Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Green tea in Côte d'Ivoire functions primarily as an import-supplied consumer product (dried tea leaves and retail packs). UN Comtrade data as presented by the World Bank WITS platform shows Côte d'Ivoire importing both green tea in immediate packings (HS 090210) and other green tea (HS 090220) in 2023, indicating consistent import reliance for supply. Market access is shaped by Côte d'Ivoire’s plant-product import procedures via GUCE/PWIC, including an Import Declaration Form (IDF) workflow and a prior import authorization (API) for plant products of plant origin. Operationally, the key execution risk is documentary and phytosanitary compliance at entry rather than domestic production volatility.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleConsumer beverage product supplied mainly through imports; sold as packaged green tea (loose leaf and tea bags) and used by households and foodservice.
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by shelf-stable imports and ambient storage.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Dried (not fermented) green tea leaves with aroma retention and low moisture exposure during storage and distribution.
Packaging- Immediate packings (≤3 kg) for retail and distribution (aligned to HS 090210 reporting category).
- Bulk/other green tea shipments (aligned to HS 090220 reporting category).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas supplier packing/dispatch → ocean freight to Côte d'Ivoire entry points → import declaration (IDF via GUCE, when applicable) → prior import authorization (API) for plant products → phytosanitary import control/inspection and issuance of import control attestation → importer warehousing → wholesale/retail distribution.
Temperature- Generally ambient logistics; prioritize dry, cool storage conditions to prevent moisture uptake and quality loss.
Atmosphere Control- Keep packs sealed and odor-protected; tea is prone to absorbing external odors during storage.
Shelf Life- Shelf-stable as a dried product, but quality degrades with humidity, light, and prolonged exposure after opening.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighImport clearance can be blocked or severely delayed if the shipment lacks the required GUCE-linked workflow and phytosanitary documentation (e.g., API prior authorization, IDF where applicable, and the phytosanitary certificate/inspection file elements for plant products of plant origin).Confirm HS classification (e.g., 090210/090220) and complete GUCE prerequisites early: importer code, IDF threshold check, API prior authorization, and a document pack including certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate (where applicable), transport document, and customs declaration support for inspection.
Food Safety MediumPhytosanitary import control may trigger laboratory analysis in some cases, extending clearance lead time; non-conformity findings or missing analysis results can delay release.Prepare for inspection variability by pre-arranging compliant documentation and, where relevant, supplier test documentation to reduce the probability of extended holds during import control.
Documentation Gap MediumIDF filing and related approvals are processed through GUCE; administrative errors (HS code mismatch, incomplete bank/importer details, missing authorizations) can disrupt the import timeline.Use a standardized pre-shipment checklist aligned to GUCE/PWIC requirements and validate HS codes and required authorizations before dispatch.
FAQ
What documents are commonly required to import green tea into Côte d'Ivoire?GUCE/PWIC indicates importers generally need an importer code, an Import Declaration Form (IDF) when the shipment value exceeds CFA 500,000, a prior import authorization (API) for plant products of plant origin, and a document file for phytosanitary import control (typically including a customs declaration copy and transport document). GUCE/PWIC also lists certificate of origin and, for specified plant-product categories including dry goods, a phytosanitary certificate issued by the country of origin.
How significant are Côte d'Ivoire’s green tea imports in recent trade data?World Bank WITS (UN Comtrade) reports that in 2023 Côte d'Ivoire imported green tea in immediate packings (HS 090210) valued at about US$2.33 million (2,115,370 kg) and other green tea (HS 090220) valued at about US$0.31 million (342,360 kg).
Which HS codes commonly map to green tea in trade reporting relevant to Côte d'Ivoire?The WCO Harmonized System places tea under HS heading 0902, with green tea subheadings including HS 090210 (green tea in immediate packings) and HS 090220 (other green tea). WITS/UN Comtrade reporting for Côte d'Ivoire in 2023 shows imports recorded under both 090210 and 090220.