Quality Assurance
Quality at Every Stage
We don't just export coffee — we take responsibility for it. Our quality control process is thorough, traceable, and transparent.
Our Process
Six-Stage Quality Control
Every green coffee lot exported by Dani Coffee Export passes through six quality control stages before shipment approval.
Step 01
Green Bean Visual Inspection
Every lot undergoes a thorough visual inspection for physical defects, uniformity, and appearance before being approved for further processing.
We check for black beans, insect damage, broken/chipped beans, shell (husk), stones, and other primary and secondary defects as per ECX grading standards.
Step 02
Moisture Content Testing
Moisture levels are measured using calibrated moisture meters. Target range is 10–12.5% depending on grade and destination.
Moisture above 13% risks mold and quality degradation during transit. We reject any lot that doesn't meet buyer specifications.
Step 03
Defect Sorting
Trained sorters manually and mechanically remove defective beans to achieve the target defect count per 300g sample for each grade.
Grade 1: max 3 primary defects. Grade 2: max 4. Grade 3–4: as specified by buyer. Electronic density and color sorting available.
Step 04
Cupping Evaluation
Every approved lot undergoes a cupping session evaluated by Q-graders following SCA cupping protocol.
We assess fragrance, aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, uniformity, clean cup, sweetness, and overall. Minimum 84 points for Grade 1 specialty.
Step 05
SGS / Third-Party Inspection
Optional SGS or other internationally recognized third-party inspection available upon buyer request prior to shipment.
Third-party inspection provides an independent certification of quality, weight, and compliance — required by some importers and LC payment terms.
Step 06
Export Documentation Review
Before any lot ships, all documentation is verified: ECX export permit, phytosanitary certificate, country of origin, and shipping documents.
We coordinate with Ethiopia's coffee authority, customs, and freight forwarders to ensure all documents are accurate and on time.
Standards & Compliance
Graded to International Standards
We follow Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECX) grading standards and align with SCA cupping protocols. Our documentation is prepared to meet the requirements of buyers in the EU, US, Japan, and other major import markets.
Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECX) certified
SCA cupping protocol for specialty evaluation
Phytosanitary certificate on every shipment
Country of origin certificate
SGS / Intertek third-party inspection on request
ICO export documentation
Ethiopian Coffee Grade Summary
Grade 1
≤ 3 per 300g
≥ 84 SCA
Specialty
Grade 2
4–12 per 300g
≥ 80 SCA
Specialty
Grade 3
13–25 per 300g
≥ 75 SCA
Premium Commercial
Grade 4
26–45 per 300g
≥ 70 SCA
Commercial
Per Ethiopian ECX grading standards. SCA scores are indicative.
Global Export Partnership
Request a Quality Sample
Ask for a pre-shipment sample of any available lot. We send samples with full lot documentation.