Food & Drink HS Codes

What HS code is tea? (Chapter 9 & 21)

How to classify tea for UK customs, and what changes the code.

Unsweetened green and black tea (Camellia sinensis) is classified in HS heading 0902; sweetened or flavoured tea preparations, and herbal/fruit infusions, move to Chapter 21 (2101/2106).

Where it sits in the tariff

Tea is generally classified in Chapter 9 (tea) and Chapter 21 (preparations). The exact 8–10 digit commodity code depends on the detail below — so always confirm against the actual product.

What changes the code

  • Is it real tea or a herbal infusion? Camellia sinensis = 0902; chamomile/fruit = 2106.
  • Is it sweetened or flavoured? Added sugar/flavour usually moves tea to 2101.
  • Pack size matters within 0902 (the 3kg retail threshold splits subheadings).
  • Green vs black (fermented) tea are separate subheadings in 0902.

Typical Tea HS codes

ProductTypical HS headingIndicative UK duty
Black/green tea, unsweetened, retail ≤3kg0902 30 / 0902 100% (UKGT)
Tea with added sugar/flavour2101 206%
Herbal / fruit infusion2106 900–12%
Tea extracts2101 20Varies

Headings and duty rates are indicative only and change — always confirm the full 10-digit commodity code and current rate in the UK Trade Tariff or with TTVerified.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Unsweetened real tea is heading 0902; sweetened or herbal teas move to Chapter 21. See our HS code guide for a worked tea example.

Adding sugar or flavour turns it into a preparation, moving it from Chapter 9 to 2101 — and changing the duty.