How to export Roasted coffee from the UK to China

Register the manufacturer before planning the shipment

Roasted coffee and coffee extracts take the manufacturer application route: confirm the product category in GACC's registration system, then the manufacturer applies itself or through an agent. GACC Decree 280 requires overseas food manufacturer registration. The food safety MoU effective on 29 January 2026 created the cooperation mechanism required for simplified batch registration of UK food manufacturers; confirm availability and use with the authority for your manufacturer. Plan for approvals to take months, not weeks; the Chinese authority decides. For another food category, see exporting herbs and spices to China.

Under HS 0901-2101 (9 subheadings): HMRC recorded £2.1m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 9 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £4.1m, -49.3%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £2.5m. January to July 2026: £622k against £1.0m in the same months of 2025 (-38.1%).

The largest UK export line was 21011100, extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee, at £1.4m under HS 210111. These totals cover the listed codes, including tea and substitutes, rather than roasted coffee alone. Put the manufacturer's China registration number, or its home-authority-approved number, on the packaging; the overseas manufacturer registration number must also be entered correctly on the Chinese customs declaration.

Price against the exact Chinese tariff line

The listed Chinese tariff lines have the MFN rates below. Roasted coffee falls under 09012100 or 09012200, both at 15%; coffee extracts under 21011100 attract 12%. The broader HS6 group also includes unroasted coffee, husks, preparations, tea extracts and roasted substitutes. Agree the classification with the importer before quoting: these different duty rates shape its landed cost and the price it can offer.

The VAT Law sets a standard import VAT rate of 13%, with 9% for listed goods including agricultural products. Have the importer's customs broker confirm the applicable VAT treatment and whether consumption tax applies to your product. Import VAT uses the customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax as its base, so duty and VAT both affect the landed-cost calculation.

Prepare Chinese artwork before printing coffee packs

For ordinary imports, prepackaged coffee needs a compliant Chinese label naming its place of origin and the domestic agent's name, address and contact details; Chinese instructions are also required where applicable. Include the required manufacturer registration number on the pack. GB 7718-2025 takes effect on 16 March 2027. Check artwork against both the current requirements and that incoming standard before committing to packaging.

Give the UK declarant the right coffee classification

Find the correct UK commodity code rather than copying a Chinese tariff line. Exports from England, Scotland or Wales require a GB EORI and an online export declaration. Give the declarant the code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details, and invoice and packing list references. The carrier needs the invoice and any required export licences or certificates; settle the shipment's document requirements with the importer before dispatch.

Use cross-border retail only for a listed coffee line

The cross-border retail import list covers only part of this code group: 09011100, 09012100, 09012200, 09019010, 09019020 and 21011100. The remark for unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee under 09011100 restricts it to online bonded purchases. Match each product to the list before choosing the channel; the roasted lines and coffee extract entry do not make every preparation or substitute eligible.

Listed goods imported through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 channels receive personal-use supervision, with first-import licensing, registration and filing requirements disapplied subject to the stated risk exceptions. The overseas business must appoint a mainland-registered company for customs registration and truthful declaration, sharing civil liability. Consumers must accept a risk notice, may view a Chinese electronic label, and may not resell the goods. This route cannot supply a distributor's resale stock.

Find an importer and check the proposed route

Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached your coffee brand, our staff check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed. Use the proposed tariff line, label artwork and manufacturer registration details to make the route discussion specific to the stock you intend to sell.

We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The importer of record and any required cross-border e-commerce agent remain licensed partners' roles; the brand's own filings remain the brand's. We check with licensed partners. Our export service covers this work.