Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Commodity
Raw Material
Market
Mexico is a net importer of tea under HS 0902 (tea, whether or not flavoured), a category that includes jasmine-flavoured tea products. Data México reports international purchases of about US$15M versus international sales of about US$1.26M in 2024, indicating an import-dependent market balance. Market availability is therefore driven largely by import flows and importer distribution capacity rather than domestic production. For packaged retail jasmine tea, compliance at entry and in-market labeling (notably NOM-051) plus applicable health and phytosanitary requirements are the main operational determinants for clearance and commercialization.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleConsumer market supplied primarily via imports (HS 0902 trade profile shows persistent net purchases)
SeasonalityYear-round availability primarily supported by imports; limited linkage to domestic harvest seasonality.
Specification
Primary VarietyFlavoured tea (jasmine-scented tea) within HS 0902 retail/import classification
Physical Attributes- Aroma retention is a primary quality attribute for jasmine tea; odor and moisture exposure during storage/distribution can degrade perceived quality
Packaging- Barrier packaging (e.g., foil-lined pouches, sealed tea-bag cartons, tins) is commonly used to protect aroma and limit moisture pickup
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin processing/packing → international freight → Mexican customs & applicable health/phytosanitary controls → importer/distributor warehousing → retail/foodservice
Temperature- Ambient-temperature handling is typical; quality protection focuses on keeping product dry and avoiding heat/odor contamination during storage and distribution
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is sensitive to moisture pickup and aroma loss; packaging integrity and dry storage conditions are practical shelf-life drivers
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with Mexico’s applicable import authorizations (e.g., COFEPRIS sanitary permits where required) and/or retail labeling requirements under NOM-051 can result in shipment holds, relabeling costs, or inability to commercialize the product after customs clearance.Before shipment, confirm COFEPRIS applicability for the exact product presentation and pre-validate Spanish labels against NOM-051; use a Mexico-based importer-of-record and submit required authorizations through VUCEM workflows where applicable.
Phytosanitary MediumAs a plant-origin product, tea may be subject to SENASICA phytosanitary requirements and documentary/inspection processes; gaps in meeting listed requirements can delay issuance of the phytosanitary import certificate at entry.Consult SENASICA import requirement modules for the product and origin, align supplier documentation to the listed measures, and route through appropriate inspection offices (OISA) procedures.
Supply Chain MediumMexico’s jasmine tea supply is exposed to upstream production shocks and global supply tightness in key tea-origin countries, which can amplify price volatility and availability risk for importers.Diversify origin portfolio and maintain safety-stock policies for core SKUs; include substitution options (e.g., alternative origins or comparable flavored-tea blends) in procurement plans.
Sustainability- Upstream climate and extreme-weather exposure in major tea-origin countries can tighten global supply and increase procurement volatility for Mexico importers.
- Sustainability certification and responsible sourcing expectations (e.g., Rainforest Alliance Certified, Fairtrade) are used by some supply chains to address chemical-use, biodiversity, and social-risk themes in tea production.
Labor & Social- Upstream worker-rights and living-wage themes are widely discussed in tea supply chains; voluntary schemes (e.g., Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade) explicitly position their standards around worker conditions and producer livelihoods.
FAQ
Is Mexico primarily an importer or exporter of tea (including jasmine-flavoured tea)?Mexico is primarily an importer. Data México’s HS 0902 profile reports international purchases of about US$15M versus international sales of about US$1.26M in 2024, indicating a net-import position for tea (including flavoured tea).
Which Mexican authorities are most relevant when importing packaged jasmine tea?COFEPRIS is relevant for sanitary import authorizations when the product is subject to a prior sanitary import permit, and NOM-051 labeling compliance is overseen in Mexico’s health/consumer-protection framework. SENASICA is relevant for phytosanitary requirements and import certification for regulated plant-origin goods.
What is NOM-051 and why does it matter for jasmine tea sold in Mexico?NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010 is Mexico’s official standard that sets general labeling specifications for prepackaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages sold in Mexico, including imported products. If jasmine tea is sold as a prepackaged retail product, its label needs to meet NOM-051 requirements to be commercialized.