Product classification
HS code for Instant tea: 2101.20
Extracts, essences and concentrates, of tea or mate, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or concentrates or with a basis of tea or mate.
Classification of instant tea under HS 2101.20
Instant tea is classified under HS code 2101.20. Similar to instant coffee, this classification is based on the product being an extract, essence, or concentrate of the original plant material—in this case, tea (Camellia sinensis) or mate. The manufacturing process involves brewing tea leaves to create a concentrated liquid, which is then dried into a soluble powder. Because the product is no longer the vegetable leaf itself but a processed derivative, it is excluded from Chapter 9 (Coffee, Tea, and Spices) and placed in Chapter 21 (Miscellaneous edible preparations). Heading 2101 specifically addresses extracts of tea or mate, and subheading 2101.20 covers both the pure extracts and preparations based on these extracts. The classification follows the same logic as coffee extracts, where the industrial processing of the tea leaves into a soluble form necessitates a move to the miscellaneous edible preparations chapter. This ensures that processed beverage bases are distinguished from raw agricultural commodities.
- Covers
- Soluble tea powder (instant tea)
- Liquid tea concentrates for beverage systems
- Instant green tea extracts
- Instant mate extracts and concentrates
- Powdered tea essences for industrial food use
- Also under 2101.20
- Lipton Iced Tea (from concentrate)
- Arizona Iced Tea (from concentrate)
- Celestial Seasonings Instant Tea
- Guayaki Yerba Mate (concentrate)
Codes often confused with 2101.20
Common mistake. Instant tea is often misclassified under HS code 0902, which is reserved for tea leaves, whether or not flavored or fermented. If the product is soluble in water without leaving a residue of leaves, it belongs in 2101.20. Another area of confusion is HS code 2106.90 (Food preparations not elsewhere specified). While 2106 is a "basket" category, 2101.20 is more specific for tea-based extracts and should take precedence according to the General Rules of Interpretation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 210120 (the code used for instant tea), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 210120 (the code used for instant tea) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 210120, not only instant tea.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $311M 20% of world exports
- 2 United States $186M 12% of world exports
- 3 China $147M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $231M 14% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $107M 6.6% of world imports
- 3 France $106M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 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 codes for instant tea
Brazil splits HS 2101.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2101.20.10Tea extracts, essences and preparations
- 2101.20.20Mate extracts, essences and preparations
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about instant tea
What is the HS code for Instant tea?
The HS code for Instant tea is 210120 (Extracts, essences and concentrates; of tea or mate, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or concentrates or with a basis of tea or mate). The HS code for extracts, essences, and concentrates of tea or mate is 2101.20.
How do I classify Instant tea for customs?
Instant tea is classified under HS code 210120 — Extracts, essences and concentrates; of tea or mate, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or concentrates or with a basis of tea or mate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this include iced tea mix?
Yes, if the iced tea mix is based on tea extracts, it is classified under 2101.20, even if it contains sugar or other additives.
Which countries are the top exporters of instant tea (HS 210120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 210120 (the code used for instant tea) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($311M, 20% of world exports), the United States ($186M) and China ($147M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 instant tea (HS 210120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 210120 (the code used for instant tea) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($231M, 14% of world imports), the Netherlands ($107M) and France ($106M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Instant tea the same in all countries?
The base HS code 210120 for Instant 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 instant tea in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 210120 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for instant tea depends on the product's details: 2101.20.10 (Tea extracts, essences and preparations), 2101.20.20 (Mate extracts, essences and preparations).