How to Verify a Coffee Exporter in India
A Due-Diligence Checklist for First-Time Buyers
Registration Checks · Certifications · Track Record · Red Flags to Watch For
Working With an Unfamiliar Supplier
If you're sourcing coffee from India for the first time, you're likely evaluating a supplier you've never met in person, often based on a website and a few email exchanges. That's a normal way to start an export relationship — but it's worth a short, structured verification step before committing to a bulk order.
The good news: India's coffee export sector is well regulated, and legitimate exporters hold a small, checkable set of registrations. Verifying these takes a few minutes and meaningfully reduces your risk.
This page walks through exactly what to check, and what to watch out for.
Core Registrations to Check
Any exporter unwilling to share these on request is worth treating with extra caution.
Eight Steps Before You Place an Order
Check APEDA Registration
APEDA (Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) registration is mandatory for exporting agricultural products from India, including coffee. Ask for the exporter's APEDA Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) number and confirm it independently on the APEDA website.
Confirm Coffee Board of India Registration
Genuine coffee exporters register with the Coffee Board of India, the statutory body overseeing coffee trade in the country. This registration is separate from APEDA and specific to the coffee sector.
Verify Import Export Code (IEC)
Every legitimate exporter holds a 10-digit Import Export Code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This is a baseline legal requirement to conduct any export transaction from India.
Check FSSAI Licence
For food products, an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) licence confirms the exporter meets national food-safety standards for processing and handling.
Ask for Export Track Record
Request recent shipment history — destination countries served, approximate volumes, and how long they've been exporting. An established exporter should be able to share this without hesitation.
Request Trade References
Ask for contact details of 1–2 existing overseas buyers who can speak to their experience. A confident, established exporter will generally be willing to provide this on request.
Order Samples Before Committing
A trustworthy exporter will readily send paid or complimentary samples (typically 1–2 kg) for your quality evaluation before you commit to a bulk order.
Review Certifications Relevant to Your Market
Depending on your buyer requirements, check for Organic, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, or similar certifications, and ask to see the current certificate rather than relying on a logo alone.
Common Red Flags
None of these alone is automatically disqualifying, but two or more together are a strong signal to slow down and ask more questions.
Verifying a Coffee Exporter — Frequently Asked Questions
What is APEDA and why does it matter for coffee exporters?
APEDA (Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) is the Indian government body responsible for promoting and regulating the export of agricultural products, including coffee. Registration with APEDA (an RCMC — Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) is a legal requirement for exporting coffee from India, so it's one of the first things a buyer should verify.
Is Coffee Board of India registration the same as APEDA?
No — they are separate. APEDA covers agricultural exports broadly, while the Coffee Board of India is the sector-specific statutory body overseeing coffee cultivation, curing, and trade within India. A genuine coffee exporter typically holds both.
How do I check if an Import Export Code (IEC) is genuine?
The IEC is a 10-digit code issued by India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). You can ask the exporter for their IEC number and cross-check basic details through DGFT's public search tools.
Should I be concerned if an exporter asks for full payment in advance?
Requesting significant advance payment isn't unusual, especially for first orders, but a reasonable exporter will typically work within standard terms — partial advance with balance on shipping documents, or a Letter of Credit — and will not resist reasonable requests for samples or references first.
What documents should a legitimate coffee exporter be able to provide?
At minimum: APEDA RCMC, Coffee Board registration, IEC, and FSSAI licence (for food-grade product). Beyond that, expect to see a company registration certificate, GST registration, and — for certified lots — the relevant certification body's current certificate.
Is LIT COFFEE registered with APEDA and the Coffee Board of India?
Yes — LIT COFFEE (Leelaprasad International Pvt Ltd) is registered with APEDA and the Coffee Board of India, and operates with a valid IEC and FSSAI licence. Registration and certification details are available on request as part of your due diligence.
Can I visit the exporter's facility before placing an order?
Many established exporters, including LIT COFFEE, welcome facility visits or video calls for buyers who want to see processing and storage conditions firsthand before committing to a bulk order.
More Resources for Coffee Importers
Want to See Our Registration & Certificates?
We're happy to share our APEDA, Coffee Board, IEC, and FSSAI details, along with references from existing buyers, before you place your first order.
Contact Our Export Team
Email: export@leelaprasadcoffee.com | Phone: +91-96869 95189
Monday–Friday · 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM IST · Response within 24 hours