Green coffee and cocoa entering through PortMiami in 2026 clear CBP and FDA like any food import, but their value swings with commodity markets — which is why many importers hold beans in bonded warehouses and defer duty and cash flow until the product actually sells to a roaster or manufacturer. Here is how the flow works from vessel to cupping table.
Miami as a specialty coffee gateway
Colombian, Brazilian, Peruvian and Central American coffees ship into PortMiami in ventilated or reefer containers, in jute bags on pallets or in bulk liners. Cocoa follows similar lanes from Ecuador, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. Buyers range from national roasters to South Florida specialty importers selling lot by lot — a use case bonded storage fits perfectly.
Entry, exams and food safety
Every shipment needs FDA prior notice, a foreign supplier verification (FSVP) importer, and standard CBP entry via a broker. Agricultural exams are common: USDA looks for pests in jute and green beans, and containers can be sent for fumigation — our guide to USDA and CBP agriculture holds at Florida ports covers timelines. If a container is pulled for exam, factor two to seven extra days.
Why importers choose bonded storage for beans
In a bonded warehouse, duty is deferred until withdrawal, so an importer can land 5 containers, sell gradually, and pay duty per withdrawal rather than up front — comparing this against foreign-trade zones is covered in our FTZ vs bonded warehouse duty guide. Beans also need stable conditions: 60 to 70 percent relative humidity, off-floor racking, and separation from odor-heavy cargo, since green coffee absorbs ambient smells.
From warehouse to roaster
Once sold, lots withdraw from bond, duty settles, and freight moves by LTL for pallet lots or FTL for full-truck orders. Go Freight handles container drayage from PortMiami, bonded and ambient storage at 3300 NW 110 St, and nationwide distribution, giving coffee importers one accountable partner from berth to roastery.
Frequently asked questions
Is there duty on green coffee imports in 2026?
Green coffee has historically entered duty-free, but 2025–2026 tariff actions have added rates on many origins, so importers should verify current duty by origin with their broker — another reason bonded deferral is popular this year.
How should green coffee be stored in Miami?
Cool, dry and ventilated: roughly 60–70% relative humidity, out of direct sun, on racking away from aromatic cargo. Reefer storage suits premium microlots held long-term.
Can I sell coffee lot by lot from a bonded warehouse?
Yes. Partial withdrawals are standard — you pay duty only on the bags you withdraw, keeping the rest in bond for up to five years.
Importing beans through Miami? Get a free bonded storage quote or call (786) 445-0150.