What is SAS (Subject to Approval of Sample) in green coffee contracts?

SAS - Subject to Approval of Sample - is a contract term that allows a buyer to sign a purchase agreement in advance of receiving and cupping the coffee, with the condition that the contract is only fulfilled if the sample meets their quality standards.

In practical terms: you agree to buy a lot at a stated price, but that agreement is contingent on the pre-shipment sample meeting your expectations. If the sample doesn't pass, you're not obligated to take the coffee - you don't need to provide detailed justification beyond stating that it doesn't meet your quality requirements.

SAS terms typically come in two variants: NANS (No Approval, No Sale - the contract simply falls away if the sample is rejected) or Replace/Repeat (the seller offers an alternative sample in place of the rejected one). SAS clauses are a practical protection in forward contracting, where you're committing to coffee that hasn't yet been fully processed or hasn't arrived in your market.