Chapter 21 is the "Miscellaneous edible preparations" chapter in the HS classification system, covering a wide range including extracts, concentrates and preparations of coffee, tea, maté; yeast, baking powder; sauces, soups; ice cream; and food preparations not elsewhere specified. This chapter is not divided by raw materials, but classified by depth of processing and use, with the core being "food preparations" rather than primary agricultural products. Tea extracts are deeply processed products, so they are classified in this chapter rather than Chapter 9 or Chapter 12. Heading 2101 covers extracts, concentrates and preparations of coffee, tea, maté, and preparations with a basis of these extracts or concentrates; it also includes roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes and their extracts, concentrates and preparations. This heading is further divided into three subheadings for coffee, tea, and maté, among which 210120 specifically refers to extracts, concentrates and preparations of tea or maté. Code 210120 has 6 digits. The first 2 digits "21" represent Chapter 21 "Miscellaneous edible preparations", indicating that the goods belong to the category of food preparations. The 3rd-4th digits "01" represent heading 2101, namely "Extracts, essences and concentrates, of coffee, tea or maté, and preparations with a basis of these products or with a basis of coffee, tea or maté; roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes, and extracts, essences and concentrates thereof". The 5th-6th digits "20" represent subheading 210120, specifically referring to "Extracts, essences and concentrates, of tea or maté, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or concentrates or with a basis of tea or maté". Among them, "2" indicates the order of this subheading under heading 2101, and "0" is a placeholder with no actual meaning. The overall code points to the specific commodity of tea extract. Tea extract is a product made from tea leaves through extraction with water or organic solvents, concentration, and drying. Its basic components are still tea polyphenols, caffeine, etc., but it has lost the physical form of tea leaves and belongs to deeply processed food preparations. Therefore, it cannot be classified under Chapter 9 (Coffee, tea, maté and spices) as a primary product, nor under Chapter 13 (Lac; gums, resins and other vegetable saps and extracts) as a plant extract, but should be classified under Chapter 21, 210120. The difference from 210130 (roasted chicory, etc.) lies in the different raw materials.
Chapter
Chapter 21 is the "Miscellaneous edible preparations" chapter in the HS classification system, covering a wide range including extracts, concentrates and preparations of coffee, tea, maté; yeast, baking powder; sauces, soups; ice cream; and food preparations not elsewhere specified. This chapter is not divided by raw materials, but classified by depth of processing and use, with the core being "food preparations" rather than primary agricultural products. Tea extracts are deeply processed products, so they are classified in this chapter rather than Chapter 9 or Chapter 12.
Heading
Heading 2101 covers extracts, concentrates and preparations of coffee, tea, maté, and preparations with a basis of these extracts or concentrates; it also includes roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes and their extracts, concentrates and preparations. This heading is further divided into three subheadings for coffee, tea, and maté, among which 210120 specifically refers to extracts, concentrates and preparations of tea or maté.
Digit Breakdown
Code 210120 has 6 digits. The first 2 digits "21" represent Chapter 21 "Miscellaneous edible preparations", indicating that the goods belong to the category of food preparations. The 3rd-4th digits "01" represent heading 2101, namely "Extracts, essences and concentrates, of coffee, tea or maté, and preparations with a basis of these products or with a basis of coffee, tea or maté; roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes, and extracts, essences and concentrates thereof". The 5th-6th digits "20" represent subheading 210120, specifically referring to "Extracts, essences and concentrates, of tea or maté, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or concentrates or with a basis of tea or maté". Among them, "2" indicates the order of this subheading under heading 2101, and "0" is a placeholder with no actual meaning. The overall code points to the specific commodity of tea extract.
Classification Basis
Tea extract is a product made from tea leaves through extraction with water or organic solvents, concentration, and drying. Its basic components are still tea polyphenols, caffeine, etc., but it has lost the physical form of tea leaves and belongs to deeply processed food preparations. Therefore, it cannot be classified under Chapter 9 (Coffee, tea, maté and spices) as a primary product, nor under Chapter 13 (Lac; gums, resins and other vegetable saps and extracts) as a plant extract, but should be classified under Chapter 21, 210120. The difference from 210130 (roasted chicory, etc.) lies in the different raw materials.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "tea extract", "green tea extract", etc. Composition and content: List the main components and their content, such as tea polyphenols, caffeine, moisture, etc., usually expressed as percentages. Packaging specifications: Explain the packaging form and net weight of the commodity, such as "25 kg/fiber drum", "1 kg/aluminum foil bag", etc. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none". Processing method: Briefly describe the extraction process, such as "water extraction", "alcohol extraction", "supercritical extraction", etc. Use: Explain the final use of the commodity, such as "used as food additive", "used as raw material for health products", etc. Origin: The country/region where the declared commodity is produced or manufactured. Product name: Green tea extract; Composition and content: Tea polyphenols ≥98%, caffeine ≤0.5%, moisture ≤5%; Packaging specifications: 25 kg/fiber drum; Brand: None; Processing method: Water extraction followed by spray drying; Use: Used as food antioxidant; Origin: China. Confusing tea extract with tea powder. Tea powder is directly crushed tea leaves and should be classified under Chapter 9. Incomplete declaration of composition and content, failing to list key indicators such as caffeine, leading to classification disputes. The processing method description is too simple to determine whether it belongs to the category of extracts.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "tea extract", "green tea extract", etc.
