HOW TO IMPORT ETHIOPIAN COFFEE TO SAUDI ARABIA: COMPLETE KSA IMPORT GUIDE
Complete guide to importing speciality Ethiopian green coffee into Saudi Arabia SFDA requirements, customs procedures, shipping logistics, and market opportunities in the Kingdom's booming coffee sector
Jan 02, 2026
Saudi Arabia's coffee culture has transformed dramatically over the past decade. What was once a nation primarily associated with traditional Arabic coffee (qahwa) has become one of the Middle East's most dynamic specialty coffee markets. Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam now host hundreds of third-wave cafes, and Saudi consumers particularly the country's young, affluent population are seeking speciality single-origin coffees with transparent sourcing and distinctive flavor profiles.
Ethiopian coffee, with its historic connection to the Arab world through centuries of trade, natural wine-like complexity, and recognizable origin story, is perfectly positioned for the Saudi market. But if you're a Saudi coffee roaster, cafe owner, or importer wondering how to navigate the import process, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know from SFDA certification to clearing Saudi Customs (Zatca), shipping through Jeddah port, and partnering with trusted Ethiopian coffee exporters like Ethio Coffee Export PLC.
Key Insight: Importing Ethiopian coffee to Saudi Arabia requires SFDA food registration, customs clearance through Zatca, and proper documentation but the Kingdom offers zero import duty on coffee, streamlined GCC trade facilitation, and access to one of the world's fastest-growing specialty coffee markets.
Why Saudi Arabia Is Importing Ethiopian Coffee
The Kingdom's coffee market has exploded, driven by Vision 2030 economic diversification, a young population (over 60% under 30), rising incomes, and rapidly evolving consumer preferences. Here's why Saudi buyers are turning to Ethiopian imports:
- Market growth: Saudi coffee market valued at over $2 billion USD and growing 8-12% annually
- Premium positioning: Ethiopian single-origins command premium pricing in Saudi specialty cafes (SAR 25-40 per cup)
- Cultural resonance: Historic trade connections between Ethiopia and the Arabian Peninsula create consumer familiarity
- Flavor differentiation: Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, and Guji offer brightness and fruit complexity that stand out in the market
- Muslim-majority origin: Ethiopia's significant Muslim population (35%+) and halal business practices align with Saudi values
- Proximity advantage: Short Red Sea shipping routes (Djibouti to Jeddah: 3-7 days) mean fresher coffee and lower freight costs
Understanding Saudi Food Import Regulations
Coffee imports into Saudi Arabia are regulated primarily by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and Saudi Customs (Zatca) (formerly known as GAZT). Here's what you need to know:
SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority) Requirements
The SFDA oversees food safety and import compliance:
- Food Product Registration: All imported food products must be registered with SFDA before first shipment
- Importer License: Your Saudi business must have an SFDA food import license
- Certificate of Origin: Required from Ethiopian authorities (ICO certificate)
- Health Certificate: Attestation that coffee meets Saudi food safety standards
- Laboratory Testing: First shipments may be sampled for contaminant analysis (aflatoxin, heavy metals, pesticides)
- Shelf Life Declaration: Must indicate production date and expected shelf life (typically 12-24 months for green coffee)
- Arabic Labeling: Final consumer packaging must include Arabic labels (not required for bulk green coffee in jute bags)
Saudi Customs (Zatca) Clearance Process
Zatca (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) manages customs operations:
- Commercial Registration: Your business needs a valid CR number to import
- Import Declaration (FASAH): Electronic customs declaration via FASAH platform
- HS Code Classification: Green coffee: 0901.11.00 or 0901.12.00
- Zero Import Duty: Saudi Arabia imposes 0% customs duty on coffee imports
- VAT (15%): Value Added Tax applied at customs on CIF value
- SABER Conformity: Product conformity assessment via SABER platform (SFDA integration)
- Pre-Arrival Documentation: Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin
Critical Note: Saudi Arabia's SFDA product registration must be completed BEFORE your first shipment. Processing time: 4-8 weeks. Work with your Ethiopian exporter to gather required documentation early. Ethio Coffee provides all necessary export certificates and quality reports for SFDA applications.
