The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) has revised its coffee export regulations, requiring corporate and trade association exporters to hold a minimum capital of 20 million birr. The updated directive, “Coffee Trade and Quality Control Directive (Amendment) No. 1106/2017,” aims to professionalise the sector, enhance oversight, and curb illicit trade, aligning certification requirements with current market conditions.

Under the revised rules, corporate applicants must demonstrate 20 million birr in verified capital and provide evidence of financial activity from at least two major shareholders over one year. Private exporters continue to be required to hold 15 million birr in startup capital with a one-year bank-certified financial record.

All applicants must submit compliance documents electronically. Exporters sourcing coffee from outside smallholder farms must have access to certified laboratories capable of conducting standard quality tests. Quality inspectors are required to be at least 18 years old, hold a minimum diploma, possess an official competency certificate from a recognised training institution, and have prior practical experience, with each inspector assigned to a single exporter.

Authorities said the updated regulations aim to sustain growth, maintain internationally recognised quality standards, and strengthen the sector’s institutional oversight.