HS 090210 Green tea (not fermented) in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3 kg
Quick Answer: Green tea (not fermented) in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3 kg enters the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 3.20%, and the US at 6.4% (MFN). This classification specifically covers unfermented green tea, such as sencha or gunpowder tea, packaged in retail-ready formats like tea bags or small tins, provided each individual package does not weigh more than 3 kilograms. Importers should be aware of preferential duty rates available for certain trading partners in the US market, as indicated by CustomTariffs data. Exporters should ensure accurate labeling and documentation to align with these specific packaging and fermentation requirements.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0902100000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0902100000 | 3.20 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 090210 | — | — | — |
| 09021010 | 6.4% | Free (A,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) 3.2% (1 programs) | — |
| 0902101015 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 0902101050 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 09021090 | Free | — | — |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 0902.10?
Imports of Green tea (not fermented) in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3 kg may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 090210 cover?
This subheading covers green tea, specifically tea that has not undergone fermentation, presented in immediate packings with a net content not exceeding 3 kilograms. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification is for tea derived from the *Camellia sinensis* plant where the leaves have been withered and steamed or pan-fired to prevent oxidation, thus retaining their green color and characteristic flavor profile. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, excluding any teas that have been fermented or are packed in larger quantities.
What falls outside HS 090210?
The following products are excluded from HS 090210: fermented teas such as black tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh tea, regardless of their packaging. Also excluded are green teas packed in immediate containers exceeding 3 kilograms, or those presented in bulk form. Furthermore, flavored green teas where the flavoring agent is predominant or alters the essential character of the tea, or teas mixed with other ingredients like herbs or spices, may be classified under different headings, such as 2106.90 for food preparations, depending on the specific composition and the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI).
What are common classification mistakes for HS 090210?
A common error is misinterpreting the "not fermented" criterion, leading to the classification of partially oxidized teas (like oolong) under this subheading. Another mistake involves overlooking the "immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3 kg" requirement; larger retail packs or bulk shipments should be classified under HS 090220. Adherence to GRI 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial, as is correctly identifying the essential character of the product, especially when flavorings or other additions are present.
How should importers classify products under HS 090210?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 090210 involves a multi-step process. Importers and customs brokers must first identify the product as green tea and confirm it has not undergone fermentation. Secondly, they must verify that the immediate packaging's net content does not exceed 3 kilograms. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, is essential. If the product meets all these criteria, HS 090210 is the appropriate classification; otherwise, a review of related subheadings or headings is necessary.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 090210?
A 100-gram tin of Japanese Sencha green tea, declared at a customs value of $5.00 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 0% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS 090210. Therefore, 0% × $5.00 = $0.00. Many jurisdictions offer duty-free treatment for this specific classification under their standard MFN rates, though specific country tariffs should always be verified.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 090210?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 090210, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide duty-free entry for qualifying originating green tea from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially leading to duty-free status for originating green tea from member countries like Vietnam. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific origin declaration for CPTPP, depending on the jurisdiction's requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 090210 (Green tea, not fermented, in immediate packings not exceeding 3 kg)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 090210 is typically 2.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, rates can be Free (0%) for imports from countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), Mexico (MX), Singapore (SG), and the United States (US). Japan (JP) may have a specific rate of 3.20% ad valorem, while other countries might face a higher rate of 20.00% ad valorem. Always verify the specific preferential rate applicable to your country of origin and the importing country's tariff schedule (e.g., USITC for the US, EU TARIC for the EU, UK Trade Tariff for the UK).
How is the import duty for HS 090210 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 090210 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 2.00% ad valorem, and you import 100 kg of green tea with a declared customs value of $500 USD, the duty would be calculated as follows: Duty = 2.00% of $500 USD = 0.02 * $500 = $10 USD. If a specific duty rate (e.g., per kilogram) is also applicable, the importer would pay the higher of the two. Always consult the specific tariff schedule for the exact calculation method.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 090210?
The key criteria for classifying tea under HS code 090210 are: 1. Type of Tea: It must be 'green tea'. Green tea is characterized by being unoxidized or minimally oxidized, typically processed by steaming or pan-firing to halt oxidation. 2. Fermentation Status: The tea must be 'not fermented'. This distinguishes it from black tea (fully fermented) and oolong tea (partially fermented). 3. Packaging: The tea must be in 'immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3 kg'. This refers to the primary retail packaging (e.g., tea bags, small tins, pouches) that directly contains the tea, provided each individual package does not weigh more than 3 kilograms. Larger bulk packaging would fall under different subheadings.
What documentation is typically required for importing green tea under HS code 090210?
Standard import documentation for HS code 090210 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, additional documents may be required. These can include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates, phytosanitary certificates to ensure the tea is free from pests and diseases, and laboratory analysis reports confirming the tea's composition and compliance with food safety standards. Importers and customs brokers should always verify the specific requirements with the customs authorities of the destination country.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 090210, and how can importers benefit?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for HS code 090210. Examples include the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), and various bilateral agreements the EU has with countries like South Korea or Vietnam. To benefit, importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter, demonstrating that the green tea originates from a country party to the agreement. This certificate must be presented to customs authorities at the time of import. By fulfilling these requirements, importers can significantly reduce or eliminate import duties, making their products more competitive in the market. Always consult the specific trade agreement text and the importing country's customs regulations for precise eligibility and documentation requirements.