How to Import Coffee from Brazil to Bangladesh?

A Complete Guide for Importers

 

Md. Joynal Abdin
Business Consultant | Entrepreneur | International Trade Specialist
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB)
Secretary General, Brazil Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BBCCI)

 

Brazil is one of the most important coffee-producing and exporting countries in the world, while Bangladesh is gradually developing a stronger coffee-drinking culture driven by urbanization, rising disposable income, café chains, restaurants, hotels, offices, younger consumers and growing interest in premium beverages. For Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, distributors, food companies, café operators and commodity traders, this creates an increasingly interesting opportunity to import coffee from Brazil to Bangladesh.

 

However, coffee importation should not be treated simply as buying a commodity overseas and arranging shipment. An importer must select the correct type of coffee, understand the relevant HS code, establish an importing business, obtain regulatory registrations, identify reliable Brazilian exporters, negotiate specifications, calculate landed cost, arrange banking and payment, satisfy food-safety and plant-quarantine requirements, handle customs clearance and finally establish a profitable distribution strategy in Bangladesh.

 

Brazil has both the scale and diversity required to serve different segments. Brazilian exporters supply commercial Arabica, Robusta/Conilon, specialty coffee, roasted coffee and processed coffee products to markets across the world. According to the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council, Cecafé, Brazil exported about 38.46 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee to 125 countries during the 2025/26 crop year, generating approximately US$14.6 billion in export revenue.

 

For a new importer, therefore, Brazil provides a large and sophisticated supplier base. The challenge is learning how to source and import professionally. This comprehensive guide explains the process step by step.

 

Why Import Coffee from Brazil?

Brazil’s competitive position in coffee comes from its enormous production base, established processing infrastructure, experienced exporters, multiple producing regions and ability to supply different grades and price levels. Brazil grows substantial quantities of both Arabica and Robusta/Conilon coffee. This means a Bangladeshi importer can source coffee for several market categories rather than concentrating only on expensive specialty products.

 

For example, an importer may source Brazilian coffee for:

• cafés and coffee shops;
• hotels and restaurants;
• supermarkets;
• corporate offices;
• institutional catering;
• coffee roasting companies;
• instant-coffee processors;
• private-label consumer brands;
• bakery and food-processing companies; and
• online retail.

 

Brazilian coffee therefore offers opportunities at both the B2B and B2C levels.

 

Cecafé reported that Brazil exported more than 3 million 60-kg bags of coffee in July 2026 alone. The scale of the country’s export industry allows Bangladeshi importers to approach established exporters capable of supplying internationally traded grades, specifications and documentation.

 

Step 1: Decide What Type of Coffee You Want to Import

The first business decision should be the product, not the supplier. Coffee can enter Bangladesh under different classifications depending on whether it is green, roasted, decaffeinated, packaged or processed.

 

Green Coffee Beans

Green coffee means coffee beans that have not yet been roasted. This is usually the most appropriate option for businesses that intend to roast, blend, grind, package or brand coffee locally in Bangladesh. The major advantage is control. The importer or local roaster can determine roast profile, freshness, blending and packaging. Bangladesh Customs classifies non-roasted, non-decaffeinated coffee primarily under HS heading 0901.11.

Green coffee can broadly be sourced as:

Arabica coffee – generally preferred for premium and specialty applications because of its aromatic characteristics and more complex flavor profile.

Robusta/Conilon coffee – typically stronger, more bitter and higher in caffeine, often used in espresso blends and processed coffee products.

An importer should determine whether the target customer needs commercial-grade green coffee, premium Arabica, specialty coffee or Robusta/Conilon before contacting suppliers.

 

Roasted Coffee Beans

Companies may also import coffee that has already been roasted in Brazil. Bangladesh Customs places roasted, non-decaffeinated coffee under HS heading 0901.21. This option can be attractive for distributors representing an established Brazilian coffee brand. However, roasted coffee has a freshness consideration. Once coffee is roasted, flavor and aroma gradually deteriorate. Shipping time, storage conditions and inventory turnover therefore become especially important.

 

Ground Coffee

Ground roasted coffee may be supplied directly for consumer or institutional use. Importers should pay particular attention to packaging quality, oxygen barriers, valves where appropriate, production date and remaining shelf life.

