiry to long-term success.
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