Industrial Black Tea Waste for Caffeine Extraction

Coarse black tea waste consisting of broken leaves and dust generated during tea processing, imported specifically for industrial extraction of caffeine. This material falls under HTS 9814.00.50.00 because it is used solely in chemical manufacturing processes where the tea's original identity is completely destroyed through solvent extraction and purification, yielding pure caffeine crystals.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree+10.0%10%
🇲🇽MexicoFree+10.0%10%
🇨🇦CanadaFree+10.0%10%
🇩🇪GermanyFree+10.0%10%
🇯🇵JapanFree+10.0%10%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

0902.30.00Lower: 7.5% vs 10%

If imported for direct food/beverage use rather than chemical extraction

Tea waste intended for blending into consumer tea products classified as tea preparations in Chapter 9, not special industrial use

1211.90Higher: 16% vs 10%

If sold as bulk plant material without specified chemical end-use

Vegetable sifting/sweepings without proof of caffeine manufacturing classified as general plant products in Chapter 12

9802.00.40Same rate: 10%

If U.S.-origin tea waste returned after foreign processing

Returned U.S. goods for repair/alteration fall under Chapter 98 temporary importation provisions

Not sure which classification is right?

Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.

Import Tips & Compliance

Provide bond as required by U.S. note to heading 9814.00.50 ensuring material used only for theine/caffeine production under HHS oversight

Include end-use certificate from importer specifying chemical manufacturing process that destroys tea character

Maintain detailed processing records for 5 years to prove compliance during customs audits; diversion triggers full duty liability

Related Products under HTS 9814.00.50.00

Assam Tea Dust for Pharmaceutical Caffeine

Assam black tea dust byproduct imported exclusively for pharmaceutical-grade caffeine production through supercritical CO2 extraction. This HTS 9814.00.50.00 classification applies because the tea material is completely chemically transformed, losing all original character during purification to USP-grade caffeine.

Ceylon Tea Siftings Chemical Processing

Ceylon tea siftings imported for chemical processing into caffeine and theine derivatives. This waste material qualifies under HTS 9814.00.50.00 because industrial extraction completely changes its character from agricultural product to pharmaceutical chemical.

Darjeeling Tea Waste Pharmaceutical Use

Premium Darjeeling tea processing waste imported exclusively for pharmaceutical caffeine manufacturing. Classifies under HTS 9814.00.50.00 as the material undergoes total molecular transformation during purification, destroying all original tea properties.

Tea Dust Bulk Chemical Extraction

Bulk tea dust imported in large quantities for industrial-scale caffeine and theine extraction plants. HTS 9814.00.50.00 exemption applies because chemical processing entirely destroys the agricultural product's identity and character.

Green Tea Siftings for Theine Manufacturing

Fine green tea siftings collected during sorting and grading operations, imported for theine (caffeine) extraction via industrial chemical processes. Qualifies under HTS 9814.00.50.00 as the material undergoes complete chemical transformation where original tea leaf structure is entirely destroyed during alkaloid extraction.

Tea Factory Sweepings for Industrial Theine

Mixed tea sweepings collected from factory floors during processing operations, imported solely for theine extraction. Falls under HTS 9814.00.50.00 because these waste materials undergo total chemical decomposition in manufacturing processes that entirely eliminate original tea characteristics.