Product classification
HS code for Bulk black tea: 0902.40
Tea, black, (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content exceeding 3kg.
Classification of bulk black tea under HS 0902.40
HS code 090240 is assigned to black tea (fermented) and partly fermented tea when presented in immediate packings with a content exceeding 3 kilograms. This classification specifically targets black tea varieties, distinguishing them from green tea (unfermented). The crucial factor for inclusion under this code is the packaging size; the tea must be in a bulk format, indicating it is intended for wholesale, industrial use, or repackaging, rather than direct retail to consumers. The fermentation process, which defines black tea, is also a primary characteristic for its categorization within this subheading, ensuring proper distinction from other tea types.
- Covers
- Loose leaf black tea in 5kg bags
- Broken black tea in large chests exceeding 3kg
- Black tea fannings in industrial sacks
- Dust grade black tea in bulk containers
- Partly fermented Oolong tea in packings over 3kg
- Assam black tea in wholesale packaging exceeding 3kg
- Also under 0902.40
- Lipton (bulk supply)
- Unilever (for various brands)
- Tata Consumer Products (bulk)
- Taylors of Harrogate (bulk sourcing)
- Ahmad Tea (bulk sourcing)
Codes often confused with 0902.40
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves HS code 090230, which covers black tea (fermented) and partly fermented tea in immediate packings of a content *not exceeding* 3 kilograms. The distinction is solely based on the packaging weight; 090240 is for bulk quantities (over 3kg), while 090230 is for smaller, often retail-oriented packs. Another area of confusion can be with green tea classifications, such as 090210 (green tea in bulk) or 090220 (green tea in retail packs). The key difference here is the fermentation status; 090240 is strictly for black or partly fermented tea, whereas 090210 and 090220 are for unfermented green tea. Ensuring the correct tea type and packaging size is vital for accurate classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090240 (the code used for bulk black tea), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090240 (the code used for bulk black tea) in UN Comtrade data was Kenya, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 17% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 090240, not only bulk black tea.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Kenya $1.4B 38% of world exports
- 2 India $776M 21% of world exports
- 3 Sri Lanka $660M 18% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Pakistan $614M 17% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$309M 8.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United Kingdom $248M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $3.6B 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 bulk black tea
Brazil classifies bulk black tea under NCM 0902.40.00: HS 0902.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bulk black tea
What is the HS code for Bulk black tea?
The HS code for Bulk black tea is 090240 (Tea, black; (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content exceeding 3kg). The HS code for bulk black tea (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings with a content exceeding 3kg, is 090240.
How do I classify Bulk black tea for customs?
Bulk black tea is classified under HS code 090240 — Tea, black; (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content exceeding 3kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the key difference between 090240 and 090230?
The key difference between 090240 and 090230 is the packaging size. 090240 applies to black tea in immediate packings exceeding 3kg, while 090230 is for black tea in immediate packings not exceeding 3kg.
Which countries are the top exporters of bulk black tea (HS 090240)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090240 (the code used for bulk black tea) in UN Comtrade data were Kenya ($1.4B, 38% of world exports), India ($776M) and Sri Lanka ($660M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 bulk black tea (HS 090240)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090240 (the code used for bulk black tea) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($614M, 17% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $309M) and the United Kingdom ($248M). World imports came to about $3.6B, 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 Bulk black tea the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090240 for Bulk black tea 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 bulk black tea in Brazil?
In Brazil, bulk black tea (HS 090240) is classified under NCM 0902.40.00.