Coffee Import and Supply Security in Switzerland – Explained

Coffee Import into Switzerland – How Your Favourite Beans Arrive Safely

Coffee is one of Switzerland’s most popular hot beverages. What many don’t know: the journey your coffee bean takes is not only long but strictly regulated. Importing coffee into Switzerland means navigating a well-coordinated system of responsibility, storage, and legal oversight. A key player in this system is the réservesuisse cooperative – a largely invisible yet vital organisation for national supply security.

The réservesuisse Cooperative – Bridge Between Business and Government

Réservesuisse is a self-help organisation of the Swiss private sector. Its members are companies that are legally obliged to maintain compulsory stocks of food and animal feed. On behalf of the federal government, réservesuisse ensures that these stocks are correctly maintained, regularly inspected, and ready for deployment when needed.

It also represents its members’ interests towards federal authorities and international institutions, serving as a bridge between the private economy and public authorities, particularly in matters of national economic supply.

The Purpose of Compulsory Stockholding

Crises such as wars, pandemics or natural disasters can severely disrupt global supply chains. To prepare for such events, the Federal Law on National Economic Supply (LVG) requires Switzerland to stock certain essential goods. Coffee is among them – as are sugar, rice, cooking oil, and animal feed.

The responsibility for this stockpiling does not lie with the government directly, but with companies like ours – supported and supervised by réservesuisse. These compulsory stocks safeguard the basic supply of the population and enable rapid responses to shortages.

The History of National Supply in Switzerland

Switzerland’s national economic supply system dates back to the early days of the federal state. Even in the 19th century, it became clear how vulnerable Switzerland was to import disruptions. During both World Wars, shortages led to government interventions and the first stockpiling efforts.

A major milestone came in 1955 with the introduction of Switzerland’s first comprehensive supply law, which made stockpiling compulsory. Since then, the system has continuously evolved. In the wake of globalisation and complex supply chains, its importance has grown – recently also due to climate change and geopolitical tensions.

Today’s réservesuisse cooperative was formed in 2003 from the merger of two predecessor organisations. However, its roots go back to 1948, when the first trustee offices for imported products were created. Today, the organisation stands for stability, security and coordination in the field of essential food supplies.

The General Import Authorisation for Coffee

Anyone wishing to import coffee into Switzerland requires a so-called General Import Authorisation (GIA). This permit is issued by réservesuisse on behalf of the federal government and is mandatory for the legal import of coffee and other products under compulsory stockholding.

At Espressa, we also import our coffee beans from different countries. With the GIA, we ensure our imports comply with the law and contribute to national supply security. Our compulsory stocks are regularly inspected and form part of a comprehensive crisis plan.

Different Contributions by Product Type

An often overlooked but important aspect of the coffee industry is the so-called Guarantee Fund Contribution. A fee is charged for each kilogram of imported coffee, which is paid into a fund that offsets storage costs and price risks.

Since an adjustment in 2023, a distinction is made between roasted and unroasted coffee. Roasted coffee is subject to a slightly higher contribution, mainly due to increased logistics costs. For consumers, this means: every pack of coffee not only reflects bean quality but also contributes to Switzerland’s supply security.

Our Contribution to a Secure Coffee Future

At Espressa, we stand not only for excellent coffee but also for responsibility. Complying with legal requirements, ensuring a transparent supply chain, and maintaining secure storage are part of our commitment. Thanks to our collaboration with réservesuisse, we can ensure that your coffee is both enjoyable and responsibly sourced.

Every cup you enjoy with us is part of a well-functioning system – and a contribution to Switzerland’s supply security.

Guarantee Fund Contributions Over Time – Coffee Comes at a Price

The guarantee fund contribution for roasted, non-decaffeinated coffee (tariff number 0901.2100) is not just a fixed amount – it reflects economic and political developments. Since the 1990s, the contribution per kilogram has changed several times, sometimes rising, sometimes falling. A look back shows that coffee was once more expensively secured than it is today:

• 01.07.1995: 22.80 cents/kg
• 01.01.1997: 21.60 cents/kg
• 01.01.1998: 16.20 cents/kg
• 01.01.2000: 11.40 cents/kg
• 01.05.2001: 5.70 cents/kg
• 01.10.2006: 4.50 cents/kg
• 01.07.2020: 5.22 cents/kg
• 01.01.2023: 6.12 cents/kg
• 01.01.2024: 14.40 cents/kg

The recent increase to 14.40 cents per kilo in 2024 marks a significant adjustment – more than twice as high as the previous year. This shows that the cost of supply security is rising, and importers are bearing more responsibility.

For consumers, this means that a few extra cents at the checkout not only support cultivation and roasting, but also a proven security system. Ensuring that coffee reliably ends up in the cup, even when international supply chains are under pressure.

By the way: those who import under the so-called inward processing procedure – for further processing or re-export only – pay zero contribution. A good example of how differentiated the system is.

Conclusion

The world of coffee is more complex than it may appear at first glance. Behind every cup lie countless stakeholders, processes, and regulations – from cultivation under increasingly challenging climate conditions to rising energy and transport costs, as well as legal obligations such as Guarantee Fund contributions. Raw coffee prices have risen sharply in recent years, along with the costs of roasting, logistics, and import.

There are also factors that many end consumers are unaware of – such as compulsory stockholding or the import authorisation granted by institutions like the réservesuisse cooperative. These play a key role in ensuring supply security but also incur costs that ultimately influence the final retail price.

Especially in times of global uncertainty, it becomes evident: coffee is not just a beverage of pleasure, but a product whose availability, quality and price depend on many often invisible factors. Conscious consumption begins with understanding these interconnections.