Maté Beverage Base
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2106909971 | 16.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2106909973 | 16.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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🍵 Maté Beverage Base: The Ultimate Guide to HS Code 2106.90.99.71 & 2106.90.99.73
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for Liquid Food Imports
📌 I. Product Definition: What is "Maté Beverage Base"?
Maté is a traditional South American caffeine-rich infused drink. A "Maté Beverage Base" refers to the concentrated liquid, syrup, or dry extract formulation used as the primary flavoring and functional component in preparing the final beverage. It is not simply loose leaf tea, but a processed food preparation.
In international trade, these bases fall under Chapter 21: Miscellaneous Edible Preparations. Specifically, they are classified as: * Preparations for the manufacture of beverages: Ingredients specifically designed to be mixed with water, alcohol, or other carriers to create a drinkable product. * Key Distinction: If the product contains high-intensity sweeteners (like aspartame/saccharin), it triggers a specific subheading. If it does not, it falls into the "Other" category.
⚠️ Critical Clarification:
- Loose Leaf/Tea Bags: Classified under Chapter 09 (Coffee, Tea, Maté).
- Beverage Base/Syrup/Extract: Classified under Chapter 21 (Miscellaneous Edible Preparations).
- Final Bottled Drink: Usually classified under Chapter 22 (Beverages).
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Authoritative Mapping)
Based on the provided data, the Maté Beverage Base is split into two specific HS Codes depending on its sweetener content.
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Characteristic | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
2106.90.99.71 |
Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included (NESOI): Other: Other: Other: Other: Other: Other Preparations for the manufacture of beverages: Containing high-intensity sweeteners (e.g., aspartame and/or saccharin) | Contains artificial/synthetic high-intensity sweeteners | 0.0% |
2106.90.99.73 |
Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included (NESOI): Other: Other: Other: Other: Other: Other Preparations for the manufacture of beverages: Other | Does NOT contain high-intensity sweeteners (may contain sugar, honey, natural extracts, or no sweetener) | 0.0% |
🔍 How to Choose?
1. Check Ingredients Label: If the label lists Aspartame, Saccharin, Sucralose, Acesulfame-K, etc. → Use.71.
2. No High-Intensity Sweeteners: If it only contains sucrose, glucose, honey, stevia (natural, often treated differently but check specific local rulings), or is unsweetened → Use.73.
💰 III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Zero Duty Advantage)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: Any Country (including China, Argentina, Brazil)
✅ Effective Date: Current 2026 Schedule
🎯 1. HS Code 2106.90.99.71 (With High-Intensity Sweeteners)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 / IEEPA Additional Tariffs | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0.0% = $0.00 Duty |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | ✅ YES (Generally, food items under $800 may enter duty-free via Section 321, subject to FDA regulations) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:2106.90.99.71 → FOOTNOTE:Food Preparations |
📌 Explanation:
- This category benefits from a 0% total tariff rate.
- Unlike electronics or steel, processed food preparations for beverage manufacture are not currently subject to the heavy Section 301 or IEEPA retaliatory tariffs applied to many Chinese goods.
- Note: While duty is 0%, FDA compliance (Prior Notice, Facility Registration, Labeling) is strictly enforced.
🎯 2. HS Code 2106.90.99.73 (Other Beverage Bases)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 / IEEPA Additional Tariffs | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0.0% = $0.00 Duty |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | ✅ YES (Same as above) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:2106.90.99.73 → FOOTNOTE:Food Preparations |
📌 Explanation:
- Also enjoys a 0% total tariff rate.
