To start your coffee brand in South Carolina, lock in compliance early: form an LLC with the SC Secretary of State, get an EIN, and obtain the SC Department of Revenue Retail License ($50) for sales tax (unprepared coffee beans are exempt from the 6% state tax; prepared drinks are taxable, surtaxes may apply). For packaged beans/grounds, register your facility with the SC Department of Agriculture’s Manufactured Foods program and the FDA (Food Facility Registration, renewed biennially); prepare SOPs, lot coding, a recall plan, and—if you exceed “qualified facility” thresholds—FSMA Preventive Controls with a PCQI. If you roast on-site, clear air permitting with SC DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality and local fire marshal (gas roaster + afterburner, hood/venting, CO monitoring). Cold brew/RTD requires a process authority, validated HACCP, shelf-life data, and a DHEC Retail Food permit if you produce or serve. Labels must include statement of identity, net quantity (oz/g), ingredients and allergens (for flavors), business name/address, and lot/roast date; substantiate origin claims and secure certification before using “organic/fair trade.” Importing green coffee makes you the FSVP importer. Decide build vs co-pack: 3–12 kg roaster, one-way valve bags, nitrogen flush, water activity <0.6. Carry product liability and recall expense coverage.
