Coffee, tea, mate and spices (chapter 09): which countries import it
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, mate and spices—high-value products with global demand. The US, Germany and France are the largest importers, accounting…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, mate and spices—high-value products with global demand. The US, Germany and France are the largest importers, accounting for nearly half of worldwide imports. Spain ranks seventh globally. Export success depends on understanding origin certificates, traceability rules and the tariff differences between raw and processed forms.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 09
- Sector
- Agriculture and Livestock
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | 15,508,566,234 |
| Germany | 9,012,459,219 |
| France | 5,008,463,832 |
| Italy | 4,828,818,021 |
| Canada | 3,159,379,433 |
| Japan | 3,135,768,453 |
| Spain | 3,025,915,428 |
| United Kingdom | 2,940,496,891 |
| Netherlands | 2,899,830,674 |
| Poland | 2,235,141,795 |
| China | 2,099,458,943 |
| Switzerland | 2,033,558,568 |
| Saudi Arabia | 1,865,213,079 |
| South Korea | 1,835,807,063 |
| Belgium | 1,633,168,076 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Coffee, whether or not roasted or decaffeinated; husks and skins; coffee substitutes containing coffee in any proportionHeading 0901
- TeaHeading 0902
- MateHeading 0903
- Pepper of the genus piper; dried or crushed or ground fruits of the genus capsicum or of the genus pimentaHeading 0904
- VanillaHeading 0905
- Cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowersHeading 0906
- Cloves (whole fruit, cloves and stems)Heading 0907
- Nutmeg, mace and cardamomsHeading 0908
- Seeds of anise, badian, fennel, coriander, cumin, caraway or juniperHeading 0909
- Ginger, saffron, tumeric (curcuma), thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spicesHeading 0910
Trade fairs in this sector
What you need to know to export coffee, tea, mate and spices
These products fall under HS Chapter 09, which includes ten headings ranging from coffee and tea to vanilla, cloves and cardamom. Each heading has its own tariff rates, origin rules and import requirements depending on the destination country.
Coffee, tea and spices are subject to food safety certification in most markets. The US requires FDA compliance and traceability records; the EU mandates HACCP procedures and pesticide residue testing. Canada and Japan have their own residue limits and labelling rules. Your supplier must provide certificates of origin and analysis before shipment.
Roasting, grinding or blending coffee or tea can change the tariff heading and the duty rate. Processed or mixed products often face higher duties than raw materials in some markets. Clarify the exact form of your product with your buyer and confirm the tariff code before quoting.
Packaging and labelling must meet destination requirements: language, net weight, origin declaration, allergen warnings and use instructions are mandatory in most markets. Tea and spices in small packs for retail differ from bulk shipments in labelling burden and tariff treatment.
Questions about exporting Chapter 09 products
What certificates do I need to export spices to the EU?
Food safety documentation is mandatory: a Certificate of Origin, an analysis certificate showing compliance with EU pesticide residue limits, and HACCP traceability records from your supplier. Your logistics partner can guide you through the customs entry process, but the supplier must provide the certificates. Delays in certification are a common cause of rejection at the border.
Are there export quotas or restrictions on spices?
No global quotas apply to Chapter 09 products. However, some markets restrict imports from specific origins on phytosanitary grounds. Check with your importer whether your supplier's country of origin faces any import bans or testing requirements in your target market.
What is the lead time for a shipment of tea to Japan?
Ocean freight from Spain to Japan takes 30–40 days plus 5–10 days for customs clearance and local transport. Japan requires residue testing on arrival; if your certificate does not match the sample, clearance can be delayed 2–3 weeks. Plan for 50–60 days total. Air freight is faster but costs 5–8 times more per kg.
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