Green coffee technical specifications
Comprehensive quality standards for international coffee trade
Building trust through standardization
At a glance
Understanding and adhering to technical specifications for green coffee beans is essential for coffee exporters, importers, and traders worldwide. These standards ensure consistent quality, facilitate international trade, and provide a common language for buyers and sellers to communicate their requirements and expectations.
Request detailed specifications- Bean size and screen classification
- Screen 18 · 7.14 mm Screen 16 · 6.35 mm Screen 13 · 5.16 mm
- Moisture content
- Too low: < 9% Optimal range: 9–12.5% Too high: > 13%
- Foreign material standards
- 0.1–0.5%
- Jute bags
- Standard: 60kg bags
- Container loading
- 20ft: 320–360 bags (19.2 MT – 21.6 MT) 40ft: 417–450 bags (25 MT – 27 MT)
- Temperature
- Cool, stable environment (15–25°C / 59–77°F)
- Relative humidity
- Controlled at 50–60% to prevent moisture absorption
Understanding key specifications
Bean size and screen classification
Coffee beans are classified by size using screen numbers, which indicate the diameter in 1/64-inch increments. Larger beans (Screen 18) are generally considered higher quality, though size alone doesn't determine cup quality. Screen classification ensures uniformity in roasting and helps buyers select beans matching their specific processing needs.
Moisture content
Moisture content is one of the most critical specifications for green coffee quality and shelf life. The optimal range of 9–12.5% ensures beans remain stable during storage and transportation while preserving their quality characteristics. Moisture levels outside this range can lead to serious quality issues.
- < 9%Too low
- 9–12.5%Optimal range
- > 13%Too high
Defect categories
Defects in green coffee beans can significantly impact cup quality and final product value. Understanding defect categories helps buyers specify acceptable tolerance levels and ensures quality expectations are met. Common defects include:
- Black beansPremature picking or improper fermentation
- Broken or chipped beansMechanical damage during processing
- Insect damageBeetle holes or pest damage
- Sour beansOver-fermentation during processing
- Immature beansUnderdeveloped or unripe beans
Foreign material standards
Foreign material includes any non-coffee substances such as stones, sticks, soil, or other debris. International standards typically limit foreign matter to 0.1–0.5% by weight. Strict foreign material control protects processing equipment and ensures product purity for end consumers.
Processing methods and quality impact
Dry processing (natural)
In dry processing, whole coffee cherries are dried in the sun before removing the outer layers. This traditional method is common for Robusta coffee and produces beans with distinctive flavor characteristics.
- Processing time: 3–4 weeks
- Flavor profile: Full-bodied, earthy, low acidity
- Body: Heavy, intense, chocolate notes
Wet processing (washed)
Wet processing removes the cherry pulp before drying, resulting in cleaner, more consistent flavor profiles. This method requires more water and infrastructure but produces beans prized for their clarity and brightness.
- Processing time: 1–2 weeks
- Flavor profile: Clean, bright, complex
- Acidity: Higher, more pronounced
| Characteristic | Dry processed | Wet processed |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 3–4 weeks | 1–2 weeks |
| Flavor profile | Full-bodied, earthy, chocolatey | Clean, bright, complex |
| Quality consistency | Variable, weather-dependent | More consistent, controlled |
Packaging and storage standards
Packaging options
Jute bags
Traditional packaging for green coffee, breathable and eco-friendly.
- Standard: 60kg bags
- Natural fiber, biodegradable
GrainPro liners
Premium moisture barrier protection for long-distance shipping.
- Hermetic seal protection
- Extended shelf life preservation
Container loading
Proper container specifications for optimal coffee preservation.
- 20ft: 320–360 bags (19.2 MT – 21.6 MT)
- 40ft: 417–450 bags (25 MT – 27 MT)
- Container liner available upon request
Jumbo bags (big bags)
Bulk packaging solution for large-volume shipments.
- 1 metric ton per bag
- Efficient handling and storage
Storage best practices
- Temperature
- Cool, stable environment (15–25°C / 59–77°F)
- Relative humidity
- Controlled at 50–60% to prevent moisture absorption
- Ventilation
- Good air circulation to prevent condensation and odor transfer
- Protection
- Keep away from direct sunlight, strong odors, and ground moisture
Transportation standards
Proper transportation ensures coffee quality is maintained from origin to destination. Containers should be clean, dry, and odor-free. Avoid shipments with strong-smelling products. Temperature and humidity monitoring during transit is recommended for premium shipments.
