Canadians consume vast amounts of coffee every year, and demand remains high, with millions of kilograms imported each month. In June 2024 alone, Canada imported over 20 million kilograms of green coffee beans from leading suppliers in Colombia, Brazil, and Guatemala, catering to cafes, specialty roasters, and households across the country. Despite slight increases in coffee prices over the past year, Canadians’ collective love for a great drip coffee, latte, or ice brew remains as strong as our passion for maple syrup, poutine, and hockey. 

How to Import Coffee into Canada 

Importing coffee into Canada is relatively straightforward and generally involves fewer hurdles than other food items, but it’s essential to follow the right steps to ensure smooth customs clearance. Here’s a breakdown of the main steps to get your coffee imports into Canada: 

1. Obtain a Business Number (BN): 

Register for an import/export account with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This number is required for commercial imports, and you can obtain it by calling the CRA or registering online. 

2. Identify your goods: 

Gather comprehensive information on the coffee you’re importing, including the type (e.g., green, roasted, decaf), origin, and any unique characteristics. These details will help determine the correct tariff classification and ensure compliance. 

3. Determine country of origin: 

Identify the country where the coffee beans are grown and include this information clearly on all packaging. If the beans go through multiple processing stages, like roasting or packaging, make sure this doesn’t affect the accuracy of the origin labeling. 

4. Consider using a customs broker: 

Managing customs documentation on your own is possible, but a licensed customs broker, like Clearit, can simplify the process by handling all clearance paperwork, fees, and inspections on your behalf, reducing the risk of mistakes. 

5. Arrange shipping and labeling: 

Coffee beans are often shipped in ocean containers due to their weight. Your supplier will usually handle this arrangement, but ensure that each shipment is correctly labeled with origin details and that it meets Canadian labeling standards, including bilingual labeling if necessary. 

6. Check import permissions and compliance standards: 

Coffee generally doesn’t require a special import permit, but it must meet Canada’s Food and Drugs Act and Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act standards, as enforced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). And if you’re importing significant quantities or specialty coffee products, you may need a Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) license. This regulation applies to businesses that handle large volumes of food imports and is designed to enhance food safety within Canada.

Coffee Import Requirements 

Canada has specific standards in place to ensure that coffee imports meet health, safety, and quality benchmarks. These include: 

Compliance with the Food and Drugs Act and Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act: 

All coffee entering Canada must align with the quality and safety standards outlined in these acts. Labeling must accurately represent the product, and health and safety guidelines must be followed. Compliance with the Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act also means labels should generally be in both English and French. 

Inspection and approval by the CFIA: 

The CFIA is responsible for enforcing regulations related to imported food products, including coffee. While most coffee can enter Canada without additional permits, the CFIA may conduct inspections, especially if your imports include specialty or non-standard coffee products. 

Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR): 

Importers handling large quantities or specific types of coffee may need an SFCR license. The SFCR helps the CFIA monitor food safety more effectively, and having a license ensures that your import practices align with Canadian standards for food safety and traceability. 

Adherence to fair labor standards: 

Canada has strict policies against unethical sourcing and forced and child labor in imported goods. If you work directly with producers in coffee-growing regions, ensure that your sourcing practices uphold fair labor standards. 

Customs Duties When Importing Coffee 

Most types of coffee, especially unroasted beans, are imported into Canada duty-free. But if you’re bringing in specific products like instant coffee, there may be some duties, depending on its tariff classification. To ensure a smooth customs process, you’ll need to provide details like the coffee’s description, HS code, origin country, and net weight so that the CBSA and CFIA can review and clear it efficiently. 

Taxes on Coffee in Canada 

Under Canada’s Excise Tax Act, most raw foods and beverages, including coffee, are exempt from both duties and GST when imported. However, once the coffee reaches Canadian soil and is sold, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) applies, depending on the province. So, even though importing coffee is generally tax-free for businesses, customers will still see GST or HST added at the checkout. 

Importing Coffee from the USA to Canada 

The U.S. is one of Canada’s biggest trade partners, with CUSMA/USMCA simplifying cross-border coffee imports:

  • CUSMA provisions lower or eliminate tariffs on many agricultural products, including coffee, potentially reducing import costs. That said, only coffee beans that meet specific origin criteria qualify for tariff benefits. 
  • Streamlined procedures under CUSMA can help speed up the process for coffee shipments from the U.S. to Canada. 
  • Note that for personal use, imports are generally limited to 20 kg. 

Shipping Costs for Bringing Coffee Beans into Canada 

Beyond the cost of the coffee itself, importing coffee to Canada involves the following expenses: 

  • Costs incurred for moving the coffee within the country of origin. 
  • Fees for necessary documents and certificates, such as certificates of origin and phytosanitary certificates. 
  • Charges associated with exporting coffee from the origin country. 
  • Freight and insurance expenses, which vary by carrier, package weight, and destination. 

Shipping on your own means managing these costs independently, but working with a customs broker like Clearit, who regularly partners with shippers and freight forwarders, can help you access the best possible rates and streamline the shipping process. 

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