 

Instant or Soluble Coffee

Coffee extracts, essences and concentrates fall under Chapter 21 of the Bangladesh tariff. Customs lists HS 2101.11.00 for extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee, while preparations based on coffee or coffee extracts fall under 2101.12.00. Importers should never assume that all forms of coffee fall under HS 0901. The correct HS classification should therefore be confirmed before placing an order.

 

Step 2: Study the Bangladesh Coffee Market

Before importing, determine exactly who will buy the coffee. An importer should conduct a simple market study covering:

Target segment: supermarket retail, cafés, hotels, restaurants, corporate offices, wholesalers, coffee roasters or food manufacturers.

 

Preferred product: whole bean, ground coffee, instant coffee or green beans.

 

Preferred origin: mass-market Brazilian origin, premium single origin or specialty coffee.

 

Pack size: 100g, 200g, 250g, 500g, 1kg or bulk sacks.

 

Target retail price: determine what Bangladeshi consumers are currently willing to pay.

 

Competitors: analyze imported brands already available in supermarkets, cafés and e-commerce platforms.

 

This information determines the maximum viable landed cost. A common mistake is to find an attractive supplier first and investigate the market later. Professional importers reverse that sequence. Start with market demand, calculate the acceptable landed cost and then source a product capable of meeting the required cost and quality.

 

Step 3: Establish a Legal Importing Business in Bangladesh

A commercial importer must have the appropriate business registrations. Depending on the legal structure and nature of the business, these normally include:

• Trade License;
• Taxpayer Identification Number or TIN;
• VAT registration and Business Identification Number or BIN;
• bank account;
• membership or documentation where applicable; and
• Import Registration Certificate.

 

Bangladesh Customs lists the Import Registration Certificate (IRC) among the general documents required for commercial imports. VAT/BIN registration is also listed as a general import requirement.

 

Obtain an Import Registration Certificate

The Import Registration Certificate is issued through the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports. The CCI&E operates an online licensing system through which IRC-related applications and renewals can be processed. A company intending to import coffee commercially should normally obtain a Commercial IRC appropriate to its business activities. Do this before negotiating a final shipment because the IRC is generally required during banking and import-processing procedures.

 

Step 4: Register for Food Import Compliance

Coffee intended for human consumption is a food product. Importers should therefore verify the current requirements of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) before shipment. BFSA operates an electronic safe-food import system. Its importer registration process requests documents and information including the importer’s BIN, IRC, storage or warehouse arrangements and technical manpower information. Food-import requirements continue to evolve, so importers should check the requirements applicable to the particular coffee product before opening an LC or instructing the supplier to ship. Never wait until the container arrives at Chattogram Port before examining food-safety requirements.

 

Step 5: Understand Plant Quarantine Requirements for Green Coffee

This step is particularly important when importing green coffee beans. Coffee beans in unroasted form are plant products and are therefore subject to plant-quarantine controls. For coffee classified under HS 09011110, Bangladesh Customs identifies several requirements, including:

• an Import Permit from the Plant Quarantine Wing of the Department of Agricultural Extension before opening the LC;
• prior notification to the Plant Quarantine Officer;
• a Release Order after submission of the Bill of Entry; and
• a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country.

 

The Import Permit is stated as being valid for four months, with provision for a two-month extension. Customs also states that prior notification should generally be given at least seven days before the probable import. Imports of plant products must also enter through designated points of entry and comply with the Plant Quarantine Act and Rules. If wooden pallets or other solid-wood packaging materials are used, the importer should also ensure compliance with ISPM-15 requirements. This is one of the most important differences between importing green beans and processed coffee.

Step 6: Identify Reliable Coffee Exporters in Brazil

Supplier selection is one of the highest-risk stages of international trade. Do not select a Brazilian supplier merely because the company sends an attractive quotation.

 

Potential sources include:

• established Brazilian coffee exporters;
• cooperatives;
• coffee processors;
• roasting companies;
• specialty coffee exporters;
• commodity trading companies;
• producer-exporters; and
• industry associations and business chambers.

 

Cecafé the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council is an important reference institution for the Brazilian coffee export industry. Cecafé maintains industry information and represents coffee exporters, including through its engagement with the International Coffee Organization.

 

When evaluating an exporter, verify:

1. legal company registration;
2. registered business address;
3. company website and corporate email;
4. export history;
5. previous export markets;
6. banking details;
7. references from international buyers;
8. coffee-export experience;
9. quality certifications where relevant;
10. ability to provide required phytosanitary and origin documentation.

