Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Assam tea is an Indian-origin black tea style that reaches Colombia mainly through imports for retail sale and for blending/foodservice use. Colombia has limited domestic tea production relative to global tea suppliers, so availability and assortment of Assam-labeled tea depend on importer sourcing programs. Import readiness is shaped by INVIMA requirements for sanitary registration/permit/notification for processed foods and, where applicable, ICA phytosanitary import requirements managed through SISPAP/DRFI and channelled via VUCE. Shipments are typically moved by sea freight and distributed by importers to modern retail and specialty beverage channels.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (limited domestic production; Assam tea supplied through imports)
Domestic RoleRetail beverage product and blending input for domestic consumption
Specification
Primary VarietyAssam black tea (black/fermented tea under HS 0902)
Physical Attributes- Dried black tea leaf (bulk or retail-packed), protected from moisture and odour pickup during storage and transport.
Packaging- Bulk sacks/cartons for blending/packing, or retail tea bags/loose-leaf packs; packing size can affect HS subheading within 0902.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin exporter (typically India for Assam tea) → ocean freight → Colombian port entry → INVIMA/ICA clearance (as applicable) → importer/distributor warehousing → retail/foodservice distribution
Temperature- Ambient transport; keep dry and protected from heat and direct sunlight to preserve aroma and prevent quality deterioration.
Atmosphere Control- Moisture and odour control are critical; avoid co-loading with strong-smelling cargo.
Shelf Life- Quality is sensitive to humidity exposure; long dwell times without moisture barriers can lead to staling and aroma loss.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighIf the tea product falls under INVIMA oversight as a processed food (common for retail-packed tea), Colombia requires a sanitary registration/permit/notification prior to import; missing or incorrect sanitary status can block import processing or trigger shipment delays.Validate the product’s INVIMA sanitary pathway (Registro/Permiso/Notificación) before booking freight; keep the sanitary documentation aligned to the exact product, brand, and presentation being imported.
Phytosanitary MediumICA phytosanitary requirements may apply to tea as a plant product depending on presentation and risk category; pre-import DRFI may be required, is time-limited, and ICA indicates it may be annulled if quarantine pest risk emerges in the exporting country, creating sudden clearance risk.Check ICA SISPAP requirements for the exact HS 0902 presentation and origin; obtain DRFI early where required and avoid shipment timing that risks DRFI expiration during transit.
Labor And Human Rights MediumAssam-origin tea supply chains can face scrutiny over plantation labour conditions; Colombian importers supplying ESG-sensitive buyers may encounter reputational and procurement risk if origin due diligence is weak.Implement supplier due diligence for Assam-origin estates and processors (audits, grievance mechanisms, and credible third-party social programs or standards where appropriate) and maintain traceable origin documentation.
Sustainability- Climate variability in origin regions (including Assam) can affect tea quality, yields, and supply consistency, creating procurement and price-volatility exposure for Colombian importers.
- Upstream pesticide management and responsible agrochemical use remain a recurrent sustainability concern for tea supply chains and buyer ESG screening.
Labor & Social- Assam tea plantation working conditions have been documented as an area needing improvement; buyers sourcing Assam-origin tea may face ESG due-diligence expectations tied to labour conditions and worker welfare in origin estates.
FAQ
What are the key Colombian authorities and pre-import steps for bringing Assam tea into Colombia?For many tea presentations sold as processed foods, INVIMA requires the product to have a sanitary registration/permit/notification before import. For plant and plant-product controls, ICA manages phytosanitary requirements and may require a pre-import DRFI via SISPAP depending on the product’s risk category and presentation, with procedures channelled through VUCE.
Does ICA always require a phytosanitary import permit (DRFI) for tea?Not always. ICA states that plants and plant products must meet phytosanitary import requirements, except for products that, due to their physical constitution and the processing they have undergone, do not pose phytosanitary risk. Importers should verify the specific requirements in ICA’s SISPAP system by origin, presentation, and intended use, and obtain a DRFI when required.
What is a notable ESG risk tied to Assam-origin tea that could matter for Colombian buyers?Assam tea plantation labour conditions have been documented as an area needing improvement, which can create reputational and buyer-audit risk for importers and brands selling Assam-origin teas. Strengthening supplier due diligence and using credible labour-improvement programs or standards helps reduce this risk.