Green Tea (Not Fermented), Bulk — Not Elsewhere Specified

Matcha — finely milled green tea — is generally classified under Chapter 9 as green tea, with heading 090220 covering bulk formats not in retail packings ≤3 kg. However, if matcha is formulated into a food preparation with added ingredients (sugar, milk powder, etc.), it may shift to Chapter 21. The product's composition and degree of processing determine the correct heading, so classification should be confirmed with a licensed customs broker.

Japanese bulk green tea — including sencha, bancha, and gyokuro — is typically steamed during processing, producing a grassy, vegetal flavor profile, and commands premium pricing for specialty and foodservice use. Chinese bulk green tea is more commonly pan-fired, yielding a toasty character, and is widely used in blending and ingredient applications. These processing distinctions do not affect HTS classification but are commercially significant for specification and sourcing decisions.