Duty Rates
General (Column 1 - MFN)
Free
This item enters the United States duty-free. No import duty is charged regardless of origin country.
Column 2 Rate (Non-Tariff Treaty Countries)
This rate applies to countries without normal trade relations (most-favored-nation status) with the United States:
Free
Column 2 rates are substantially higher than Column 1 rates and are rarely applied in modern international trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
What HTS 0902.30.00 Covers
This code covers black (fermented) tea and partly fermented teas such as oolong, when imported in immediate packings holding 3 kg or less. That means consumer-ready formats: tea bags, retail tins, boxes, and pouches. Larger bulk shipments of black tea fall under a separate subheading (0902.40).
Notes for Importers
The 3 kg threshold refers to the immediate packing, not the master carton, so tea bags packed in retail boxes inside a large shipping case still qualify here. Green (unfermented) tea has its own subheadings (0902.10 and 0902.20), and flavored teas generally remain in heading 0902 as long as the flavoring does not change their essential character as tea. Herbal infusions with no actual tea leaf (chamomile, rooibos, peppermint) are not tea and are classified elsewhere, typically heading 1211 or 2106.
Product Category
Vegetable Products
This chapter includes cereals, flour, malt, edible vegetables, edible fruit, coffee, tea, spices, and related plant-based food products.
Classification Details
| Field | Value |
|---|
| HTS Code | 0902.30.00 |
| Description | Black tea (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3 kg |
| Chapter | 9 - Vegetable Products |
| General Duty Rate | Free |
| Rate Type | Free |
| Special Rates | |
Related HTS Codes
Other tariff codes under the same heading:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do retail tea bags fall under this code?
Yes, provided the tea is black or partly fermented (like oolong) and the immediate retail packing holds 3 kg or less. Green tea bags use the green tea subheadings instead.
My tea ships in 20 kg cartons of retail boxes. Which side of the 3 kg line is that?
Classification is based on the immediate packing, meaning the retail box or tin, not the outer shipping carton. If each retail unit holds 3 kg or less, this subheading applies.
Are herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos classified here?
No. Heading 0902 covers only true tea from the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal infusions without tea leaf are classified elsewhere, commonly in heading 1211 or as food preparations in 2106.
What is the HTS code 0902.30.00 used for?
HTS code 0902.30.00 is the harmonized tariff schedule code for Black tea (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3 kg. This code is used to classify and identify this product type for customs clearance, duty calculation, and trade statistics.
What is the Column 2 rate for HTS 0902.30.00?
The Column 2 rate is the tariff duty rate applicable to goods from countries that do not have normal trade relations with the United States. This rate is typically higher than Column 1 (Most Favored Nation) rates and is rarely used in modern trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
Do I need a customs broker to import goods classified under HTS 0902.30.00?
While not always required, using a licensed customs broker is highly recommended for most imports. A customs broker can help ensure proper HTS classification, prepare customs documentation, pay duties correctly, and avoid delays or penalties. Your broker should be familiar with Vegetable Products products.
Which countries receive special tariff rates for HTS 0902.30.00?
Multiple free trade agreements and trade preference programs provide reduced or free tariffs for eligible HTS classifications. Common programs include USMCA (Canada, Mexico), various bilateral FTAs (Korea, Australia, Singapore), GSP for developing countries, and AGOA for eligible African nations. Check the special rates section on this page.
How does HTS code 0902.30.00 affect my import costs?
The HTS code determines the applicable duty rate (either free or a percentage/specific amount), whether your product qualifies for trade agreement benefits, any quota restrictions, and special documentation requirements. Proper classification directly impacts your import expenses, so verify the correct code with your supplier or a customs professional.