- Whether you use a sugar-based base or a natural extract base without artificial sweeteners, the duty burden is effectively zero.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance)
✅ 1. Essential Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Ingredient Statement | YES | Must clearly list all ingredients, specifically highlighting if Aspartame/Saccharin are present to justify .71 vs .73. |
| ✅ FDA Prior Notice | YES | Mandatory for all food/beverage imports entering the US. File via FDA PPN (Prior Notice Portal) at least 30 minutes before arrival. |
| ✅ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | YES | From manufacturer confirming purity, sweetener content, and microbial safety. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | YES | Clearly state: "Maté Beverage Base - Food Preparation for Beverage Manufacture - HS 2106.90.99.71". |
| ✅ Nutritional Label Draft | YES | If importing for retail, ensure labels meet 21 CFR Part 101 requirements. |
| ✅ Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) | YES | If you are the US importer, you must have an FSVP agent verifying the foreign supplier's safety protocols. |
✅ 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
🔥 "Sweetener Check: Aspartame? Go to .71. No? Go to .73. Both 0%! Don't Forget FDA!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Maté Syrup with Aspartame | 2106.90.99.71 |
Explicitly contains high-intensity sweeteners. |
| Maté Extract with Sugar only | 2106.90.99.73 |
Sugar is not a "high-intensity sweetener" in this context. |
| Maté Powder with Stevia | Consult Specialist | Stevia (Steviol Glycosides) is often treated as a natural sweetener. If not listed as "high-intensity" in the specific ruling, use .73. |
| Loose Leaf Maté Leaves | NOT 2106 | Use Chapter 09 (e.g., 0902.40). Wrong Chapter = Penalty! |
✅ 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Private Label (OEM) | Provide a contract showing you own the formulation. FDA requires the US Agent's info on the label. |
| "Natural" Claims | Be careful. If you claim "Natural" but use Aspartame, you risk FDA warning letters. Ensure labeling matches HS classification logic. |
| Liquid vs. Powder | Both are covered. Liquid may have additional DOT (Department of Transportation) labeling requirements for hazardous materials (if alcohol content > certain %). |
| FDA Facility Registration | Ensure the foreign manufacturing facility is registered with the FDA before shipment. Unregistered facilities lead to refusal of entry. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (Approx.) | Key Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 2106.90.99.71 / .73 |
0.0% | FDA Prior Notice, FSVP | Duty-free, but high regulatory compliance. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 2106.90.99 |
~10% - 15% | CIQ, Food Safety License | Higher duties than US. Check Free Trade Agreements (FTA). |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 2106.90 |
6.5% + VAT | EFSA Novel Food Check | If containing new extracts, may require Novel Food authorization. |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 2106.90 |
5% | Food Standards Code (FSANZ) | Strict labeling rules for sweeteners. |
📌 Conclusion:
- The USA offers the best duty advantage (0%) for Maté Beverage Bases.
- However, the cost of compliance (FDA, FSVP, Labelling) is the real barrier, not the tariff.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Classifying Maté Leaves under HS 2106
👉 Consequence: Misdeclaration. Leaves belong to Chapter 09. Duty may be lower, but the regulatory pathway is different.
✅ Fix: Separate shipments of Leaves (Ch 09) and Bases (Ch 21).
❌ Error 2: Ignoring FDA Prior Notice
👉 Consequence: Cargo held at port, destruction, or return. No Prior Notice = No Entry.
✅ Fix: File Prior Notice 30 mins before vessel arrival.
❌ Error 3: Misidentifying Sweeteners
👉 Consequence: If you declare .73 (No High-Intensity) but lab tests find Aspartame, you face penalties for misclassification.
✅ Fix: Provide COA proving sweetener type. If in doubt, use .71 or consult a customs broker.
❌ Error 4: Missing FSVP Agent
👉 Consequence: FDA refuses entry because no US-based FSVP agent is identified.
✅ Fix: Appoint a US FSVP agent and list them on the entry summary.
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Zero Duty, High Compliance
🎯 Key Takeaway:
🔹 "Maté Base: Zero Duty, Full FDA. Check Sweeteners: .71 or .73. Don't Forget Prior Notice!"
🔹 "HS Code 2106 is your friend for duty, but FDA is your boss for compliance."
📌 Pro Tip:
If you are importing small quantities for testing, utilize Section 321 (De Minimis) if the value is under $800 and it meets FDA requirements. However, for commercial bulk, FDA registration and Prior Notice are non-negotiable.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact FDA Compliance Experts + Verify Sweetener Content + File Prior Notice
🚀 Ensure Smooth Clearance, Zero Duty Costs, and Market Ready Products!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Your Maté Business Deserves Smooth Entry!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.