 

Request samples before placing a commercial order.

 

Step 7: Define the Coffee Specification

Never purchase coffee based simply on the description “Brazilian coffee.” A professional contract should define measurable specifications. For green beans, the specification may include:

• Arabica or Robusta/Conilon;
• producing region;
• crop year;
• screen size;
• defects;
• moisture level;
• processing method;
• cup profile;
• grade;
• density;
• certification, where required;
• bag weight;
• packaging type.

 

Brazilian Arabica sourcing regions can include areas in Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Espírito Santo, Bahia and other producing states. If purchasing specialty coffee, ask for cupping information and, where commercially justified, independent pre-shipment inspection.

 

For roasted coffee, agree on:

• roast level;
• whole bean or ground;
• grind specification;
• roast date;
• expiry date;
• packaging;
• private-label requirements; and
• quality standard.

 

Step 8: Request Samples and Conduct Quality Evaluation

Never begin with a full container if you have not tested the supplier’s product. Request representative samples. For green coffee, ideally conduct professional cupping through an experienced coffee roaster or quality specialist.

Evaluate:

• fragrance;
• aroma;
• acidity;
• sweetness;
• body;
• balance;
• aftertaste;
• defects;
• consistency.

 

If the coffee will be used commercially in cafés, conduct actual brewing and espresso trials. A coffee that scores well in a cupping laboratory may still be inappropriate for your target consumer profile. The commercial question is not simply: “Is this good coffee?” It is: “Is this coffee appropriate for the customer segment I want to serve in Bangladesh?”

 

Step 9: Negotiate Price and Incoterms

Brazilian suppliers may quote using terms such as:

• EXW;
• FCA;
• FOB;
• CFR; or
• CIF.

 

For inexperienced importers, comparing FOB Brazilian port and CFR/CIF Chattogram quotations can be useful.

 

Major Brazilian coffee shipments may move through ports such as Santos. The importer should clearly confirm:

• price per kilogram or metric ton;
• currency;
• Incoterm;
• loading port;
• destination port;
• quantity;
• bag size;
• container size;
• freight;
• insurance;
• shipment period;
• payment terms;
• documentation;
• inspection conditions;
• quality claims procedure.

 

Do not compare suppliers only by FOB price. Compare the landed cost in Bangladesh.

Step 10: Calculate the Landed Cost Before Opening the LC

This is perhaps the most important financial calculation in the entire project. Your landed cost should include:

 

**Product value

• inland transport in Brazil
• export handling
• ocean freight
• marine insurance
• customs duties and taxes
• port charges
• clearing and forwarding charges
• banking charges
• quarantine/testing costs
• storage
• inland transportation in Bangladesh
• financing cost
• wastage
  = actual landed cost**

 

The HS code substantially affects import taxation. For example, Bangladesh Customs’ published tariff information has listed customs duty, regulatory duty, VAT, advance income tax and advance tax against coffee products. The exact total tax incidence varies according to the precise classification and packaging. Customs information has shown a total tax incidence around 58.6% for several bulk coffee classifications, while certain small retail-packed coffee classifications have historically attracted a higher total tax incidence because of supplementary duty.

 

Importers must not treat those percentages as permanent. Bangladesh’s tariff schedule can change from one fiscal year to another. NBR has already published separate customs changes for FY2026–27. Therefore, obtain the current tariff treatment from Bangladesh Customs or your professional customs adviser immediately before finalizing the shipment or opening the LC.

 

Step 11: Obtain the Proforma Invoice

Once negotiations are completed, request a formal Proforma Invoice (PI). The PI should clearly state:

• exporter name and address;
• importer name and address;
• product description;
• HS code;
• country of origin;
• quantity;
• unit price;
• total value;
• Incoterm;
• port of loading;
• port of destination;
• shipment period;
• payment terms;
• packaging;
• validity of offer;
• bank details.

 

Bangladesh Customs identifies the Proforma Invoice as one of the standard import documents and notes that it is required for opening an LC. Check every field carefully. A mistake at PI stage can later create inconsistencies among the LC, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and Bill of Lading.

 

Step 12: Arrange the Letter of Credit or Approved Payment Method

Commercial imports from Brazil will typically involve an authorized dealer bank in Bangladesh. For a first transaction, an irrevocable Letter of Credit may provide more structure and documentary control than making a large advance payment to an unfamiliar supplier. Provide your bank with the necessary import documents, such as:

• IRC;
• BIN;
• PI;
• insurance cover note;
• relevant import permit;
• LC application;
• other regulatory approvals requested by the bank.

