Coffee is a journey of constant discovery and growth.
Let’s simplify things with answers to some common questions.

• I’m a coffee roaster and I’d like to start purchasing green coffee from EFICO/CUPRIMA. Where do I begin?
  Our Sales Teams are ready to assist you. Reach out directly to:
  EFICO
  CUPRIMA

• I’d like to store my coffee at SEABRIDGE. Who should I contact?
  Choosing SEABRIDGE means opting for an eco-friendly solution to store your coffee. From harvest to storage, we take meticulous care of your coffee beans. Our state-of-the-art warehouse maintains optimal temperature, humidity, and air quality, ensuring your coffee stays in perfect condition for longer.
  For assistance, reach out to our Sales Teams:
  EFICO
  CUPRIMA

• I’m interested to become a Q Grader. Do you offer courses?
  Yes! In partnership with the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), SEABRIDGE offers Q Grader courses. Sharpen your skills in our SCA-certified cupping lab, and immerse yourself in a sensory experience like no other. After extensive training, you’ll be ready to tackle the Q exam with confidence.
  Learn more about our courses on the SEABRIDGE website.

• I’m a coffee lover and I want to support an EFICO Foundation project. How can I get involved?
  At EFICO, sustainability is woven into everything we do. Since 2003, the EFICO Foundation has worked to improve the livelihoods of coffee farmers, their communities, and the environment. By supporting our projects, you’re helping secure a better future for coffee growers.
  Make a difference now

• I’d love to learn more about your THINK GLOBAL, ACT LOCAL approach. Where can I do that?
  We publish an annual Sustainability Report detailing our commitment to the United Nations Global Compact Principles and Sustainable Development Goals. It highlights our efforts and progress throughout the year.
  Explore our latest report here.

• Where can I find an overview of your certifications?
  You’re just a click away!
  Discover our certifications here.

As the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) approaches,
here are some frequently asked questions about how EFICO ensures compliance and maintains transparancy.

• How does EFICO collect the necessary geolocation data?
  Geolocation data collection is managed by our suppliers, as EFICO does not own farms or plantations. However, we work closely with our partner producers to ensure they understand and meet the stringent requirements of the EUDR. We provide detailed guidelines, along with ad-hoc training sessions, to help them comply. Additionally, EFICO offers direct support to origins that may lack the necessary knowledge and capacity, particularly those at higher risk of EU market exclusion.

• When and how will EFICO share geolocation data with clients?
  EFICO will share geolocation data with clients whenever the EUDR legislation enters into application -either on December 30, 2024, or December 30, 2025, if the one-year phasing-in period is approved by Parliament and Council.- For large clients, relevant geolocation data in GeoJSON format will be accessible via the EU’s IT system (TRACES) using the DDS number and security token provided on the EFICO invoice.
  – For SME clients, storing geolocation data is not mandatory. The DDS number provided on the EFICO invoice will be sufficient to meet the requirements.Heads up! For coffee placed on the market before the EUDR enforcement date (December 2024 or December 2025, depending on the approval of the one-year phasing-in period by the Parliament and Commission), the EFICO invoice will specify that customs clearance was completed prior to the enforcement date. Therefore, DDS and geolocation data will not be mandatory for these shipments.

• Can EFICO share geolocation data for products purchased in the past?
  In compliance with privacy and data security regulations, EFICO is unable to provide geolocation data for purchases of beans that were customs cleared before the EUDR enforcement date, which is either December 30, 2024, or December 30, 2025, if the one-year phasing-in period is approved by Parliament and Council.

• What information will EFICO provide prior to shipment?
  Due to time constraints and the need to gather and pre-validate datasets from the origin, we do not typically provide geolocation data in advance for clients for whom we handle customs clearance. However, exceptions may be made for specific origins or suppliers if clients have concerns, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

• How will we know if the coffee sold/bought is EUDR compliant?
  EUDR compliance is determined by the customs clearance date, not the arrival date in the EU. As a result, in early 2025 (or early 2026 if the one-year phasing-in period is approved by Parliament and Council), clients may receive coffee lots with or without a DDS number, depending on when customs clearance was completed for each lot. This will be clearly indicated on the EFICO invoice.

• How does EFICO ensure traceability from physical coffee to geolocation coordinates?
  For each geolocation dataset submission, suppliers must inform EFICO of the data’s source (whether collected by the farmer, verified by an external third-party auditor, or obtained through other means) and provide supporting documentation. For certified coffee, we use traceability systems from independent certification bodies or national systems in advanced producing countries (e.g., Costa Rica). EFICO is also committed to building a comprehensive traceability system for its entire value chain as part of its sustainability strategy.

• What happens if products are found to be non-compliant?
  To prevent non-compliance, we encourage suppliers to share their geolocation datasets with us for pre-validation before finalising contracts with EFICO. This enables us to detect potential issues even before the crop season begins.
  Once contracts are finalised, suppliers must submit geolocation and legality information at least one month before shipment. If deforestation is discovered on declared coffee plots, suppliers are notified and may challenge the findings with supporting evidence, such as geotagged photos, drone footage, or satellite images. If non-compliance is confirmed, suppliers must segregate the affected products and provide proper documentation. In extreme cases, if non-compliance is detected upon arrival in the EU, the products will be replaced with compliant coffee, and the non-compliant coffee will be redirected to other markets

• When will EFICO be ready to comply with the EUDR?
  Our internal Due Diligence System will be fully operational as from the date of enforcement. According to the latest update, the EU IT system is expected to go live in November 2024 for registrations, with testing starting in December 2024. This means we will not be able to provide DDS numbers until then. As outlined in the Regulation, DDS codes will be available by December 30, 2024, unless the proposed 1-year phase-in period is approved by Parliament and the Council, in which case the DDS codes would become available by December 30, 2025.