Import Duties, Taxes & Costs
Saudi Arabia offers one of the most import-friendly tax structures for coffee in the Gulf region:
Saudi Arabia Coffee Import Tax Structure
| Charge Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 0% | Zero duty on coffee imports (HS 0901) |
| VAT (Value Added Tax) | 15% | Applied on CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight) |
| Customs Clearance Fee | ~SAR 300-800 | Varies by broker and shipment size |
Key Advantage: Zero import duty makes Saudi Arabia one of the most cost-effective coffee import destinations. VAT is recoverable for registered businesses via Zatca filings.
Cost Example: 20ft Container to Jeddah
| FOB Price (Ethiopia) | $4.50/lb × 39,683 lbs = $178,574 USD |
| Ocean Freight (Djibouti → Jeddah) | $2,500 USD (short Red Sea route) |
| Marine Insurance (0.3% CIF) | $540 USD |
| Port Fees & Handling (Jeddah) | $600 USD |
| Customs Broker Fee | $400 USD (~SAR 1,500) |
| SFDA Inspection (if required) | $300 USD (~SAR 1,125) |
| CIF Value | $181,614 USD |
| Import Duty (0%) | $0 |
| VAT (15% on CIF) | $27,242 USD |
| Trucking (Jeddah to Riyadh, if needed) | $800 USD |
| Total Landed Cost | $210,356 USD |
| Cost Per Pound (Landed) | $5.30/lb (~SAR 19.88/lb) |
Note: VAT is fully recoverable for registered businesses. Effective landed cost after VAT recovery = ~$4.62/lb.
Shipping Ethiopian Coffee to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea location offers significant logistical advantages for Ethiopian coffee imports. Transit times are among the shortest globally for Ethiopian coffee:
Primary Saudi Ports for Coffee
- Jeddah Islamic Port (Red Sea):
Transit: 3-7 days from Djibouti via Red Sea
Freight cost: $2,500-$4,000 per 20ft container
Best for: Western Saudi Arabia, Riyadh (inland trucking)
- King Abdulaziz Port (Dammam, Arabian Gulf):
Transit: 10-14 days (Red Sea → Suez Canal → Gulf)
Freight cost: $3,500-$5,000 per 20ft container
Best for: Eastern Province, Bahrain/Kuwait re-exports
Container Options & Specifications
20ft Container (FCL - Full Container Load):
Capacity: ~300 bags (60kg each) = 18,000 kg / 39,683 lbs
Ideal for: Established roasters, cafe chains, importers with distribution
40ft Container (FCL):
Capacity: ~360-400 bags = 21,600-24,000 kg
Ideal for: Large-scale operations, multiple SKU orders
LCL (Less than Container Load):
Minimum: 50-100 bags via consolidation services
Transit: 2-3 weeks (slower than FCL)
Ideal for: New importers, small roasters testing the market
Red Sea Advantage: The 3-7 day transit from Djibouti to Jeddah is the shortest shipping route for Ethiopian coffee to any major market globally. This means fresher coffee, lower freight costs, and faster inventory turnover for Saudi roasters.
Required Documentation for Saudi Import
Saudi customs and SFDA require comprehensive documentation. Your Ethiopian exporter should provide most of these:
From Ethiopian Exporter
- Commercial Invoice: FOB Djibouti pricing, itemized
- Packing List: Bag count, weight per bag, total weight
- Bill of Lading (B/L): Ocean freight document (original for customs)
- Certificate of Origin (ICO): International Coffee Organization certificate
- Phytosanitary Certificate: From Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture
- Health Certificate: Attestation of food safety compliance
- Quality/Grading Report: ECX grade, cupping score, defect count
- Fumigation Certificate: If container fumigated (recommended)
What You Arrange (Saudi Side)
- SFDA Product Registration: Complete before first shipment
- SFDA Import License: Your business entity food import permit
- Commercial Registration (CR): Valid Saudi business license
- SABER Conformity Certificate: Via SABER portal (links to SFDA registration)
- Customs Broker: Licensed clearing agent in Jeddah/Dammam
- VAT Certificate: If VAT-registered (for VAT recovery)
- Warehouse/Storage: Climate-controlled facility for green coffee
The SFDA Registration Process: Step-by-Step
SFDA product registration is mandatory and must be completed before importing. Here's the process:
- Create SFDA Account
Register your Saudi business at sfda.gov.sa. You'll need your CR number and authorized signatory details.
- Submit Product Registration Application
Provide product details: green coffee, HS code 0901.11.00, country of origin (Ethiopia), manufacturer details (your Ethiopian exporter).
- Upload Required Documents
Certificate of Origin, Health Certificate, product specifications, quality reports. Your exporter provides these.