 

Bangladesh Customs lists the LC, PI and insurance cover note among standard import documentation. LC clauses should be commercially realistic. Avoid inserting unnecessary or impossible documentary conditions because discrepancies delay payment and increase banking costs.

 

Step 13: Arrange Pre-Shipment Quality Control

Before the shipment leaves Brazil, verify that the product matches the contract. For significant commercial shipments, consider independent inspection covering:

• quantity;
• net weight;
• packaging;
• bag markings;
• moisture;
• grade;
• defects;
• container cleanliness;
• loading condition;
• photographs;
• seal number.

 

For specialty coffee, pre-shipment samples can be matched against the approved sample. This reduces one of the largest risks in commodity trading: receiving coffee that differs materially from what was originally offered.

 

Step 14: Collect the Shipping Documents

The final shipping document set may include:

• Commercial Invoice;
• Packing List;
• Bill of Lading;
• Certificate of Origin;
• Phytosanitary Certificate where applicable;
• fumigation certificate where required;
• insurance certificate;
• inspection certificate;
• quality certificate;
• weight certificate;
• health or food-safety certificate where applicable;
• other documents required by the LC or Bangladesh authorities.

 

Bangladesh Customs specifically lists the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, detailed packing information, transport document such as Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin and Value Declaration among general import documentation.

 

Document consistency is critical. The product name, weight, marks, invoice value, HS code and consignee details should agree across the documents.

 

Step 15: Arrange Ocean Freight and Cargo Insurance

Brazil-to-Bangladesh coffee shipments will normally move by sea for commercial volumes. The importer should compare quotations from freight forwarders and consider:

• freight rate;
• transit time;
• transshipment;
• free time;
• destination charges;
• detention;
• demurrage;
• shipping-line reliability.

 

Coffee is sensitive to moisture, odor and contamination. Containers should therefore be clean, dry, odor-free and suitable for food cargo. Green coffee commonly requires additional attention to humidity management. Container liners, moisture-control materials or other protective methods may be appropriate depending on packaging, voyage and season. Marine cargo insurance should cover commercially relevant transit risks.

 

Step 16: Complete Customs and Quarantine Clearance in Bangladesh

Once the shipment arrives, the importer normally appoints a licensed clearing and forwarding agent to process customs procedures. The customs process generally involves:

1. submission of import documents;
2. Bill of Entry;
3. customs classification;
4. customs valuation;
5. regulatory clearance;
6. payment of duties and taxes;
7. inspection where required;
8. quarantine or food-related clearance;
9. release of goods.

 

For green coffee, the Plant Quarantine Wing may inspect the shipment before issuing the required Release Order. For processed coffee products, BSTI requirements can also become relevant. Bangladesh Customs specifically indicates BSTI clearance requirements for certain roasted coffee classifications and references standards including BDS 763:2016 for soluble coffee powder and BDS 805:2016 for roasted and ground coffee. Therefore, determine the exact product-specific compliance requirements before shipment, not after arrival.

 

Step 17: Store Coffee Properly After Import

Improper storage can destroy the value created through good sourcing. Green coffee should be protected from:

• excessive humidity;
• water;
• extreme heat;
• direct sunlight;
• chemicals;
• strong odors;
• pests.

 

Store bags on pallets rather than directly on warehouse floors. Maintain good ventilation and appropriate humidity. Roasted coffee requires even stronger freshness management. Packaging should minimize oxygen and moisture exposure. Adopt a first-expire, first-out inventory policy for packaged products.

 

Step 18: Develop a Bangladesh Distribution Strategy

Importing is only half of the business. The importer must sell efficiently. Potential channels include:

 

Coffee Shops

Supply specialty coffee shops, independent cafés and chains.

 

Hotels and Restaurants

Hotels and premium restaurants can become regular B2B customers for roasted beans.

 

Corporate Offices

Office coffee consumption can create recurring institutional contracts.

 

Supermarkets

Retail packs can be distributed through supermarkets and modern retail outlets.

 

Online Commerce

Coffee is well suited to online sales because consumers can reorder frequently.

 

Distributors and Dealers

Regional distributors can expand reach beyond Dhaka into Chattogram, Sylhet and other urban markets.

