Product classification

HS code for Yerba mate: 0903.00

Mate.

Classification of yerba mate under HS 0903.00

Yerba mate is classified under HS code 0903.00 because it consists of the dried leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, a species of the holly family native to South America. Within the Harmonized System, Chapter 9 is dedicated to coffee, tea, mate, and spices. Unlike tea, which is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant and classified under heading 0902, yerba mate is specifically named in heading 0903. This classification applies to the product in its raw, crushed, or powdered form, provided it has not been mixed with other substances in proportions that would change its essential character into a food preparation or a medicinal product. The classification is determined by the botanical origin of the plant material and the primary processing methods, which typically involve drying (sapecado) and aging. Even when flavored with essential oils or citrus peels, it remains under 0903.00 as long as the mate retains its character as the primary ingredient.

Covers
  • Dried yerba mate leaves (cancheada)
  • Milled or powdered yerba mate (palo and sin palo)
  • Flavored yerba mate (non-medicinal)
  • Yerba mate blended with small amounts of other herbs
  • Yerba mate in tea bags for infusion
Also under 0903.00
  • Cruz de Malta Yerba Mate
  • Taragüi Yerba Mate
  • Rosamonte Yerba Mate
  • Guayakí Yerba Mate
  • Canarias Yerba Mate

Codes often confused with 0903.00

Common mistake. Yerba mate is frequently confused with HS code 0902, which is reserved exclusively for tea derived from Camellia sinensis. While often referred to as "mate tea," it is botanically distinct. Another common error involves HS code 1211, which covers plants used primarily in perfumery, pharmacy, or for insecticidal purposes. If yerba mate is marketed strictly as a medicinal supplement with specific therapeutic claims, customs authorities may attempt to move it to 1211 or Chapter 30, though 0903.00 remains the standard for the beverage. Additionally, liquid yerba mate extracts or prepared beverages are classified under 2101.20 or 2202.99 respectively, rather than 0903.00.

09.02Tea12.11Plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits), of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered2101.20Extracts, 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 mate2202.99Non-alcoholic beverages; other than non-alcoholic beer, n.e.c. in item no. 2202.10, not including fruit, nut or vegetable juices of heading no. 2009

Top exporters and importers of HS 090300 (the code used for yerba mate), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090300 (the code used for yerba mate) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Syria, with about 36% 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 090300, not only yerba mate.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Brazil $100M
  2. 2 Argentina $100M
  3. 3 Paraguay $15M

World total: $240M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Syria* ~$90M
  2. 2 Uruguay $67M
  3. 3 Argentina $22M

World total: $249M 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 codes for yerba mate

Brazil splits HS 0903.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about yerba mate

What is the HS code for Yerba mate?

The HS code for Yerba mate is 090300 (Mate). The universal HS code for yerba mate is 0903.00, which covers the plant material used for infusions.

How do I classify Yerba mate for customs?

Yerba mate is classified under HS code 090300 — Mate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is yerba mate classified the same as green tea?

No, green tea is classified under 0902.10 or 0902.20 depending on its fermentation and packaging, whereas yerba mate is always under 0903.00 due to its different botanical origin.

Which countries are the top exporters of yerba mate (HS 090300)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090300 (the code used for yerba mate) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($100M, 42% of world exports), Argentina ($100M) and Paraguay ($15M). World exports came to about $240M, 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 yerba mate (HS 090300)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 090300 (the code used for yerba mate) in UN Comtrade data were Syria (about $90M, 36% of world imports), Uruguay ($67M) and Argentina ($22M). World imports came to about $249M, 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 Yerba mate the same in all countries?

The base HS code 090300 for Yerba mate 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 yerba mate in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 090300 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for yerba mate depends on the product's details: 0903.00.10 (Yerba mate, dried and coarsely crushed), 0903.00.90 (Other yerba mate).