Product classification
HS code for Packaged black tea: 0902.30
Tea, black, (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3kg.
Classification of packaged black tea under HS 0902.30
Packaged black tea is classified under HS code 090230 because it meets the specific criteria for fermented or partly fermented tea presented in immediate packings not exceeding 3 kilograms. According to the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) 1 and 6, classification is determined by the degree of fermentation and the weight of the retail container. Black tea undergoes a full oxidation process, which distinguishes it from green tea. The 3kg threshold is a legal boundary defined in the Harmonized System; any tea exceeding this weight is considered bulk and moves to a different subheading. This classification includes both pure black teas and those that have been flavored, provided the flavoring does not alter the essential character of the product as tea. The packaging must be intended for direct sale to consumers without further repacking to qualify under this specific code.
- Covers
- Earl Grey tea bags in retail boxes
- Darjeeling black tea in 500g decorative tins
- Oolong tea (partly fermented) in 1kg vacuum-sealed pouches
- English Breakfast loose leaf tea in 250g packets
- Flavored black tea sachets for individual service
- Also under 0902.30
- Lipton Yellow Label Tea Bags
- Twinings English Breakfast Tea
- Ahmad Tea Ceylon Tea
- Tetley Black Tea
- Dilmah Premium Ceylon Tea
Codes often confused with 0902.30
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 090240, which is reserved for black tea in bulk containers exceeding 3kg. Importers often confuse these based on quality rather than weight. Another common error involves green tea, which must be classified under 090210 if packaged for retail. Additionally, herbal infusions that contain no actual tea leaves (Camellia sinensis), such as pure peppermint or chamomile, are classified under 121190. Instant tea or tea concentrates are also excluded and belong under 210120.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090230 (the code used for packaged black tea), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090230 (the code used for packaged black tea) in UN Comtrade data was Sri Lanka, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 7.9% of world imports. The United Arab Emirates 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 6.3% of its exports here ($13M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 090230, not only packaged black tea.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Sri Lanka $726M 35% of world exports
- 2 Poland $197M 9.5% of world exports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$189M 9.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
The United Arab Emirates 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 6.3% of its exports here ($13M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $163M 7.9% of world imports
- 2 Iraq* ~$147M 7.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Saudi Arabia $128M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 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 packaged black tea
Brazil classifies packaged black tea under NCM 0902.30.00: HS 0902.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about packaged black tea
What is the HS code for Packaged black tea?
The HS code for Packaged black tea is 090230 (Tea, black; (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3kg).
How do I classify Packaged black tea for customs?
Packaged black tea is classified under HS code 090230 — Tea, black; (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for black tea bags?
Black tea bags are classified under HS code 090230, as they consist of fermented tea in immediate packings of less than 3kg.
Does flavored tea change the HS code?
Generally, no. As long as the product remains predominantly black tea, flavored varieties like Earl Grey remain under 090230.
Which countries are the top exporters of packaged black tea (HS 090230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090230 (the code used for packaged black tea) in UN Comtrade data were Sri Lanka ($726M, 35% of world exports), Poland ($197M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $189M). World exports came to about $2.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Arab Emirates 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 6.3% of its exports here ($13M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of packaged black tea (HS 090230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090230 (the code used for packaged black tea) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($163M, 7.9% of world imports), Iraq (about $147M) and Saudi Arabia ($128M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Packaged black tea the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090230 for Packaged 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 packaged black tea in Brazil?
In Brazil, packaged black tea (HS 090230) is classified under NCM 0902.30.00.