Product classification
HS code for Tea extract: 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 tea extract under HS 2101.20
Tea extract is classified under HS code 210120 because it represents a highly processed derivative of tea (Camellia sinensis) or mate. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 21 covers miscellaneous edible preparations, and heading 2101 specifically addresses extracts, essences, and concentrates of coffee, tea, or mate. This classification is appropriate because the product has undergone a physical or chemical extraction process that separates the soluble solids from the insoluble leaf matter. This distinguishes it from the raw or dried leaves found in Chapter 9. The extract may be in liquid, paste, or solid form, such as powder or granules, and may be concentrated to varying degrees. Even if the extract contains added sugars, starches, or other food substances, it remains under 210120 provided it retains the essential character of a tea extract. This code is essential for customs authorities to distinguish between agricultural commodities and value-added food ingredients.
- Covers
- Instant tea powder
- Liquid tea concentrates
- Mate extracts and essences
- Soluble tea preparations
- Concentrated tea syrups for beverage manufacturing
- Dehydrated tea essences
- 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. HS code 0902 (Green or Black Tea) is frequently confused with 210120. However, 0902 is strictly reserved for tea leaves that have not undergone an extraction process. Another common error is using 210690, which is a general category for food preparations not elsewhere specified; 210120 is more specific and must take precedence. Additionally, ready-to-drink tea beverages in bottles or cans are classified under 2202, not 2101.
Top exporters and importers of HS 210120 (the code used for tea extract), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 210120 (the code used for tea extract) 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 tea extract.
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 tea extract
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 tea extract
What is the HS code for Tea extract?
The HS code for Tea extract 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).
How do I classify Tea extract for customs?
Tea extract 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.
What is the HS code for instant tea?
Instant tea is classified under HS code 210120 as it is a soluble extract or concentrate of tea.
Are tea bags classified under this code?
No, tea bags containing dried tea leaves are classified under HS code 0902, as they are not extracts or concentrates.
Which countries are the top exporters of tea extract (HS 210120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 210120 (the code used for tea extract) 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 tea extract (HS 210120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 210120 (the code used for tea extract) 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 Tea extract the same in all countries?
The base HS code 210120 for Tea extract 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 tea extract in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 210120 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for tea extract depends on the product's details: 2101.20.10 (Tea extracts, essences and preparations), 2101.20.20 (Mate extracts, essences and preparations).