Product classification

HS code for Black tea bags: 0902.30

Tea, black, (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3kg.

Classification of black tea bags under HS 0902.30

Black tea bags are classified under HS code 090230 due to their specific processing and packaging. This code is designated for "Tea, black; (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3kg." Black tea is characterized by its full fermentation process, which distinguishes it from green tea (unfermented) or oolong tea (partly fermented). The "immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3kg" criterion is crucial, as it covers retail-sized packaging, including tea bags, small boxes of loose-leaf tea, or pouches intended for direct consumer sale. This specific classification ensures that processed black tea, ready for brewing and packaged for retail, is accurately categorised, reflecting its common market presentation.

Covers
  • Standard black tea bags (e.g., English Breakfast, Earl Grey)
  • Loose leaf black tea in retail packages under 3kg
  • Partly fermented tea (e.g., Oolong tea) in immediate packings under 3kg
  • Flavoured black tea in tea bags, where black tea is the primary component
Also under 0902.30
  • Lipton Yellow Label Tea Bags
  • Twinings English Breakfast Tea
  • Ahmad Tea Ceylon Tea
  • Tetley Black Tea
  • Dilmah Premium Ceylon Tea

Codes often confused with 0902.30

Common mistake. Common misclassifications for black tea bags often involve other types of tea or tea-like products. Green tea, which is unfermented, is classified under HS 090210 (in immediate packings not exceeding 3kg) or HS 090220 (other). Black tea in bulk packaging, exceeding 3kg, falls under HS 090240. Herbal infusions, such as chamomile or peppermint "tea," are not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant and are typically classified under Chapter 12 (e.g., HS 1211 for plants and parts of plants) or Chapter 21 (e.g., HS 2106 for food preparations not elsewhere specified or included), rather than Chapter 09. Instant tea or tea extracts are classified under HS 2101.

0902.10Tea, green; (not fermented), in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3kg0902.20Tea, green; (not fermented), in immediate packings of a content exceeding 3kg0902.40Tea, black; (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content exceeding 3kg12.11Plants 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, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered21.06Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included21.01Extracts, essences, concentrates of coffee, tea or mate; preparations with a basis of these products or with a basis of coffee, tea or mate; roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes and extracts, essences and concentrates thereof

Top exporters and importers of HS 090230 (the code used for black tea bags), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090230 (the code used for black tea bags) in UN Comtrade data was Sri Lanka, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 7.9% of world imports. The United Arab Emirates did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 6.3% of its exports here ($13M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 090230, not only black tea bags.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Sri Lanka $726M
  2. 2 Poland $197M
  3. 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$189M

The United Arab Emirates did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 6.3% of its exports here ($13M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $163M
  2. 2 Iraq* ~$147M
  3. 3 Saudi Arabia $128M

World total: $2.1B 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 code for black tea bags

Brazil classifies black tea bags under NCM 0902.30.00: HS 0902.30 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about black tea bags

What is the HS code for Black tea bags?

The HS code for Black tea bags is 090230 (Tea, black; (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3kg). The HS code for black tea bags, being fermented tea in immediate packings not exceeding 3kg, is 090230.

How do I classify Black tea bags for customs?

Black tea bags is classified under HS code 090230 — Tea, black; (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are all types of black tea included in HS 090230?

HS 090230 specifically covers black (fermented) and partly fermented tea when packaged in immediate containers with a net content not exceeding 3kg. Black tea sold in bulk quantities, such as large chests or sacks exceeding 3kg, would be classified under HS 090240.

Which countries are the top exporters of black tea bags (HS 090230)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090230 (the code used for black tea bags) in UN Comtrade data were Sri Lanka ($726M, 35% of world exports), Poland ($197M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $189M). World exports came to about $2.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Arab Emirates did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 6.3% of its exports here ($13M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Which countries are the top importers of black tea bags (HS 090230)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 090230 (the code used for black tea bags) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($163M, 7.9% of world imports), Iraq (about $147M) and Saudi Arabia ($128M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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.

Is the HS code for Black tea bags the same in all countries?

The base HS code 090230 for Black tea bags is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for black tea bags in Brazil?

In Brazil, black tea bags (HS 090230) is classified under NCM 0902.30.00.