How to Import Coffee from Uganda
The complete step-by-step guide for international coffee buyers. From inquiry to your roastery door, here is exactly how it works.
Start Your ImportImporting Ugandan Coffee in 6 Steps
Tell Us What You Need
Contact us with your grade preferences, volume, target price, and destination port. We return a detailed quote within 24 hours including FOB/CIF pricing, available lots, cupping notes, and estimated shipping timeline. No commitment required at this stage.
Request Samples & Cup
We ship 500g pre-shipment samples via DHL/FedEx (3-5 days anywhere). Each sample includes a full cupping report: fragrance, aroma, flavour, body, acidity, aftertaste, balance, and SCA score. Approve the lot before committing to a full container.
Sign the Contract
We issue a sales contract specifying grade, quantity, price (FOB or CIF), shipment window, payment terms (LC or TT), and quality specifications. Standard GAFTA or Green Coffee Association contract terms. Fixed price valid for 90 days with confirmed purchase order.
Mill, Grade & Pack Your Order
Your coffee is dry-milled, gravity-sorted, hand-picked for defects, and packed into 60 kg jute or GrainPro bags at our Kampala facility. Each bag is tagged with lot number, grade, and ICO ID. EUDR geolocation data is collected for European shipments.
Ship to Your Destination Port
Trucks depart Kampala for Mombasa port (2-3 days). Container is stuffed, customs cleared, and loaded onto your vessel. Transit time: 12-35 days depending on destination. Bill of lading and full documentation package released within 48 hours of departure.
Clear Customs & Receive Your Coffee
Container arrives at your destination port. Your customs broker clears the shipment using the documentation we provided. Coffee is released for delivery to your roastery or warehouse. We stay in touch throughout to resolve any customs questions.
Requirements for First-Time Importers
Import License
Most countries require a basic import license or business registration for commercial coffee imports. In the US, an FDA Food Facility Registration is required. In the EU, an EORI number. We can guide you through your country's specific requirements.
Customs Broker
You need a licensed customs broker in your country to clear the shipment. They handle the customs declaration, duty payment, and release. We provide the full documentation package. For first-time buyers, we can recommend brokers in major importing countries.
Payment Method
Standard payment terms: Letter of Credit (LC) at sight or Telegraphic Transfer (TT) with 30% advance and 70% against shipping documents. All payments in USD through our Stanbic Bank Uganda trade finance desk. First-time buyers typically use LC.
Documents You Receive with Every Shipment
Bill of Lading
Proof of ownership. Issued by the shipping line within 48 hours of vessel departure.
Certificate of Origin
Confirms 100% Ugandan origin. Required for preferential tariffs under AGOA, EBA, GSP.
Phytosanitary Certificate
Issued by Uganda's Ministry of Agriculture. Certifies pest and disease-free status.
UCDA Quality Certificate
Official grade certificate with screen size, defect count, and cup quality analysis.
Commercial Invoice & Packing List
HS code 0901.11. Lot numbers, net/gross weights, bag count per container.
EUDR Due Diligence Statement
EU shipments only: farm geolocation data, deforestation-free verification, DDS reference number.
Insurance Certificate
Marine cargo insurance covering full CIF value, warehouse to destination port.
Quick Grade & Price Reference
Arabica Grades (FOB Mombasa)
Robusta Grades (FOB Mombasa)
Common First-Time Importer Mistakes
⚠ Not Checking EUDR Compliance
If you are importing into the EU, the coffee MUST have geolocation traceability back to the farm plot. Nonda provides this for all EU shipments. Ask for it before signing the contract.
⚠ Forgetting Import Duties
Ugandan coffee enters the US duty-free under AGOA and the EU duty-free under the EBA scheme. But you may still pay local VAT or handling fees at your port. Check your country's tariff schedule before ordering.
⚠ Ordering Without a Customs Broker
You cannot clear a container without a licensed customs broker. Find one before the coffee ships. The coffee will accrue port storage charges ($50-150/day) if it sits unclaimed at the destination port.
Free Download: Uganda Coffee Import Checklist
A printable 2-page checklist covering every step, document, and deadline for importing Ugandan coffee. Includes a shipping timeline worksheet and customs contact template.
Email Me the ChecklistImport FAQ
Ready to Import Ugandan Coffee?
Tell us what you are looking for. We return a detailed quote with pricing, samples, and a shipping timeline within 24 hours.
Start Your Import