What requirements must coffee meet to be allowed on the European market?

To enter the European market, your coffee must meet legal and non-legal regulations, particularly regarding food safety. In addition, consumers across Europe have high expectations, especially when it comes to safety and sustainability. Sticking to specific voluntary requirements associated with high quality and/or sustainability could improve your opportunities to enter niche markets that command higher prices.

1. What are the mandatory requirements for the coffee sector?

Growing sustainability concerns are prompting consumers to demand more sustainable coffees, urging industry players to act. This has led to mandatory requirements covering all 3 pillars of sustainability, which are environmental, social and economic. These 3 pillars are interrelated in a way that if one pillar is weak, the others are affected. 

In terms of social sustainability within the coffee sector, gender inequality and child labour are significant issues. Economic sustainability covers challenges such as low prices, price volatility, meeting market demands, and ensuring a living income. Read our tips on how to be a more socially responsible supplier in the coffee sector for more information on social and economic sustainability. On the environmental front, attention to climate change and biodiversity issues is increasing, with projections showing a substantial reduction in suitable coffee cultivation areas by 2050. 

To reduce these sustainability concerns, the European Green Deal (EGD) aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050, impacting trade and imports by enforcing stricter sustainability standards, particularly for export companies from developing countries. One focus area is the From Farm to Fork strategy. Additionally, the EGD includes the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which includes measures such as the EU Regulation on deforestation-free regulation (EUDR). Another social and economic sustainability strategy is the Corporate sustainability due diligence Directive (CS3D), recently approved by the European Council.

Below, we have outlined the details of the main regulations for entering the EU27 coffee market, covering both legal and non-legal requirements. Detailed information is available on the Access2Markets website of the European Commission. To find specific requirements for coffee on this website, including decaffeinated variants, please refer to Product HS Code 0901 for coffee.

European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

On 29 June 2023, the EU parliament passed the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) - Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 - the Regulation on deforestation-free products. The regulation bans imports into the European Union (EU) of coffee products from land that was deforested after 31 December 2020. The EUDR has 3 main goals:

1. Stop products linked to deforestation from being sold, both in the EU and worldwide.
2. Cut down on greenhouse gas emissions caused by deforestation by promoting deforestation-free products, aiming for a yearly reduction of at least 32 million metric tons of carbon.
3. Prevent global biodiversity loss.

EUDR also restricts importation of coffee products from lands acquired forcibly from local and/or indigenous communities, or whose cultivation involves labour and human rights abuses. Importers that fail to comply with EUDR could face fines of up to 4% of their net profit in any EU Member State. 

Some coffee-producing countries have already started taking steps to comply with this regulation. For instance, Solidaridad, in collaboration with partner organisations and the Peruvian government, is helping farmers to geo-reference their farms. Solidaridad carried out a pilot initiative utilising satellite images from Sentinel-2 to monitor both primary and secondary forests on coffee farms. With a spatial resolution of up to 10 metres, these images enable the assessment of whether small-scale producers are effectively preserving their forested areas. The project received validation from Peru's National Forest Programme.

Apart from national level interventions, adherence to the EUDR can feel like an extra burden for many cooperatives, but it is actually very straightforward. The first step is to have a traceability plan, documenting the source of your coffee. Specifically, for each batch of coffee, give unique identifiers: 1) farmers and farms including GPS locations, 2) for the community or village from which coffee is produced, and 3) for each batch of coffee sent to the wet and dry milling stations. Record movement or transportation information manually, on paper, or automated through an electronic, digitalised system. Once these are well documented you can share them with your buyer who will then be willing to pay for verifying that there is no deforestation, since legal liability falls on them.

If establishing traceability is difficult for you as an exporter or cooperative, you can link up with companies with blockchain-based operating systems such as Dimitra. This company has become one of the first firms to certify a coffee shipment compliant with the new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) standards. For instance, they collaborated with CACI Satinaki, a Peru-based farming cooperative of smallholder farmers and facilitated a fully certified shipment of coffee to Germany under the EUDR, with a full traceability record from bean to cup.

The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D)

On 24 April 2024, the European Parliament adopted the CS3D. The CS3D sets common goals for all EU Member States to achieve. The directive is binding for EU companies and non-EU companies who do business in the EU. EU Member States have a period of 2 years to implement the directive into their respective national legislations. The CS3D will be phased in over a longer period. Companies with 5,000 employees and €1,500 million turnover will be impacted in 3 years. Companies with 3,000 employees and €900 million turnover will be impacted in 4 years. Companies with 1,000 employees and €450 million turnover will be impacted in 5 years. 

