The short answer
Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee and one of its largest exporters, and also ships sesame, honey, spices and teff to the U.S. Coffee is usually straightforward; sesame and spices are where FDA detentions happen.
What Ethiopian exporters should watch for
☕ Coffee
Coffee processors, roasters and export warehouses must register with FDA and name a U.S. Agent; each shipment needs Prior Notice. Farms and cooperatives that only grow and dry their own coffee are generally exempt.
🌾 Sesame
Sesame and tahini appear on the Red List of FDA’s Salmonella import alert (99-19). Sesame is also a U.S. major allergen and must be declared. Test every lot before shipping.
🌶️ Berbere and spices
Spice blends are tested for Salmonella, filth and illegal colors. Labels must list every ingredient in English.
🍯 Honey and teff
Honey is checked for drug residues and adulteration; teff flour and other grains need English labels with Nutrition Facts.
Common reasons Ethiopian shipments are stopped
- Salmonella in sesame and spices
- Filth in spices and grains
- Illegal colors in spice blends
- Undeclared sesame on labels
- Facility not registered or no Prior Notice
🏢 No U.S. company to act as FSVP importer? Orionex offers an FSVP importer service for food and dietary supplements — from $80 per shipment, with the program and Qualified Individual included.
What you need to register — and what it costs
| Product type | FDA requirement | Orionex price |
|---|---|---|
| Food, beverages, supplements | Food facility registration + U.S. Agent, renewed every 2 years; Prior Notice for each shipment | $300/year or $450 for 2 years |
| Cosmetics | MoCRA facility registration (every 2 years) + product listing + U.S. Agent | $300/year or $450 for 2 years; listing $150/product |
| Medical devices | Establishment registration (yearly, FDA fee paid separately) + device listing; 510(k) for many Class II devices | $550/year; listing $50/device |
| Drugs (incl. OTC) | Drug establishment registration (yearly) + NDC labeler code + drug listing | $550/year; listing $350/product |
Every Orionex registration includes the U.S. Agent service, D-U-N-S number set-up where needed and a Certificate of Registration. All prices →
Tell us your products — we’ll confirm what you need to register, in writing, by email.
Frequently asked questions
Does Ethiopian coffee need FDA registration?
The facilities that process, roast, pack or store coffee for the U.S. must register with FDA and name a U.S. Agent, and each shipment needs Prior Notice. Farms and cooperatives that only grow and dry their own coffee are generally exempt.
Why is Ethiopian sesame detained by FDA?
Mainly for Salmonella. Sesame and tahini firms with positive results are placed on Import Alert 99-19 and their shipments are held until tested clean. Clean drying, storage and testing of every lot prevent most problems.
Sources
- FDA Import Alert 99-19 — Salmonella (notes separate alerts for black pepper from India and Brazil)
- eCFR — 21 CFR Part 1 Subpart H, Registration of Food Facilities
- eCFR — 21 CFR Part 1 Subpart I, Prior Notice of Imported Food
Checked against FDA and other official sources on November 11, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.