Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NCA?

The National Coffee Association is a non-profit trade association that represents and serves the interests of compaines, both domestic and foreign, that operate in the U.S. coffee industry.

Where is the NCA headquartered?

The National Coffee Association headquarters are in New York City, USA
45 Broadway Suite 1140
New York, NY 10006
Phone: 212-766-4007
Fax: 212-766-5815
Email: info@ncausa.org

What does the NCA do for its members?

NCA's value to it's members can best be summarized by its Core Purpose and Mission:

NCA's core purpose is To champion the well-being of the U.S. coffee industry within the context of the world coffee community.

NCA's mission is To be the foremost trade association representing the entire coffee industry in the United States. We are committed to the growth and well being of the industry through our roles as:

A proactive advocate for the industry, acting as the industry’s recognized spokesperson and voice for promoting consumption
An educator for our members and consumers who leads the industry in facilitating research, and gathering and disseminating relevant research data
A forum for interaction that addresses key issues confronting the domestic and international industry

Who are NCA's members?

NCA's membership consists of both domestic and foreign companies that conduct business in the coffee industry in the United States. A current listing of NCA members can be found on the NCA website by clicking here.

How can I join the NCA?

To learn more about member benefits and how to join visit the Become a Member area of our website by clicking here.

Where is the next NCA Annual Convention?

The next NCA annual convention will be held in Charleston, SC from March 22-24, 2012. For more info visit the convention homepage by clicking here.

Does the NCA have any publications?

The NCA publishes the Coffee Reporter Newsletter containing the latest news from NCA and the industry. The Coffee Reporter is included with an NCA member ship or a subscription can be purchased from the NCA website by clicking here.

The NCA also publishes the annual National Coffee Drinking Trends study as well as supplemental reports. The NCDT is the longest running continous trend analysis of coffee consumption in the U.S. More info about the NCDT and our other market reserach publications can be found on our website by clicking here.

What government agencies impact the coffee industry?

Multiple U.S. government agencies touch the coffee industry including:

Where can I find the latest news from the FDA?

General information from the FDA can be found on the FDA homepage.

The latest news and events from the FDA can be found at the FDA Newsroom.

Where can I find the latest news from the USDA?

General information about the USDA can be found on the USDA homepage.

The latest news from USDA can be found at the USDA Newsroom.

Which U.S. government agency has jursidiction over imported coffee products?

The Food and Drug Administration monitors all coffee products sold in the U.S. and inspects them to ensure no potentially harmful ingredients are present. The FDA examines all coffee brought into the country. A minimum of six bags is investigated per 100 lots as part of an import field examination. This physical inspection of the beans allows inspectors to determine if any insects, excrement or other potentially harmful materials are present.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection works with FDA to monitor food imports (including coffee) into the U.S.

What government programs or laws have significant impact on the coffee industry?

Programs and laws that currently impact the coffee industry include:

The Food Safety Modernization Act
The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (The Bioterrorism Act)

How does the Food Safety Modernization Act impact importers of coffee and coffee products to the U.S.?

FSMA directly impacts importers in these important areas:

New controls over imported food
New requirement that importers verify the safety of imported goods entering the U.S.
New powers for the FDA
New fees on importers

For more in-depth information regarding FSMA refer to the slide deck from NCA's FSMA webinar by clicking here.

Information for importers is also available on the FSMA website by clicking here.

The complete FSMA FAQ is available by clicking here.

How does the Bioterrorism Act impact the coffee industry?

The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (Bioterrorism Act) directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as the food regulatory agency of the Department of Health and Human Services, to take additional steps to protect the public from a threatened or actual terrorist attack on the U.S. food supply and other food-related emergencies. To carry out certain provisions of the Bioterrorism Act, FDA has established new regulations requiring that:

1. Food facilities are registered with FDA
2. FDA be given advance notice on shipments of imported food, better know as Prior Notice

Prior Notice requires that importers provide FDA with advance notice before food is imported or offered for import into the United States. Advance notice of import shipments allows FDA, with the support of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to target import inspections more effectively and help protect that nation’s food supply against terrorist acts and other public health emergencies. More information about Prior Notice can be found on the FDA website by clicking here.

Who do I contact if my coffee shipment is held up when entering the U.S.?

If you recieve a notice from FDA or CBP that your shipment has been held up at the port you can contact the FDA Prior Notice Center. The center answers questions about Prior Notice policies, procedures and interpretations The center is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The toll free number to reach the Prior Notice Center is 1-866-521-2297.