The CS3D is compulsory for all companies in the EU, and companies outside Europe that sell products or services in EU countries. It tackles mainly the social and economic concerns of sustainability. Companies must take steps to find and prevent any harmful impacts that their businesses and supply chains may have on people and the environment.

Even before final confirmation of the CS3D, pilot programmes were being co-financed by the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the EU and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented in partnership with the International Coffee Organization (ICO). The piloting aims for actionable measures to implement mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence sustainably for all.

Exporters to the EU must therefore establish codes of conduct that focus on:

• Business ethics;
• Social responsibility, such as the welfare of farmers and processing facility workers and living income; and
• Environmental responsibility, such as carbon neutrality, impact on local biodiversity and deforestation.

These codes of conduct guide how you do your business and enhance adherence to the CS3D. For cooperatives, it is also important to keep track of your carbon footprint. Companies such as Carbon Roots can help you estimate your carbon footprint. Even if you cannot calculate the exact footprint, you should keep track of the type and amount of energy you use at your hulling, washing or drying stations, the capacity of your machines and the amount of chemical fertiliser used by the cooperative for each season. Buyers may request this information to have an idea of your environmental friendliness.

Food safety

The General Food Law ensures both food safety and food hygiene, guaranteeing quality across the supply chain. Coffee products that do not meet food safety standards are prohibited from entering the EU. Additionally, when further processing coffee, adherence to hygienic standards based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points HACCP principles is required. This practice is essential beyond primary coffee production, as identifying critical control points is crucial for food safety.

While HACCP is not typically necessary for coffee beans, it may be needed for processed coffee products. Coffee originating from countries not meeting safety standards may encounter import difficulties. These countries and their products are listed in the Annex of European Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793. The list is regularly updated, so staying informed is vital, although extra checks for coffee are minimal.

Food contaminants

Food can get contaminated during production because of the environment, farming methods, or how it is processed or transported. However, since many contaminants are natural, banning them completely is not possible. European laws make sure that contaminant levels are kept very low to avoid health risks and keep food quality high. These levels are decided based on advice from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

As of 25 April 2023, the European Union has updated food safety regulations to guarantee high standards of food safety and consumer protection. The regulation on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food, (EU) 2023/915 has replaced regulation (EC) 1881/2006.

In the next sub-sections, we will talk about the main contaminants likely to be found in coffee products. These include:

1. Pesticides;
2. Mycotoxins / mould;
3. Pathogens;
4. Extraction solvents;
5. Hydrocarbons; and
6. Other: Acrylamide.
   

Pesticides

Pesticides are a common reason for border authorities to reject coffee from producing countries. One key goal of the Farm to Fork strategy as part of the European Green Deal is to reduce pesticide use by 50% by 2030. To achieve this, the EU has legally-binding targets for maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides in food, including coffee. 

Coffee farmers usually use pesticides to control pests such as Coffee Twin borer (BCTB), Coffee Berry Borer (CBB), Coffee Mealybug, Coffee Leaf Miner, Coffee Leaf Skeletonizer, Caterpillars and Ants. However, they need to apply caution in the use of pesticides to protect the crop. While pesticides are allowed, they must stay within these limits. They must know the recommended timing and frequency of applying pesticides. Products with high levels of pesticides will be taken off the EU market. Buyers may test batches of organic green coffee for residues at accredited labs.

One pesticide that has been under debate in recent years was glyphosate. On 28 November 2023, the disagreements about this pesticide were resolved. The EU passed Regulation 2023/2660, extending glyphosate's use until 15 December 15 2033. Glyphosate, found in many herbicides, has faced criticism for health and environmental risks. Recent scientific assessments by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found that glyphosate is not carcinogenic and poses no significant risk to humans, animals or the environment.

Mycotoxins / mould

Mould can lead to coffee being rejected at borders. One concern is Ochratoxin A (OTA) levels found in green coffee beans. OTA contamination can occur during production, post-harvest practices, or transportation in humid containers. Therefore, OTA risk management in coffee production spans from tree to finished product. Essential practices involve meticulous harvesting, eliminating potential defects, ensuring rapid drying with moisture content between 8% and 12.5%, and maintaining clean, dry storage and transportation to prevent coffee from becoming rewet. In August 2022, the EU set new limits for OTA (Regulation (EU) 2022/1370). The maximum OTA level for roasted and ground coffee has been lowered to 3 μg/kg, and for instant coffee it is 5 μg/kg. OTA levels may decrease during roasting, but it is important to check levels in green coffee.

