How to Import Green Coffee Beans From China: A Buyer's Guide

For most overseas roasters, China is not the first place that comes to mind when sourcing green coffee beans — but that is changing quickly. Yunnan Province, and Baoshan in particular, has quietly built a reputation among specialty buyers for arabica that performs well on the cupping table and even better on price. This guide walks through what it actually takes to import green coffee beans from China, from first sample to container delivery.

Step 1: Request a Sample, Not a Sales Pitch

Any reliable green coffee exporter with certificates should be able to send a small sample box for cupping before you commit to anything. Look for a supplier who discloses altitude, process (washed, natural or honey) and an SCA cupping score alongside the sample — vague marketing language without cupping data is a red flag.

Step 2: Understand FOB and CIF Terms

Most Chinese green coffee exporters quote FOB (Free on Board) from a port such as Guangzhou or Shenzhen, meaning the buyer arranges and pays for ocean freight from that point. Some suppliers also offer CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) pricing to your destination port, which simplifies budgeting for first-time importers. Confirm which term you are being quoted, since the landed cost of importing bulk green coffee beans can otherwise be misleading.

Step 3: Confirm MOQ and Packaging

Minimum order quantities vary by supplier — some require a full container load, while others accommodate smaller wholesale orders for growing roasteries. Ask whether beans are packed in traditional jute bags, GrainPro barrier bags, or vacuum-sealed for export, since packaging affects both freshness and cost.

Step 4: Documentation and Customs

A compliant shipment typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and phytosanitary certificate. Ask your supplier directly which of these they prepare as standard, and which — if any — you will need to arrange with a customs broker on your end.

Step 5: Budget for the Full Landed Cost

The cost of importing bulk green coffee beans includes more than the FOB price: ocean freight, marine insurance, import duties, customs clearance and inland trucking all add up. Request a full landed-cost estimate to your port before comparing pricing across suppliers or origins.

Why Consider Baoshan, Yunnan as a New Origin

Baoshan sits on the 24°N golden coffee latitude at 1,000–2,000 meters, with volcanic, organic-rich soil and a wide diurnal temperature range — conditions that produce a nutty, chocolatey cup with gentle acidity. For roasters looking to diversify their offering with a genuinely new, traceable single origin, direct-trade Baoshan coffee is increasingly worth a sample cupping.

Ready to try it yourself? Request a free sample box from our export team, or browse our current green and roasted coffee lots.