HS Code 09.02 – Tea

HS code 0902 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Tea. HS Code 0902 exclusively covers 'Tea,' encompassing all varieties derived from the *Camellia sinensis* plant, regardless of processing. This includes green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, and pu-erh tea, whether in leaf form, broken, fannings, or dust. The heading's scope is strictly limited to true tea and does not extend to herbal infusions or 'tisanes' (e.g., chamomile, peppermint, rooibos), which are classified under other headings like 1211 (plants used in perfumery or medicine) or 2106 (food preparations not elsewhere specified). The specific processing method—oxidation, steaming, drying—determines the tea type but all fall under 0902. This classification is paramount for trade compliance due to the diverse tariffs, quotas, and quality standards applied to different tea types and origins. Historically, tea has played a pivotal role in global trade, shaping empires and fostering cultural exchange, with its trade routes dating back centuries. Its inclusion in Chapter 9, alongside coffee and mate, underscores its status as a significant stimulant beverage and agricultural commodity, distinct from other prepared food items or botanical extracts.

Loose leaf black tea, green tea bags, oolong tea leaves, white tea buds, pu-erh tea cakes, decaffeinated black tea, Ceylon tea (loose), Darjeeling tea (fannings), matcha powder (100% tea), jasmine green tea (where tea predominates), Earl Grey black tea (where tea predominates), broken orange pekoe (BOP) black tea, sencha green tea, hojicha roasted green tea, lapsang souchong tea, herbal tea blends (where *Camellia sinensis* is the primary ingredient), instant tea (100% tea solids), tea dust for industrial use, organic green tea leaves, assam black tea, gunpowder green tea, yellow tea, silver needle white tea, genmaicha tea, chai tea blend (where black tea predominates)

A common mistake with HS 0902 is classifying herbal infusions or 'tisanes' under this code. Products like chamomile tea, peppermint tea, rooibos tea, or ginger tea, which are not derived from *Camellia sinensis*, should be classified under HS 1211 (plants used in perfumery, pharmacy or for insecticidal purposes) or HS 2106 (food preparations not elsewhere specified), depending on their composition and preparation. Another error is classifying tea extracts, essences, or concentrates (e.g., instant tea powders that are not 100% tea solids) under 0902; these typically fall under HS 2101. Flavored teas where the flavor component (e.g., fruit pieces, spices) is significant enough to alter the character of the product might also be misclassified, potentially belonging to HS 2106.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0902 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 19% of world exports), Sri Lanka ($1.4B) and Kenya ($1.4B). World exports came to about $8.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 0902 in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($632M, 8.0% of world imports), the United States ($620M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $398M). World imports came to about $7.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 0902 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 09 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (09) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.