Product classification
HS code for Bulk green tea: 0902.20
Tea, green, (not fermented), in immediate packings of a content exceeding 3kg.
Classification of bulk green tea under HS 0902.20
Bulk green tea, specifically unfermented tea in immediate packings of a content exceeding 3kg, is classified under HS code 090220. This classification is precise due to two critical factors: the processing method and the packaging size. Green tea is characterized by being unfermented, meaning the tea leaves have not undergone the oxidation process that defines black tea. The "immediate packings of a content exceeding 3kg" criterion is essential, distinguishing bulk quantities intended for commercial or industrial use from smaller retail packages. This ensures that large-scale shipments of green tea are accurately categorized.
- Covers
- Loose leaf green tea in large bags or cartons, typically 5kg, 10kg, or more.
- Sencha, Gyokuro, or Bancha tea varieties in industrial-sized packaging.
- Matcha powder supplied in bulk containers for food service or manufacturing.
- Unprocessed or minimally processed green tea leaves in quantities exceeding 3kg.
- Also under 0902.20
- Unilever (for Lipton bulk sourcing)
- Tata Consumer Products (for Tetley bulk sourcing)
- Celestial Seasonings (for their blends)
- various tea importers/blenders
- large food service suppliers.
Codes often confused with 0902.20
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for bulk green tea primarily involve confusion with retail-sized packages or other types of tea. HS code 090210 covers green tea in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3kg, directly contrasting with 090220 based on the packaging weight. Another frequent error is confusing green tea with black tea. Black tea, being fermented, falls under different subheadings such as 090230 (for packings exceeding 3kg) or 090240 (for packings not exceeding 3kg). The key distinction is the fermentation status of the tea leaves.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090220 (the code used for bulk green tea), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090220 (the code used for bulk green tea) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 62% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 27% of world imports. Vietnam 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 28% of its exports here ($13M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 090220, not only bulk green tea.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $685M 62% of world exports
- 2 Japan $204M 19% of world exports
- 3 Germany $47M 4.3% of world exports
Vietnam 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 28% of its exports here ($13M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Morocco $288M 27% of world imports
- 2 United States $135M 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $62M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 green tea
Brazil classifies bulk green tea under NCM 0902.20.00: HS 0902.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bulk green tea
What is the HS code for Bulk green tea?
The HS code for Bulk green tea is 090220 (Tea, green; (not fermented), in immediate packings of a content exceeding 3kg). The HS code for bulk green tea, which is unfermented and in immediate packings of a content exceeding 3kg, is 090220.
How do I classify Bulk green tea for customs?
Bulk green tea is classified under HS code 090220 — Tea, green; (not fermented), in immediate packings of a content exceeding 3kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the primary difference between green tea and black tea in HS classification?
The primary difference in HS classification between green tea and black tea lies in their processing. Green tea is unfermented, meaning the tea leaves are quickly heated to prevent oxidation, retaining their natural green color and often a fresher flavor. Black tea, conversely, undergoes a full fermentation process, which results in darker leaves and a more robust flavor profile.
Which countries are the top exporters of bulk green tea (HS 090220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090220 (the code used for bulk green tea) in UN Comtrade data were China ($685M, 62% of world exports), Japan ($204M) and Germany ($47M). World exports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam 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 28% of its exports here ($13M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of bulk green tea (HS 090220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090220 (the code used for bulk green tea) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($288M, 27% of world imports), the United States ($135M) and Germany ($62M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Bulk green tea the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090220 for Bulk green 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 green tea in Brazil?
In Brazil, bulk green tea (HS 090220) is classified under NCM 0902.20.00.