 

Private Label

Import green coffee, roast locally and launch a Bangladeshi coffee brand using Brazilian-origin beans.

 

This model may produce significantly greater long-term value than simply reselling an overseas brand.

 

Step 19: Start Small and Scale Gradually

New importers frequently make the mistake of buying too much. A safer sequence is:

Sample → trial order → market test → customer feedback → repeat order → larger commercial shipment.

 

Test whether customers actually accept the taste, packaging and price. Track:

• sales velocity;
• gross margin;
• repeat purchase rate;
• wholesale demand;
• inventory holding period;
• customer complaints;
• product freshness.

 

Scale only after achieving measurable market acceptance.

 

Common Mistakes Coffee Importers Should Avoid

Several mistakes can turn a promising coffee business into an expensive problem. Do not:

• select a supplier solely on price;
• pay large advances without verification;
• import before confirming HS classification;
• ignore plant-quarantine requirements;
• assume every coffee product has the same tax treatment;
• order a full container without sample testing;
• accept vague quality specifications;
• ignore shipment freshness for roasted coffee;
• underestimate customs and port costs;
• keep inadequate working capital;
• import without confirmed buyers;
• allow documents to contain inconsistent descriptions.

 

Professional importers manage risk before the goods leave the exporting country. A Practical Coffee Import Checklist

 

Before placing your first order, confirm the following:

1. Define the target Bangladesh market.
2. Decide whether to import green, roasted, ground or instant coffee.
3. Confirm the correct HS code.
4. Establish a legally registered business.
5. Obtain TIN, BIN and IRC.
6. Register with relevant food-import systems where required.
7. Obtain Plant Quarantine Import Permit for green beans where applicable.
8. Identify verified Brazilian suppliers.
9. Request samples.
10. Conduct coffee quality evaluation.
11. Negotiate specifications.
12. Calculate landed cost.
13. Obtain PI.
14. Arrange LC/payment.
15. Complete pre-shipment inspection.
16. Obtain phytosanitary and other required certificates.
17. Arrange freight and insurance.
18. Verify shipping documents.
19. Complete customs, quarantine, BSTI or food-safety formalities.
20. Release the consignment.
21. Store coffee properly.
22. Distribute through targeted channels.
23. Monitor profitability and reorder strategically.

Role of the Brazil Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Cross-border trade becomes easier when importers have access to reliable networks in both countries. The Brazil Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BBCCI) can play an important facilitation role in strengthening commercial relationships between Bangladeshi businesses and Brazilian companies. A Bangladeshi entrepreneur interested in Brazilian coffee may benefit from business networking, institutional connections, trade information, buyer-seller interaction and introductions to relevant Brazilian business organizations and companies.

 

Instead of relying entirely on unsolicited online contacts, importers should develop structured relationships with recognized exporters, trade associations, chambers and sector institutions. Brazil’s coffee ecosystem is large. The commercial opportunity is therefore not limited to buying coffee once; Bangladeshi companies can develop long-term supplier relationships, distributorships, private-label collaborations and even roasting and branding partnerships.

 

Final Thoughts:  

Importing coffee from Brazil to Bangladesh can become an attractive long-term business, but success requires much more than finding a Brazilian exporter. A serious importer should approach the business in five stages:

Research → Compliance → Sourcing → Importation → Market Development.

 

Begin by understanding which coffee the Bangladesh market needs. Establish the necessary business and import registrations. Verify applicable customs, food-safety and quarantine requirements. Identify credible Brazilian exporters. Test samples. Negotiate detailed specifications. Calculate the complete landed cost. Use appropriate banking and payment mechanisms. Inspect the shipment. Clear the cargo professionally. Finally, build an organized distribution network.

 

Brazil provides one of the world’s deepest coffee supply bases, while Bangladesh offers a developing consumer market with room for new brands, cafés, distributors and value-added coffee businesses. For an entrepreneur willing to conduct proper due diligence and build the market patiently, importing Brazilian coffee into Bangladesh can develop from a simple trading activity into a sustainable international business.

 

The most important principle is simple: Do not begin by asking, “Where can I buy Brazilian coffee?” Begin by asking: “Who will buy my coffee in Bangladesh, what product will they prefer, and at what landed cost can I serve them profitably?” Once those questions are answered, sourcing from Brazil becomes a structured commercial process rather than a speculative import.