Product classification
HS code for Loose leaf green tea: 0902.20
Tea, green, (not fermented), in immediate packings of a content exceeding 3kg.
Classification of loose leaf green tea under HS 0902.20
Loose leaf green tea is classified under HS code 0902.20 when it is packaged in containers exceeding 3 kilograms. The classification logic within Chapter 9 of the Harmonized System focuses on the botanical nature of the product and its processing method. Green tea is defined as tea that is not fermented, meaning the leaves are steamed or heated shortly after picking to prevent oxidation. This maintains the green color and specific antioxidant profile of the leaf. The subheading 0902.20 is reserved for bulk quantities, typically used by wholesalers, tea blenders, or companies that repackage the tea into smaller retail units. The weight of the immediate packing is the determining factor for this specific code.
- Covers
- Bulk Sencha green tea
- Bulk Matcha powder (unflavored)
- Gunpowder green tea in large sacks
- Dragonwell (Longjing) tea in bulk chests
- Unfermented loose green tea leaves in packs >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. A frequent error is the use of HS code 0902.10, which is specifically for green tea in packings of 3kg or less. This is the code typically used for retail boxes and tins. Another common mistake is confusing green tea with herbal infusions. Products like peppermint, chamomile, or rooibos do not contain leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant and must be classified under 1211.90. Additionally, instant green tea or green tea extracts are not classified here; they belong under HS code 2101.20 as extracts, essences, or concentrates of tea.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090220 (the code used for loose leaf green tea), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090220 (the code used for loose leaf 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 loose leaf 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 loose leaf green tea
Brazil classifies loose leaf 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 loose leaf green tea
What is the HS code for Loose leaf green tea?
The HS code for Loose leaf green tea is 090220 (Tea, green; (not fermented), in immediate packings of a content exceeding 3kg). The HS code for bulk loose leaf green tea (over 3kg) is 0902.20.
How do I classify Loose leaf green tea for customs?
Loose leaf 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.
Is Matcha classified under this code?
Pure Matcha powder is classified as green tea under 0902.20 if it is in bulk packaging and contains no added sugar or flavorings.
Which countries are the top exporters of loose leaf green tea (HS 090220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090220 (the code used for loose leaf 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 loose leaf green tea (HS 090220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090220 (the code used for loose leaf 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 Loose leaf green tea the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090220 for Loose leaf 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 loose leaf green tea in Brazil?
In Brazil, loose leaf green tea (HS 090220) is classified under NCM 0902.20.00.