There is no specific limit for green coffee beans, but the European Coffee Federation (ECF) provides maximum moisture content allowed for green coffee to prevent risk of OTA. The moisture content for both Arabica and Robusta coffee should not exceed 12.5%. In addition, the ECF provides a decision tree (see Figure 1) that buyers can use to assess OTA risk which can lead to accepting or rejecting your coffee after testing your samples. 

Figure 1: A decision tree to check green coffee

Source: European Coffee Federation, 2022. Redesigned by Bart Wortel

Pathogens: Salmonella

Salmonella is a type of germ or microbe contamination. It is sometimes found in coffee if harvesting and drying are not done properly. Coffee beans do not usually have much risk of salmonella because roasting kills any germs. European rules do not therefore have specific germ limits for coffee. But if authorities find this type of germ during checks, they can stop coffee imports or take them off the market.

Extraction solvents

Solvents can be used for decaffeination of coffee. Directive 2009/32/EC of the European Parliament about extraction solvents used in making food and food ingredients has been updated. But the updates did not affect the maximum residue limits for the extraction solvents such as methyl acetate (20 mg/kg in the coffee), dichloromethane (2 mg/kg in the roasted coffee) and methylethylketone (20 mg/kg in the coffee).

Hydrocarbons: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAHs)

There is also a growing worry about a group of contaminants called Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Europe. These contaminants come from drying and roasting coffee beans. Examples include Benzo(a)pyrene and Anthracene.

During drying, PAHs contamination often happens because of smoke from fuel in machines. Pollution from the air, such as near roads, can also be a factor. The EU has rules (Commission Regulation (EU) No 835/2011) for PAHs limits in certain foods. Specific limit for coffee beans is not explicitly stated. But it is still important to try and prevent PAHs contamination. 

Figure 2: Drying coffee in a safe manner to prevent pollution from harmful gases

Source: Ethos Agriculture

Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAHs) are also mineral oils that might cause cancer. Green coffee can get contaminated with MOAHs during many stages, from production and drying to processing, packaging, storage, and transport. However, there are no official limits set specifically for coffee in Europe. The EU Commission introduced a Draft Regulation by the end of 2023 to establish maximum levels for Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) as part of the European Contaminants Regulation. Even though the specific food groups are still under discussion, it is important to know the proposed maximum levels for MOAH to ensure that levels in your green coffee or coffee products do not exceed these limits:

1. Products with a fat content ≤ 4 % fat/oil: 0.50 mg/kg
2. Products with a fat content > 4 % fat/oil and ≤ 50 % fat/oil: 1.0 mg/kg
3. Products with a fat content > 50 % fat/oil: 2.0 mg/kg

Some countries such as Germany and Switzerland have their specific guidelines. Germany is already implementing these thresholds proposed by the EU, while Switzerland has banned the use of recycled paper in food contact materials due to concerns about MOAH contamination.

Figure 3: Coffee storage in a warehouse

Source: Ethos Agriculture

Figure 4: Coffee ready for transportation

Source: Ethos Agriculture

Other: Acrylamide

Acrylamide is a carcinogenic substance that forms naturally when coffee is roasted at temperatures above 120°C. Recently, there has been a discussion in the European Union regarding the levels of acrylamide in roasted coffee. Changes are expected to be made on Regulation (EU) 2017/2158 which stipulates measures and benchmark levels for reducing acrylamide levels in foods. Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2158 establishes that the benchmark level for roasted coffee is 400 μg/kg. As an exporter of green coffee beans, you will not be directly affected by this legislative development, but it is important to note the increasing food safety controls for coffee in Europe.

General requirements on packaging and labelling

There are rules for labelling to help identify products and trace their origins. Follow the EU regulations on food labelling and packaging. Compliance enhances transparency of your products and helps to build buyers’ trust and confidence in your product. This will ultimately enhance your market access and uphold your reputation with European buyers. It is important to give buyers clear information so they can make good choices. When selling coffee in the EU, make sure the details on the label are accurate, easy to read, and not misleading. Also, ensure the information stays on the packaging and cannot be changed easily. Green coffee labels should be in English and include specific details:

• Product name;
• International Coffee Organization (ICO) identification code;
• Country of origin;
• Grade;
• Net weight in kilogrammes; and
• Supplier’s name.

• For certified coffee: name/code of the inspection body and certification number.

