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Coffee export from India: A guide on how to export coffee
Learn how to start a coffee export business from India easily with e-commerce and start selling your coffee products across the world.
India is a significant player in the global coffee trade, with exports valued at over USD 1 billion in 2024, driven by steady demand across Europe, the US, and other emerging markets. Coffee cultivation is concentrated in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, while newer regions such as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Assam, and Manipur are steadily expanding their production.1 Global buyers return to Indian coffee for its dependable quality, competitive pricing, and versatility across Arabica, Robusta, and value-added formats. This blog looks at key trends shaping India’s coffee exports, major destination markets, leading export products, the policy environment supporting coffee exports, and the practical steps sellers can take to start and grow a coffee export business.
Overview and trends of India’s coffee exports
India’s coffee export industry has witnessed significant developments in recent years:
Rising export value and capacity:
The Indian coffee market is on the rise, with coffee export expected to grow at a CAGR of 15-20% by 2028. Currently, the country exports over 70% of its total coffee production.
Expanding global destinations:
India’s top coffee export destinations include Italy, Germany, Russia, and Belgium. There is increasing demand from other countries, including the US, UAE, Turkey, and Australia.
Growing demand across coffee products:
The major coffee type cultivated in India is Robusta, holding a share of 72% of the total production. In recent years, there has been a rise in Arabica cultivation as well. Popular coffee products from India include green coffee, instant coffee, and Robusta coffee beans.2
What are the most exported coffee products from India?
Some of the most exported coffee products from India are:
1. Instant coffee
2. Roasted Robusta beans
3. Green coffee
4. Decaffeinated coffee3
1. Instant coffee
2. Roasted Robusta beans
3. Green coffee
4. Decaffeinated coffee3
Top countries to export coffee from India
Key coffee export markets for India include:
● Russia
● Australia4
● Belgium
Government bodies that promote coffee export from India
Various government bodies support coffee exporters, including:
● Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT): DGFT issues the Importer Exporter Code (IEC) and manages export-import policy.
● Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): FSSAI ensures compliance with international food safety norms.
● Coffee Board of India: Coffee Board of India promotes the development, quality, and export of Indian coffee. It issues Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) to coffee exporters in India
Government schemes that promote coffee exports from India
The Indian government supports coffee exporters through a variety of schemes and initiatives. Some initiatives include:
● Coffee Development Programmes (CDP): CDP supports coffee producers through financial assistance, extension services, and quality improvement initiatives.
● Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP): RoDTEP scheme refunds hidden taxes and duties, making exports more competitive.
● Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme (EPCG): EPCG scheme permits duty-free import of machinery to lower production costs.
● Market Access Initiative (MAI): MAI scheme assists exporters in showcasing products at trade fairs and international exhibitions.
● Transport and Marketing Assistance Scheme (TMA): TMA scheme provides subsidies on freight and promotional expenses for agricultural exports.
Documents required to export coffee from India
When preparing to export coffee, businesses must ensure proper documentation to comply with trade and customs requirements. To become a coffee exporter, you can register as a member of the Coffee Board of India via an application for an online Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) for new registration. Other documents required include:
● A certificate of incorporation for private limited and public limited companies6
● Bank performance letter and an authorized signature of bank
How to start a coffee export business from India? Step-by-step guide
Here’s the step-by-step process to export coffee from India:
Step 1: Set up your business
Set up your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or company. Register your business with Coffee Board of India to access key export incentives.
Step 2: Complete market research and identify buyers
Study demand by market. Use export data and ecommerce platforms to identify trending products. Find buyers through trade shows and exhibitions, or through programs like Amazon Global Selling.
Step 3: Obtain product documentation
Obtain IEC, register to obtain GST for your business, and obtain your Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC). Also ensure your products are compliant and have the correct HS code.
Step 4: Manage logistics and shipping
Choose a reliable logistics partner and prepare your products for international shipping with export-ready packaging. Understand customs procedures, documentation requirements, and delivery timelines for each target market. Use fulfillment solutions like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) that streamline cross-border delivery and reduce operational complexity.
Conclusion
India’s coffee export ecosystem presents a strong opportunity for sellers ready to expand beyond the domestic market. With sustained global demand across green beans, instant coffee, and roasted formats, a diverse production base, and institutional support through bodies like the Coffee Board of India, Indian coffee exporters are well positioned to compete internationally. By understanding market trends, meeting quality and compliance requirements, and choosing the right export channels, growers, processors, and brands can build resilient, scalable coffee export businesses and reach customers across key global markets. For exporters looking to go global with ease, ecommerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling can help you unlock new markets and simplify complex export logistics.
Amazon Global Selling: Easy e-commerce exports and hassle-free shipping
If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce export program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your export journey, connecting you to Amazon’s Service Provider Network for tailored compliance, payments, and logistics support.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which country is the major importer of coffee from India?
The major Indian coffee importers are Italy, Germany, Belgium, Russia, and the UAE.7
2. How to get an export permit to start a coffee export business?
To get an export permit, first register as a member of the Coffee Board of India. Then, file for an online export permit application by visiting www.indiacoffee.org/permit and get the export permit (Form-C) and certificate of origin.
3. Which country is the biggest importer of coffee?
The US is the biggest importer of coffee.8
Published on October 19, 2021.
Updated on December 15, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.ibef.org/exports/coffee-industry-in-india
2. https://www.ibef.org/exports/coffee-industry-in-india
3. https://www.eximpedia.app/blog/coffee-export-from-india
4. https://www.ibef.org/exports/coffee-industry-in-india
5. https://coffeeboard.gov.in/Exporter.aspx
6. https://www.coneio.com/post-4.
7. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?id=156255&NoteId=156255&ModuleId=3®=3&lang=1
8. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096400/main-import-countries-for-coffee-worldwide/?srsltid=AfmBOornS1R7seTw9Ho5QEDHmyCv7SEJoyTi6YSlH5vigcN1kouo6k5j
Updated on December 15, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.ibef.org/exports/coffee-industry-in-india
2. https://www.ibef.org/exports/coffee-industry-in-india
3. https://www.eximpedia.app/blog/coffee-export-from-india
4. https://www.ibef.org/exports/coffee-industry-in-india
5. https://coffeeboard.gov.in/Exporter.aspx
6. https://www.coneio.com/post-4.
7. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?id=156255&NoteId=156255&ModuleId=3®=3&lang=1
8. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096400/main-import-countries-for-coffee-worldwide/?srsltid=AfmBOornS1R7seTw9Ho5QEDHmyCv7SEJoyTi6YSlH5vigcN1kouo6k5j
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