⚠️ Only writing "extract" or "tea powder", without specifying that it is tea extract.
Composition and content
List the main components and their content, such as tea polyphenols, caffeine, moisture, etc., usually expressed as percentages.
⚠️ Only writing "tea polyphenols" without indicating content, or ignoring caffeine content.
Packaging specifications
Explain the packaging form and net weight of the commodity, such as "25 kg/fiber drum", "1 kg/aluminum foil bag", etc.
⚠️ Writing "bulk packaging" without specifying the exact weight and packaging material.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none".
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in the manufacturer's name as the brand.
Processing method
Briefly describe the extraction process, such as "water extraction", "alcohol extraction", "supercritical extraction", etc.
⚠️ Vaguely writing "extraction" without specifying the solvent or method.
Use
Explain the final use of the commodity, such as "used as food additive", "used as raw material for health products", etc.
⚠️ Writing "edible" is too broad and does not specify the application field.
Origin
The country/region where the declared commodity is produced or manufactured.
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting the origin of raw materials as the origin.
Example： Product name: Green tea extract; Composition and content: Tea polyphenols ≥98%, caffeine ≤0.5%, moisture ≤5%; Packaging specifications: 25 kg/fiber drum; Brand: None; Processing method: Water extraction followed by spray drying; Use: Used as food antioxidant; Origin: China.
Common Mistakes：
Confusing tea extract with tea powder. Tea powder is directly crushed tea leaves and should be classified under Chapter 9.
Incomplete declaration of composition and content, failing to list key indicators such as caffeine, leading to classification disputes.
The processing method description is too simple to determine whether it belongs to the category of extracts.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core of classification is to confirm that the commodity is "tea extract" rather than "tea" itself. Tea extract is a product made from tea leaves through extraction, concentration, drying and other processes, and its form, composition, and use are all different from tea leaves. According to HS notes, 210120 includes extracts, concentrates and preparations of tea or maté, and these products are usually used as food additives, raw materials for health products, or beverage bases. If the commodity is only simply crushed or screened tea leaves without extraction processing, it should be classified under Chapter 9. 0902 Tea: 0902 is primary tea products, including green tea, black tea, etc., without extraction processing; 210120 is tea extract, which has undergone deep processing such as water extraction and alcohol extraction, and has different composition and form. 1302 Vegetable saps and extracts: 1302 covers plant extracts, but usually refers to extracts used for non-food purposes such as medicine and insecticides; 210120 specifically refers to tea extract and is used for food or beverages. 210130 Roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes: The raw material of 210130 is coffee substitutes such as chicory, not tea; the raw material of 210120 must be tea or maté. 210112 Preparations with a basis of coffee extracts: 210112 is based on coffee extract, while 210120 is based on tea extract, with different raw materials. 210690 Other food preparations: 210690 is a residual code. If tea extract is specifically listed under 210120, it should not be classified under 210690. Has the commodity undergone extraction processing rather than simple crushing? Is the raw material only tea or maté? Is it used for food, beverages, or health products? Does the composition contain characteristic components such as tea polyphenols? Is it already specifically listed under 210120?
Basis
The core of classification is to confirm that the commodity is "tea extract" rather than "tea" itself. Tea extract is a product made from tea leaves through extraction, concentration, drying and other processes, and its form, composition, and use are all different from tea leaves. According to HS notes, 210120 includes extracts, concentrates and preparations of tea or maté, and these products are usually used as food additives, raw materials for health products, or beverage bases. If the commodity is only simply crushed or screened tea leaves without extraction processing, it should be classified under Chapter 9.
Confused Codes：
0902 - Tea
0902 is primary tea products, including green tea, black tea, etc., without extraction processing; 210120 is tea extract, which has undergone deep processing such as water extraction and alcohol extraction, and has different composition and form.
