HS Code 09.03 – Mate

HS code 0903 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Mate. HS Code 0903 is dedicated solely to 'Mate,' referring specifically to Yerba Mate, derived from the *Ilex paraguariensis* plant. This distinct classification highlights its importance as a traditional stimulant beverage, primarily consumed in South America but gaining global recognition. The heading encompasses mate in its various forms: dried leaves, whether whole, broken, or powdered, and also roasted mate. Unlike coffee or tea, mate has a narrower geographical origin and cultural context, though its trade is expanding. Its scope is precise, covering only mate and not other herbal infusions or plants. This classification is crucial for trade compliance as it ensures proper application of specific import duties, phytosanitary requirements, and food safety standards tailored to this unique product. Historically, mate has been a staple in the Southern Cone of South America for centuries, with its cultivation and consumption deeply embedded in local traditions and economies. Its inclusion in Chapter 9, 'Coffee, tea, mate and spices,' positions it alongside other significant stimulant beverages, emphasizing its role as an agricultural product destined for consumption, distinct from medicinal herbs or general botanical preparations.

Dried loose leaf Yerba Mate, roasted Yerba Mate, mate tea bags, mate powder, unsmoked Yerba Mate, organic Yerba Mate, traditional Argentinian Yerba Mate, Brazilian chimarrão mate, Paraguayan tereré mate, mate with stems (con palo), mate without stems (despalada), flavored mate blend (where mate predominates), mate cocido (mate tea bags), instant mate powder (100% mate solids), green mate leaves (dried), aged Yerba Mate, toasted mate, Yerba Mate for energy drinks, mate leaf extract (dried form, not liquid), mate for gourds, mate with mint (where mate predominates), mate with citrus peel (where mate predominates), mate for brewing, mate for infusions, mate prepared for consumption (dried)

A common misclassification for HS 0903 involves confusing mate with other herbal teas or infusions. While mate is often consumed as a 'tea,' it is botanically distinct from *Camellia sinensis* (true tea, HS 0902) and other herbs like chamomile or peppermint (typically HS 1211 or 2106). Traders might mistakenly classify mate under general 'herbal tea' codes, overlooking its specific heading. Another error is classifying highly processed mate extracts or concentrates (e.g., liquid mate extracts, mate-based energy drink preparations) under 0903; these would typically fall under HS 2101 (extracts, essences, concentrates of coffee, tea or mate) or HS 2106 (food preparations not elsewhere specified). Also, blends where mate is a minor component could be misclassified here instead of 2106.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0903 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($100M, 42% of world exports), Argentina ($100M) and Paraguay ($15M). World exports came to about $240M, 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 0903 in UN Comtrade data were Syria (about $90M, 36% of world imports), Uruguay ($67M) and Argentina ($22M). World imports came to about $249M, 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 0903 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 09 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (09) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (03) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.