Additional labelling information for when your export includes prepacked coffee products:

• Ingredient list;
• Allergen information ;
• Date marking (best before/use by);
• Special storage conditions;
• Instructions for use;
• Alcohol level (if applicable); and
• Nutrition declaration.
  
  

Also, due to the EUDR, labelling should help efforts to check and reduce deforestation in the coffee supply chain. This might mean putting ways to monitor for deforestation on packages or giving buyers information about where the coffee comes from.

Figure 5: Examples of green coffee labelling

Source: Ethos Agriculture

When packaging green coffee, it is important to pick the right packaging to keep it fresh from the farm to the roaster. Green coffee is usually stored in big bags made of different materials. For example, Burlap bags, Plastic bags, High-barrier bags and Vacuum-sealed bags. Each has pros and cons.

Burlap bags have been popular for green coffee storage among farmers. They are strong, cheap, and eco-friendly because they are made from jute plant fibres. But they let in liquids and gases, so they are prone to oxygen and moisture, which can lead to mould and spoil the coffee.

Plastic bags come in various sizes and are more affordable and more durable than burlap. They offer better protection against oxygen and moisture but still allow some permeability.

High-barrier bags, often lined with burlap, are widely used for green coffee storage. They are waterproof and create a shield against oxygen and moisture, preserving coffee quality. Brands such as GrainPro, Videplast and Savor Brands offer these bags with advanced layers such as nylon and EVOH for better protection and recyclability.

Vacuum-sealed bags are the most protective but costly option. They remove all oxygen and are ideal for storing and shipping small batches of premium specialty coffees.

When shipping delicate specialty coffees, using impermeable bags can prevent them from deteriorating quickly. Large amounts of commercial coffee are often transported in simple plastic container liners because they are permeable and cost-effective. However, smaller quantities of both speciality and commercial coffee are always stored and shipped in traditional burlap coffee bags.

Figure 6: Examples of coffee packing: jute bag packaging and simple plastic liners and containers for smaller quantities of specialty and commercial coffee

Source: Ethos Agriculture

The EU is, however, getting ready to approve new green packaging rules. Even though the article is not directly related to the coffee industry, it points to the EU’s plan to deal with the increasing waste problem and change how people in the EU use, buy and recycle things. The goal is to ensure all packaging can be recycled by 2030. The EU targets that by 31 December 2025, at least 65% by weight of all packaging must be recycled. By the end of 31 December 2030, the EU wants to recycle at least 70% of packaging. By 1 January 1 2035, recyclable packaging should be recycled on a large scale. Also, the EU plans to stop using very light plastic bags. Some companies are already taking action. For example, Nestlé's Nespresso brand started testing home-compostable coffee capsules in France and Switzerland in Spring 2023.

The European Coffee Federation (ECF) supports the European Commission's plan to update the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) 94/62/EC. They expressed concern, however, over the proposed regulations' impact on Single Serve Units (SSUs) in the coffee industry. They said that it has potential conflicts with circular economy goals. They have therefore asked for changes to compostability requirements. This is because they want to help member countries and businesses meet waste reduction targets to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. 

Even though the regulation does not directly relate to green coffee, it is important to stay up to date with issues regarding packaging in consumer countries if you export to the EU. Also, if you plan to export roasted coffee to the EU, you must consider adhering to this regulation.

Payment and delivery terms 

Payment and delivery terms refer to the conditions agreed upon for the transfer of funds in exchange for purchasing coffee beans. These terms dictate when and how payment will be made, influencing cash flow, risk management, and relationships with suppliers. Common payment terms include Letter of Credit (LC), Cash in Advance, Open Account and Documentary Collection (DC). Each method offers different levels of security and flexibility, allowing buyers to tailor their payment arrangements according to their preferences and circumstances.

You need to negotiate to set up mutually beneficial payment terms. Effective negotiation involves clear communication, understanding each party's needs and constraints, and seeking solutions that accommodate both parties' preferences and circumstances. The way you receive payment and deliver your goods might change, depending on where you are sending them from and where they are going. Bank accounts are the main mediums through which you receive your payment from a buyer. The main bank account-based payment methods include credit transfers, cheques, direct debits, and card payments. These methods all involve moving funds from the buyer's account to the seller's account.

Sometimes you can receive late payments. The EU Late Payment Directive required Member States to establish laws governing payment schedules. The payment terms should not be more than 60 days unless both parties agree. If no terms are set, it defaults to 30 days. However, some countries had laws more favourable to suppliers. Consequently, the EU passed a directive in 2019 addressing unfair trading practices in food chains. As a result, payment terms are now limited to 30 days for perishable goods and 60 days for other food items. 