1302 - Vegetable saps and extracts
1302 covers plant extracts, but usually refers to extracts used for non-food purposes such as medicine and insecticides; 210120 specifically refers to tea extract and is used for food or beverages.
210130 - Roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes
The raw material of 210130 is coffee substitutes such as chicory, not tea; the raw material of 210120 must be tea or maté.
210112 - Preparations with a basis of coffee extracts
210112 is based on coffee extract, while 210120 is based on tea extract, with different raw materials.
210690 - Other food preparations
210690 is a residual code. If tea extract is specifically listed under 210120, it should not be classified under 210690.
Self-Check：
✓ Has the commodity undergone extraction processing rather than simple crushing?
✓ Is the raw material only tea or maté?
✓ Is it used for food, beverages, or health products?
✓ Does the composition contain characteristic components such as tea polyphenols?
✓ Is it already specifically listed under 210120?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between tea extract and tea powder? Tea extract is a product made from tea leaves through extraction, concentration, and drying, classified under 210120; tea powder is powder obtained by directly crushing tea leaves without extraction processing, classified under Chapter 9 (such as 0902). The two have different processing depths and different classifications. How to determine whether tea extract should be classified under 210120? The key is three points: first, the raw material is tea or maté; second, it has undergone extraction processing (such as water extraction, alcohol extraction); third, it is used for food, beverages, or health products. If it meets these, it is classified under 210120. If used for medicine, it may be classified under Chapter 30. How to fill in the composition and content when declaring tea extract? The main components and contents should be listed, such as tea polyphenols, caffeine, moisture, etc., usually expressed as percentages. Content is key to determining product characteristics and classification, and must be accurate. How to distinguish tea extract from plant extract (1302)? Plant extracts under 1302 are usually used for industrial, medical, insecticidal and other non-food purposes, and tea extract is not specifically listed; 210120 specifically refers to tea extract and is used for food or beverages. If tea extract is used for food, it should be classified under 210120. There are multiple brands of tea extract. How to fill in the brand when declaring? Declare the brand name truthfully; if there is no brand, fill in "none". Brand does not affect classification, but affects customs statistics and intellectual property protection. Does the packaging specification of tea extract affect classification? Packaging specifications do not affect classification, but affect the filling of declaration elements. The packaging form and net weight should be indicated, such as "25 kg/fiber drum", for customs inspection. After tea extract is classified under 210120, how to check the tax rate? Tax rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest tax rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or consult a customs broker. Usually, attention should be paid to import tariffs, value-added tax, and possible consumption tax. Does tea extract require commodity inspection when exported? Tea extract belongs to food. Export usually requires compliance with export food production enterprise registration, inspection and quarantine requirements. For details, consult the local customs.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between tea extract and tea powder?
A: Tea extract is a product made from tea leaves through extraction, concentration, and drying, classified under 210120; tea powder is powder obtained by directly crushing tea leaves without extraction processing, classified under Chapter 9 (such as 0902). The two have different processing depths and different classifications.
Q: How to determine whether tea extract should be classified under 210120?
A: The key is three points: first, the raw material is tea or maté; second, it has undergone extraction processing (such as water extraction, alcohol extraction); third, it is used for food, beverages, or health products. If it meets these, it is classified under 210120. If used for medicine, it may be classified under Chapter 30.
Q: How to fill in the composition and content when declaring tea extract?
A: The main components and contents should be listed, such as tea polyphenols, caffeine, moisture, etc., usually expressed as percentages. Content is key to determining product characteristics and classification, and must be accurate.
Q: How to distinguish tea extract from plant extract (1302)?
A: Plant extracts under 1302 are usually used for industrial, medical, insecticidal and other non-food purposes, and tea extract is not specifically listed; 210120 specifically refers to tea extract and is used for food or beverages. If tea extract is used for food, it should be classified under 210120.
Q: There are multiple brands of tea extract. How to fill in the brand when declaring?
A: Declare the brand name truthfully; if there is no brand, fill in "none". Brand does not affect classification, but affects customs statistics and intellectual property protection.
Q: Does the packaging specification of tea extract affect classification?
A: Packaging specifications do not affect classification, but affect the filling of declaration elements. The packaging form and net weight should be indicated, such as "25 kg/fiber drum", for customs inspection.
Q: After tea extract is classified under 210120, how to check the tax rate?
A: Tax rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest tax rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or consult a customs broker. Usually, attention should be paid to import tariffs, value-added tax, and possible consumption tax.
Q: Does tea extract require commodity inspection when exported?
A: Tea extract belongs to food. Export usually requires compliance with export food production enterprise registration, inspection and quarantine requirements. For details, consult the local customs.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.