Ethiopia Introduces Tougher Measures on Coffee Smuggling With Fines Up to 50 Million Birr

Ethiopia Introduces Tougher Measures on Coffee Smuggling With Fines Up to 50 Million Birr

June 29, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Ethiopia’s Coffee and Tea Authority has launched a stronger enforcement campaign against illegal coffee trade, introducing tougher penalties and coordinated inspections to prevent the diversion of coffee from official markets.

The authority said coffee transported without legal permits and required documentation will be confiscated, while individuals and companies involved in illegal coffee trading networks could face financial penalties of up to 50 million birr.

Sefisa Ababu, head of the director-general’s office at the Coffee and Tea Authority, said the authority had developed a new monitoring approach after illegal coffee movements began affecting the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

The new enforcement system involves cooperation between the authority, federal and regional police, the Customs Commission and the Ministry of Revenue through a joint task force established to track and disrupt illegal coffee supply chains.

Local media reported that the authority has increased inspections at major coffee-producing areas and key exit routes by improving information exchange and strengthening checkpoint controls.

Officials said the crackdown is being combined with measures aimed at improving the quality and productivity of Ethiopia’s coffee sector. These include farmer training on proper post-harvest handling, such as drying coffee on raised beds instead of directly on the ground.

The authority said expanding improved coffee varieties has helped increase productivity per hectare, making it important to ensure higher-quality production reaches formal markets rather than being lost through illegal channels.

Sefisa said long-term success in fighting coffee smuggling depends on strengthening the entire production and marketing system, from farms to export markets.

Coffee remains one of Ethiopia’s major export commodities, and authorities said protecting the sector from illegal trade is necessary to preserve its contribution to foreign exchange earnings.

Source: FSX Business News