International Shipping & Import Terms

When you order from this platform, please note you will be agreeing to the EXM and DHL Standard Terms and Conditions of shipping.

All shipments are carried subject to the DHL Express Terms and Conditions of Carriage. By placing an order, you acknowledge and agree to these terms in addition to our own Terms and Conditions of Sale.

The items you are purchasing online will be shipped to you exclusive of Import Duties and VAT/GST that may be applicable in your country of destination.

Should your country require special import permits to import roasted coffee from Ethiopia, the responsibility for obtaining the permits or approvals will be the Importer of Record's responsibility. If the Importer of Record does not provide the required documentation at the time of importation at destination, the importer may risk having the shipment confiscated by the customs authorities or impounded.

Not responding within 24 hours to a request for further documentation by DHL or the appointed broker may result in the shipment being returned to origin or sent for destruction/disposal.

These Terms and Conditions apply only to roasted coffee and do not include transportation of green coffee or raw coffee.

The full carriage conditions are published by DHL: DHL Express Terms and Conditions of Carriage (PDF).

1. Import Responsibility

By placing an order, the customer acknowledges that they are the importer of record in the destination country and are responsible for complying with all local import laws and regulations.

Import requirements differ from country to country and may include:

• Import permits
• Food safety inspections
• Customs declarations
• Import Duty
• VAT/GST
• Customs duties
• Excise taxes (where applicable)
• Local agricultural or phytosanitary requirements

Please note that DHL cannot override or waive these government requirements.

2. Customs Duties & Taxes

Unless specifically stated otherwise, all international orders are shipped on a Delivered At Place (DAP) or Delivered Taxes Unpaid (DTU) basis.

This means the Importer of Record is responsible for:

• Import Duty
• VAT or GST
• Customs Clearance Fees
• Government Charges
• Inspection Fees
• Storage Charges caused by Customs delays

These charges are not included in the purchase price.

3. Customs Clearance

The customer agrees to:

• Provide any documentation requested by Customs
• Provide identification if required
• Respond promptly to DHL customs requests
• Pay any applicable duties, taxes, and clearance fees

Failure to do so may result in delays or return of the shipment.

4. Country Restrictions

Certain countries restrict or prohibit the importation of:

• Coffee
• Food products
• Agricultural products
• Organic products
• Products containing certain ingredients

The customer is responsible for verifying whether roasted coffee may legally be imported into their country before ordering.

Orders cannot be refunded because a country's regulations prohibit importation.

5. Refused Shipments

If a shipment is:

• Refused by the customer
• Refused by Customs
• Abandoned
• Destroyed by Customs

the customer remains responsible for:

• Return freight
• Customs charges
• Destruction fees
• Storage charges
• DHL administrative charges

Refunds will only be issued after these costs have been deducted, where applicable.

6. Customs Delays

Delivery estimates do not include delays caused by:

• Customs inspections
• Government agencies
• Food safety authorities
• Agriculture departments
• Public holidays
• Weather

These delays are outside the control of both DHL and the seller.

7. Product Information

Customers should ensure that:

• Coffee may legally enter their country.
• The quantity ordered complies with local import regulations.
• Any required import licenses have been obtained.

Some countries impose limits on food imports for personal use.

8. Food Safety Regulations

Many countries require imported food products to comply with local food safety legislation.

Authorities may request:

• Ingredient information
• Country of Origin
• Manufacturer details
• Production dates
• Batch numbers
• Shelf-life information
• Packaging compliance
• Nutritional information

Additional inspections may delay delivery.

9. Product Packaging

Coffee is exported from Ethiopia in commercially sealed food-grade packaging.

Where applicable, commercial packaging must meet destination food safety and labelling requirements.

Minor damage to external shipping cartons does not necessarily indicate damage to the product.

10. DHL Delivery

DHL will make delivery attempts according to local procedures.

If the customer cannot be contacted, or fails to respond to DHL regarding customs clearance, the shipment may be returned, abandoned or handed over to the relevant customs authority as per country regulations.

Additional charges may apply.

11. Delivery Address

Customers are responsible for providing:

• Correct contact name
• Complete physical address (PO Box is not acceptable)
• Postal code or Zip Code
• Telephone number & Mobile number
• Email address

Incorrect information may result in delivery delays or additional charges.

12. Returns

Due to food safety regulations, roasted coffee cannot normally be returned once shipped unless:

• The wrong product was supplied
• The product arrived damaged
• The shipment was lost

Change-of-mind returns are not accepted for food items.

13. Liability

EXM and DHL are not liable for losses arising from:

• Customs delays
• Import restrictions
• Government actions
• Seizure by Customs
• Import permit requirements
• Customer failure to comply with local regulations

The Importer of Record or Consignee agrees that DHL can LISP (Leave In Safe Place).

Additional Considerations for Ethiopian Coffee Exports

To help ensure smooth customs clearance, please also note:

• Coffee is exported from Ethiopia in compliance with Ethiopian export regulations.
• The shipment includes a commercial invoice and required export documentation.
• Depending on the destination country, authorities may require additional documentation or information before releasing the shipment.
• Some countries have quantity limits for food imported for personal use; larger orders may be treated as commercial imports and require additional customs formalities.
• Customers should ensure that any local labeling or language requirements applicable in their country are met before placing large or commercial orders.

These terms set clear expectations, reduce disputes, and align with standard international e-commerce practices. For country-specific guidance (e.g. the EU, United States, China, United Kingdom, Australia, GCC countries, or Canada) please check the local authority's website.