HS Code for Mate tea

Mate tea, consisting of the dried leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis shrub, is classified under HS code 0903.00. This heading is a specific, single-level code dedicated entirely to "Mate." In the Harmonized System, Chapter 9 covers coffee, tea, mate, and spices. While mate is often consumed similarly to tea, it is botanically distinct from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and therefore has its own dedicated heading rather than being grouped with green or black tea in heading 0902. The classification applies to mate in its raw, dried, crushed, or powdered form, provided it has not been further processed into an extract. This includes mate packaged for retail sale in tea bags or bulk containers. The classification is straightforward under GIR 1, as the heading 0903 specifically names the product. Even if the mate is flavored with small amounts of other herbs or oils, it generally remains in 0903.00 as long as it retains the essential character of mate.

Products Included

• Dried mate leaves (Yerba Mate)
• Crushed mate with stems (con palo)
• Mate powder (sin palo)
• Mate tea bags

Common Misclassification

Mate tea is frequently misclassified under HS code 0902.10 through 0902.40, which are the codes for true tea (Camellia sinensis). While colloquially called "tea," mate must be kept separate. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 1211.90, which covers plants and parts of plants used in perfumery or pharmacy; however, because mate is a recognized beverage material with its own heading in Chapter 9, 0903.00 is the correct and more specific code.

FAQ

What is the HS code for mate tea?

The HS code for mate tea is 0903.00.

Is flavored mate tea classified differently?

Generally, no. If the product is primarily mate with minor flavoring agents, it remains under 0903.00. If it is a complex herbal blend where mate is not the dominant ingredient, it might move to 2106.90.