- SFDA Review
SFDA reviews application. Processing time: 4-8 weeks. May request additional information or testing.
- Laboratory Testing (if required)
First-time products may require lab testing for contaminants. Sample can be couriered to Saudi lab or tested at SFDA-approved facility.
- Approval & SABER Integration
Once approved, product is registered in SFDA system and linked to SABER for customs clearance.
- Generate SABER CoC for Each Shipment
For each subsequent shipment, generate a SABER Certificate of Conformity via the SABER portal. This is presented to customs.
Common SFDA Registration Mistakes
- Starting registration too late: Begin 8-12 weeks before planned shipment, not 2 weeks before
- Incomplete exporter documentation: Ensure your Ethiopian supplier provides properly legalized certificates
- Wrong product classification: Green coffee is HS 0901.11, not roasted coffee (0901.21)
- Not specifying bulk vs retail: Bulk green coffee in jute bags has different requirements than retail-packaged products
Customs Clearance Process at Saudi Ports
Once your container arrives at Jeddah or Dammam, clearance typically takes 2-5 days:
- Pre-Arrival: FASAH Electronic Declaration
Your customs broker files electronic import declaration on FASAH platform before vessel arrival.
- Vessel Arrival & Unloading
Container unloaded at port. Bill of Lading released to broker.
- Document Submission to Zatca
Broker submits: B/L, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Health Certificate, SABER Certificate of Conformity.
- SFDA Inspection (Risk-Based)
If flagged, SFDA conducts physical inspection and/or sampling. First-time shipments more likely to be inspected.
- VAT Assessment & Payment
Zatca calculates 15% VAT on CIF value. Payment via bank or broker.
- Release & Gate-Out
Container released from customs hold. Arrange trucking to your warehouse.
Working with Ethio Coffee for Saudi Imports
As an ECX-registered Ethiopian coffee exporter with extensive Middle East experience, Ethio Coffee Export PLC understands Saudi market requirements and SFDA compliance:
What Ethio Coffee Provides
- ECX-graded specialty coffee (G1, G2) with quality reports
- All export documentation (ICO, phytosanitary, health certificates)
- Properly legalized documents for SFDA applications
- FOB Djibouti pricing and container coordination
- Sample shipments via DHL/FedEx to Saudi Arabia (for pre-purchase cupping)
- English/Arabic communication support
- Consistent year-round supply (Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, Guji, Harrar)
- Halal-compliant business practices and certifications
Why Saudi Buyers Choose Us
- Muslim-owned business: Ethiopian Muslim exporters who understand Gulf market values
- Red Sea proximity: Shortest shipping route for fastest delivery
- SFDA experience: We've successfully exported to Saudi importers for years
- Quality assurance: Pre-shipment samples, cupping scores, moisture testing
- Payment flexibility: LC, TT, or negotiated terms
- Regional knowledge: We understand Saudi, UAE, Kuwait, and broader GCC market preferences
Real-World Timeline: Ethiopia to Saudi Warehouse
Expect 8-12 weeks total lead time for first shipment (including SFDA registration). Subsequent shipments: 3-5 weeks:
Weeks 1-2: Initial Contact & SFDA Prep
Contact Ethio Coffee, request samples. Begin SFDA product registration application. Samples arrive via courier in 3-5 days.
Weeks 3-6: SFDA Processing
SFDA reviews application. May request additional documents or lab testing. Monitor application status.
Week 7: Purchase Order & Contract
Finalize order (origin, processing, grade, quantity). Payment terms agreed (LC or advance payment).
Weeks 8-9: Container Preparation
Coffee sourced from ECX, quality-checked, bagged, container stuffed at Djibouti.
Week 10: Departure from Djibouti
Bill of Lading issued. Export documentation prepared. FASAH pre-arrival filing initiated.
Week 10-11: Red Sea Transit
3-7 day voyage to Jeddah (fastest route in industry).
Week 11-12: Customs Clearance
Zatca and SFDA clearance, VAT payment, release. Typically 2-5 days.
Week 12: Delivery to Your Facility
Container trucked to Riyadh (~10 hours), Dammam (~6 hours), or Jeddah local delivery. Coffee ready for roasting.
Saudi Coffee Market Insights & Opportunities
Understanding market dynamics helps position your Ethiopian coffee import business for success:
Vision 2030 & Coffee Sector Growth
Saudi Vision 2030 is driving hospitality and F&B sector expansion. Government support for coffee entrepreneurship, easing of cafe licensing, and tourism growth are fueling specialty coffee demand. Riyadh alone has added 200+ specialty cafes since 2020.