On 12 September 2023, the EU proposed a new and more stringent rule, suggesting a maximum payment term of 30 days for all food products. Member States need to agree. While the proposed regulation has not yet been finalised or enacted, it highlights the EU's commitment to addressing late payment issues and protecting suppliers. It is crucial to stay informed about the developments and potential changes to payment term regulations. This knowledge can guide you in negotiating favourable terms when signing supply or trade contracts within the EU market.

The EU's Access2Markets website has the information you need about taxes, rules and other things that might affect your trade. You can look up the taxes and rules for exporting coffee (HS code 0901) from your country to any European destination on this website.

Intellectual property (IP) rights

In the coffee industry, intellectual property issues are common. Companies invest a lot in branding and innovation to stay competitive. Protecting intellectual property rights is crucial. Patents are important for products and ingredients used in coffee. They cover things such as flavoured syrups and packaging solutions. Unique designs, sealing methods, and materials can extend the shelf life of coffee. Accessories such as grinders can also be patented, as they impact coffee quality and preparation. Examples of patented technologies and coffee extraction methods include pressure coffee maker for preparing coffee infusions, Maitake mushroom coffee and Maca coffee.

The EU is a signatory of IP rights agreements such as the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)

The IP rights in the TRIPS agreement include:

• Copyright and related rights;
• Trademarks including service marks;
• Geographical indications including appellations of origin;
• Industrial designs;
• Patents including the protection of new varieties of cocoa with desirable traits such as flavour profiles;
• Layout designs of integrated circuits; and
• Undisclosed information including trade secrets and test data.

2. What additional requirements and certifications do buyers ask for in the coffee sector?

Some buyers have requirements that go beyond existing legislation, in particular regarding food safety, quality, and environmental impact and social responsibility.

Additional food safety requirements

In coffee-producing countries, processing systems for green beans are not always required because they are often roasted elsewhere. However, some buyers may ask for food safety systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 22000, or HACCP. HACCP is a starting point for more rigorous schemes such as FSSC 22000 or BRCGS. Consultants can help develop HACCP schemes.

Quality criteria

If you want to export coffee to Europe, you will have to meet your buyer’s quality standards. These are particularly high within the specialty segment. Coffee quality is assessed by examining green and roasted coffee physically and by sensory evaluation of the roasted coffee.

Green coffee assessment

First, the quality of green coffee is graded and classified before export. There is no universal grading and classification system for coffee, but the Specialty Coffee Association’s standards for green coffee grading are often used as a reference. However, most producing countries have and use their own grading and classification systems. Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 also explains the preferred quality of green coffee in the EU. This includes factors such as moisture, odour, wet/dry process, and so on.

The Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) also provides specific standards on coffee quality, such as ISO 10470:2004 (Green coffee - Defect reference chart). Also, standards such as ISO 24114:2011 define criteria for the authenticity of soluble (instant) coffee. This standard was last reviewed in 2018 and is still in effect.

Grading and classification are usually based on the following criteria:

• Altitude and region;
• Botanical variety;
• Processing method: wet/washed, dry/natural, honey, pulped naturals;
• Screen size: important to ensure uniform roasting, which improves final product quality;
• Classification of defects or imperfections;
• Number of defects or imperfections;
• Bean density; and
• Cup quality.

European buyers typically do a green coffee assessment. This includes a screen-size evaluation, defect count and an assessment of bean colour, appearance and smell. This is followed by a moisture check and water activity analysis. Sample roasting is then done to evaluate green coffee quality and uniformity.

Sensory assessment: coffee cupping

Coffee is also assessed and scored by a method called cupping. Buyers use different protocols and standards to conduct a sensory assessment. However, the SCA recommends specific guidelines and protocols for cupping coffee. The most widely used cupping tool is the SCA’s Coffee Taster's Flavour Wheel. Some of the quality attributes assessed are flavour, fragrance/aroma, aftertaste, acidity, body, uniformity, balance, cleanliness, sweetness and off-notes. Overall ratings provide a summary assessment based on a scale of 50 to 10 – the higher the score, the better the quality.

Note that there is no exact definition of specialty coffee within the coffee industry. The Coffee Quality Institute and the cupping protocols of the Specialty Coffee Association consider coffees graded and cupped with scores below 80 to be standard quality and not specialty. Nevertheless, the exact minimum scores defining specialty coffee differ per country and per buyer. Most buyers consider 80 too low and demand a cupping score of 85 or higher for it to be considered specialty.

