What steps are needed to secure an export license for Colombian coffee shipments to the EU under phytosanitary and tariff rules?

Good morning. My first suggestion is to seek the services of a law firm that offers comprehensive legal support across multiple practice areas. Based on what you have shared, your case will likely require the expertise of several legal professionals, as it involves matters related to commercial law, intellectual property, and customs regulations. We would be happy to assist you.

Good morning. My first suggestion is to seek the services of a law firm that offers comprehensive legal support across multiple practice areas. Based on what you have shared, your case will likely require the expertise of several legal professionals, as it involves matters related to commercial law, intellectual property, and customs regulations. We would be happy to assist you.

Thank you for contacting Lynceus Law Firm. I am a Colombian lawyer specialized in commercial law and studied in Germany. I speak fluently English and German and one of my law firm partners is German. Germany is the biggest coffee market in the European Union. Exporting coffee to the European Union is strictly regulated. Here is the checklist of what you legally need to avoid penalties and delays: 1. Before shipping, your company must have the following legal standing: RUT Update: Your tax registry with the DIAN must have code 22 (Exporter/Customs Duties) active. National Exporter Registry: You must be registered with the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros (FNC). Without this, the Muisca system will block your export immediately. Contribution Payment: You cannot export without paying the Contribución Cafetera (parafiscal tax). Attempting to bypass this is considered contraband. 2. The New EU Barriers (Crucial for 2026) The European Union has tightened access. Two major requirements now apply: EUDR (Deforestation Regulation): You must provide geolocation data for every plot of land where the coffee was grown. If the land was deforested after Dec 31, 2020, the coffee cannot enter the EU. Pesticide Controls: The EU has strict limits. Common substances are banned. Ensure your growers are not using prohibited chemicals, or the entire container will be destroyed at the port of entry at your expense. 3. Required Documents Packet For every shipment, ensure your customs broker (Agencia de Aduanas) has: Commercial Invoice & Packing List; Phytosanitary Certificate (Issued by ICA); OIC Certificate of Origin (Issued by FNC); EUR.1 Movement Certificate: This is critical. It allows your buyer in the EU to pay 0% import duty under the Free Trade Agreement. Common Penalties & Risks: Seizure: Shipping without the "Guía de Tránsito" (transit permit) is grounds for immediate seizure by the Fiscal Police. Suspension: The FNC can suspend your export license if the quality at the port does not match the "Producto de Colombia" standards. What kind of coffee do you want to export? Green beans or roasted coffee? Best regards. Laura Grisales Rendón