Consumer Preferences in the Kingdom
Saudi consumers favor lighter roasts, fruit-forward profiles, and V60/pour-over preparation. Ethiopian naturals (with berry notes) perform exceptionally well. Price sensitivity is lower than Western markets quality trumps cost for affluent Saudi consumers.
Competitive Landscape
Brazilian, Colombian, and Kenyan coffees have market presence, but Ethiopian coffee enjoys cultural affinity and flavor differentiation. Direct import from Ethiopia offers margin advantages over European/US re-imports common in the past.
Distribution Channels
Three primary channels: (1) Direct roasting for your own cafes, (2) Wholesale to Saudi roasters/cafes, (3) Re-export to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar via Dammam port. Many Saudi importers serve multiple GCC markets.
Storage & Quality Management in Saudi Climate
Saudi Arabia's hot, dry climate requires careful green coffee storage:
Climate-Specific Storage Guidelines
- Temperature control: Maintain 15-25°C (59-77°F). Air conditioning essential in summer months (June-September when temps exceed 45°C)
- Low humidity advantage: Saudi's naturally dry climate (20-40% RH) reduces mold/moisture risks compared to humid regions
- GrainPro bags: Still recommended despite low humidity to protect from dust and temperature fluctuations
- Pallet storage: Elevate bags off ground, ensure airflow between stacks
- Dust management: Saudi climate can introduce dust keep warehouse sealed and filtered
- FIFO rotation: Use older stock first. Green coffee shelf life: 6-12 months optimal
Common Challenges & How to Avoid Them
Challenge: Delayed SFDA Approval
Solution: Start SFDA registration 8-12 weeks before planned shipment. Ensure your Ethiopian exporter provides properly legalized, notarized certificates. Consider hiring a Saudi food regulatory consultant for first-time registration.
Challenge: VAT Cash Flow Strain
Solution: 15% VAT is paid upfront at customs but recoverable via Zatca filing. Budget for this cash flow gap (1-3 months until VAT refund). Larger importers can apply for VAT deferment programs.
Challenge: Quality Variability Between Shipments
Solution: Work with reputable exporters like Ethio Coffee who provide pre-shipment samples, cupping scores, and consistent ECX grading. Request sample from each lot before approving container stuffing.
Challenge: Summer Heat Damage During Storage
Solution: Invest in climate-controlled warehouse space. Saudi summers (June-September) can degrade coffee quality rapidly if stored in non-AC warehouses. Cost: SAR 2-5 per bag per month, but worth it.
Is Direct Ethiopian Import Right for Your Saudi Business?
Direct import makes sense when:
- You roast 300+ kg/month and have the volume to justify container logistics
- You want better margins than buying from Saudi distributors who import via Europe
- You value origin transparency and direct exporter relationships for marketing storytelling
- You can manage 8-12 week initial lead time (3-5 weeks for repeat orders)
- You have or can arrange SFDA-compliant storage and business infrastructure
Smaller roasters or cafes can start by buying from Saudi importers, then transition to direct import as volume grows. Alternatively, consider LCL consolidation (50-100 bags) to test the market.
Key Resources for Saudi Coffee Importers
Essential Saudi government and industry resources:
- SFDA Portal: Product registration, import licenses, guidelines
- SABER Platform: Conformity assessment and certificates
- Zatca (Saudi Customs): Tariff finder, FASAH customs platform
- Saudi Ministry of Commerce: Business registration, commercial services
- Saudi Specialty Coffee Association: Industry networking and market insights
Ready to Import Ethiopian Coffee to Saudi Arabia?
Ethio Coffee Export PLC is able to successfully supply Saudi importers in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam for years. We provide premium Ethiopian specialty coffee (Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, Guji, Harrar) with SFDA-compliant documentation, fast Red Sea shipping, and the responsive, reliable service Saudi businesses expect.
Whether you're launching your first Saudi roastery, expanding an existing cafe chain, or building an import/distribution business for the GCC, we make Ethiopian coffee import straightforward and profitable.
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About This Guide: This comprehensive resource covers importing Ethiopian specialty coffee to Saudi Arabia SFDA product registration, Zatca customs requirements, SABER conformity, VAT structure, Red Sea shipping logistics, cost analysis, and partnering with Ethio Coffee Export for Saudi market entry.