Frequently asked questions
What are green coffee beans?
Green coffee beans are raw, unroasted coffee seeds extracted from coffee cherries. They are exported in this "green" state because they have a much longer shelf life than roasted coffee (12–24 months vs. weeks), are easier to transport in bulk, and allow buyers to roast according to their specific requirements and market preferences.
Why do technical specifications matter for international coffee trade?
Technical specifications create a standardized language between buyers and sellers across different countries and cultures. They help ensure quality consistency, facilitate fair pricing based on objective criteria, reduce disputes through clear expectations, enable quality comparison between suppliers, and meet regulatory requirements in importing countries. Without clear specifications, international trade would be inefficient and risky for both parties.
How are coffee beans measured and classified?
Coffee beans are classified using multiple criteria: Size is measured using screens (perforated metal sheets) with holes of specific diameters - Screen 18 means beans are retained by a screen with 18/64-inch holes. Defects are counted and categorized by type and severity. Moisture content is measured using electronic moisture meters. Color is assessed visually or with colorimeters. Cup quality is evaluated through professional cupping sessions following standardized protocols.
Why is moisture content so critical for green coffee?
Moisture content directly impacts coffee shelf life, quality stability, and even safety. Too high moisture (>13%) creates risk of mold growth, bacterial contamination, premature aging, and off-flavors. Too low moisture (<9%) can cause beans to become brittle and lose flavor compounds, and reduce weight (affecting commercial value). The 9–12.5% range maintains stability while preserving the beans' intrinsic quality characteristics throughout storage and transportation.
What are the most common defects and how do they affect cup quality?
Black/Sour beans create harsh, fermented, or medicinal flavors in the cup. Broken beans roast unevenly and can contribute bitterness. Insect-damaged beans produce unclean flavors and reduce overall cup quality. Immature beans lack sweetness and contribute astringency. Foreign material doesn't affect flavor directly but indicates poor quality control. Even small percentages of defects (1–2%) can noticeably impact cup quality, which is why premium grades specify very low defect tolerances.
What packaging options are available and which is best?
Standard jute bags (60kg) are traditional and economical for most shipments. GrainPro liners inside jute bags provide superior moisture protection for premium coffees or long sea voyages. Vacuum-sealed bags offer maximum protection but are more expensive and used for small quantities or samples. Super sacks (bulk bags) of 1000kg+ are efficient for large-volume commercial shipments. The best option depends on your budget, destination, shipment duration, and quality level. For specialty coffees or humid destinations, GrainPro liners are highly recommended.
What certifications does Phuoc Son offer?
Phuoc Son can provide various certifications based on customer requirements, including 4C and ISO 22000 food safety certification. We work directly with certified farmers and maintain proper chain-of-custody documentation. Not all certifications are available for all products - please contact us to discuss specific certification needs for your target markets.
How does Phuoc Son ensure consistent quality?
Our quality assurance includes: Direct relationships with certified farmer cooperatives, modern processing facilities with optical sorting technology, multiple quality control checkpoints from receiving to final packing, trained staff for professional cupping evaluation, pre-shipment samples and inspection reports, moisture and defect testing on every lot, and complete traceability from farm to container. We view quality as a partnership with our customers and stand behind every shipment with transparent documentation and responsive support.
How can I request detailed specifications for specific products?
You can request detailed specifications through our B2B contact form below, by emailing us directly, or through WhatsApp. We provide comprehensive specification sheets including: physical characteristics (screen size, moisture, defects), cupping scores and flavor notes, processing method and origin details, available certifications, packaging options, pricing and minimum order quantities. We're happy to discuss custom specifications to match your exact requirements.
What is the difference between Robusta and Arabica specifications?
While both varieties share similar specification frameworks (moisture, defects, size), Arabica typically commands stricter standards due to its specialty market positioning. Arabica is graded with more detailed defect classifications, generally requires lower moisture content (8–11%), has different screen size ranges (14–17 for Arabica vs. 13–18 for Robusta), and undergoes more rigorous cupping evaluation. Robusta specifications focus more on consistency and processing quality. Phuoc Son specializes in both varieties and can provide detailed grade descriptions for each.
Request detailed specifications
Contact our export team for product-specific technical documentation and customized solutions for your business needs.