If you sell specialty coffee, it is important for buyers to know the cupping score of your coffee. Although not mandatory, it is highly relevant to add this information to the documentation of the coffee you are exporting – this may add value to your product. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of the quality of your coffee, either through local cupping experts or by becoming a cupping expert yourself. Note, however, that your coffee will most likely be cupped again at the destination market by your buyer. Most coffee will be approved based on the cupping results of the pre-shipment sample.

Figure 7: SCA Coffee Taster’s Flavour Wheel

Source: Not bad coffee 

Figure 8: Panel conducting sensory evaluation of coffee

Source: Ethos Agriculture

Supplier Code of Conduct

European buyers are increasingly addressing social and environmental issues in the coffee supply chain, and it is becoming common for them to develop Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies and codes of conduct that suppliers must follow. The CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) entered into force in the EU in early 2023. Companies in the EU have to disclose information on what they see as risks and opportunities arising from social and environmental issues, in other words, mandatory reporting.

Have a look at the websites of these small and mid-sized coffee importers for examples of sustainability codes of conduct and/or projects they have set up at origin:

• GEPA (Germany), Ethiquable (France) and Altromercato (Italy): these are all importers that work on the basis of fair trade principles.
• This Side Up (the Netherlands): specialty coffee importer that empowers farmers by helping them become fully independent agro entrepreneurs.
• Nordic Approach (Norway): specialty coffee importer that focuses solely on sourcing traceable green coffees. For instance, they work on the ground at origin to contribute to product development.

• Efico (Belgium): this coffee importer created the private Efico Foundation, which promotes sustainable coffee production through certification, training and education programmes.

Examples of sustainability codes of conduct and/or projects from large importers and roasters are:

• Neumann Kaffee Gruppe: Corporate Responsibility. The group also founded the independent NGO Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung, with which it implements several coffee-based projects to promote a sustainable coffee economy.
• Lavazza: Blend for Better. The company founded the Lavazza Foundation, which implements and reports on sustainability projects to support coffee producing communities worldwide.
• Nestlé: Sourcing coffee responsibly, which they do through their own programmes Nescafé Plan and Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Program.
• Louis Dreyfus Company: Sustainable Coffee, which is focused on the expansion of certified/verified coffee and the implementation of projects at origin to support coffee farming communities.

• Starbucks: Ethically Sourced Coffee. Starbucks sources its coffee through its own developed sustainability standard, the C.A.F.E. Practices. The company also has 6 farmer support centres around the world, providing training to farmers.

Some examples of sustainability codes of conducts from retailers are:

• Ahold Delhaize (Netherlands/Belgium)
• Marks and Spencer (United Kingdom) 

• Lidl (Germany): coffee products either Rainforest Alliance/UTZ, Fairtrade and/or organic certified

These codes of conduct may also affect you as a supplier. They may, for instance, require you to sign a suppliers’ code of conduct in which you declare that you do your business in a responsible way, meaning that you (and your suppliers) respect local environmental and labour laws, do not engage in corruption, and so on. These aspects are also investigated further in company audits carried out by your (potential) buyer.

Sustainability certification

Certification used to be the main way companies show they follow Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules. However, many European companies, especially in Northern and Western Europe, still follow sustainability certification schemes. These certifications focus on different issues and are popular in different countries or areas. Knowing these standards is crucial for entering the EU market.

The main certification schemes in coffee include Fairtrade, organic, Rainforest Alliance, and 4C. Having at least one of these certifications has almost become essential for working with European importers.

Rainforest Alliance operates on a large scale and is well-known in European markets. You can consult the guide for farmers on how to get Rainforest Alliance certified here. If you are an exporting company, refer to this guide for companies on how to get supply chain certification. In June 2020, the Rainforest Alliance published its new certification programme for farmers and companies. Audits under this new standard began in July 2021.

4C, which stands for Common Code for the Coffee Community, also serves the mainstream market. Access their website to find out how to obtain a 4C certificate.

Table 1: Most important third-party Voluntary Sustainability Standards requested by European coffee buyers

Source: Amonarmah Consults (information retrieved from ITC Standards Map and specific standards’ websites)

Read more about Fairtrade and organic in the section below.

Amonarmah Consults carried out this study in partnership with Molgo Research and Ethos Agriculture on behalf of CBI.

Please review our market information disclaimer.