HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0903.00 – Mate
HS code 0903.00 is the 6-digit subheading for mate. It is used for yerba Mate (loose leaf), mate Cocido (tea bags), roasted Mate, organic Yerba Mate and green Yerba Mate.
What HS 0903.00 covers
This HS code specifically covers mate, also known as yerba mate, a traditional South American caffeinated beverage. It encompasses the dried leaves and twigs of the *Ilex paraguariensis* plant, whether whole, cut, or ground. Mate is primarily exported by South American countries where it is cultivated, such as Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, which are also its largest consumers. Importers include countries with significant South American diaspora populations, as well as health-conscious markets in North America and Europe that value its stimulant and antioxidant properties. Trade in mate involves considerations of organic certification, fair trade practices, and different processing methods (e.g., aged vs. unaged, smoked vs. unsmoked) that affect flavor and market appeal. The global demand for mate is growing beyond its traditional consumption zones, driven by its reputation as a natural energy drink and a healthier alternative to coffee or artificial energy beverages.
- Covers
- Yerba Mate (loose leaf)
- Mate Cocido (tea bags)
- Roasted Mate
- Organic Yerba Mate
- Green Yerba Mate
- Mate Powder
- Mate Extract
- Examples
- Cruz de Malta Yerba Mate
- Taragüi Yerba Mate
- Rosamonte Yerba Mate
- Guayakí Yerba Mate
- Canarias Yerba Mate
Codes often confused with 0903.00
Common mistake. Mate is distinct, but could potentially be confused with other herbal teas under 121190 (Plants and parts of plants, including seeds and fruits, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered) if its primary use as a beverage is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 090300, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 090300 in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Syria, with about 36% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $100M 42% of world exports
- 2 Argentina $100M 42% of world exports
- 3 Paraguay $15M 6.0% of world exports
World total: $240M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Syria* ~$90M 36% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Uruguay $67M 27% of world imports
- 3 Argentina $22M 9.0% of world imports
World total: $249M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 0903.00 2
Brazil splits HS 0903.00 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 0903.00.10 Yerba mate, dried and coarsely crushedSimplesmente cancheado
- 0903.00.90 Other yerba mateOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 09.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0903.00
What is HS code 090300?
HS code 090300 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Mate. This HS code specifically covers mate, also known as yerba mate, a traditional South American caffeinated beverage. It encompasses the dried leaves and twigs of the *Ilex paraguariensis* plant, whether whole, cut, or ground. Mate is primarily exported by South American countries where it is cultivated, such as Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, which are also its largest consumers. Importers include countries with significant South American diaspora populations, as well as health-conscious markets in North America and Europe that value its stimulant and antioxidant properties. Trade in mate involves considerations of organic certification, fair trade practices, and different processing methods (e.g., aged vs. unaged, smoked vs. unsmoked) that affect flavor and market appeal. The global demand for mate is growing beyond its traditional consumption zones, driven by its reputation as a natural energy drink and a healthier alternative to coffee or artificial energy beverages.
What products fall under HS code 090300?
Yerba Mate (loose leaf), Mate Cocido (tea bags), Roasted Mate, Organic Yerba Mate, Green Yerba Mate, Mate Powder, Mate Extract
What are common misclassifications for HS code 090300?
Mate is distinct, but could potentially be confused with other herbal teas under 121190 (Plants and parts of plants, including seeds and fruits, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered) if its primary use as a beverage is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 090300?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 090300 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 090300?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 090300 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.
How is HS code 090300 structured?
HS code 090300 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (09) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 090300?
Brazil splits HS code 090300 into 2 NCM codes: 0903.00.10 (Yerba mate, dried and coarsely crushed), 0903.00.90 (Other yerba mate). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.