Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Black tea (HS 090230/090240) is a small, import-supplied market in Ecuador, with trade data indicating relatively low annual import values and volumes compared with major tea-consuming countries. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows Ecuador imported black tea (HS 090230) in 2024, with key supplying partners including the United States, Poland, Sri Lanka, and Chile. The same source indicates Ecuador also exported small quantities of black tea in 2024, mainly to Panama, consistent with limited re-export activity rather than large-scale domestic production. Availability for Ecuadorian buyers is therefore primarily driven by import sourcing and importer distribution rather than local harvest seasonality.
Market RoleNet importer with limited re-export activity
Domestic RoleImport-supplied consumer market for black tea (retail and foodservice), with minor re-export flows
SeasonalityYear-round availability is primarily driven by imports; no significant domestic harvest seasonality is documented for Ecuador in the context of black tea trade.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Dried fermented/partly fermented tea is quality-sensitive to moisture ingress and odor contamination during storage and transport.
Packaging- Immediate packings ≤3 kg are classified under HS 090230; Ecuador’s tariff nomenclature includes code 0902.30.00.00 for black tea in immediate packings ≤3 kg.
- Bulk/immediate packings >3 kg are commonly classified under HS 090240 for black tea.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas supplier (bulk or retail-packaged tea) → international freight → customs/single-window processing → importer warehousing → domestic distribution to retail/foodservice → (limited) re-export to neighboring markets
Atmosphere Control- Moisture control and odor isolation are more critical than refrigeration for dried black tea during maritime transit and local warehousing.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is primarily limited by humidity exposure and aroma loss rather than microbial spoilage when packaging integrity is maintained.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighMisclassification of the tea’s regulatory status (e.g., whether it is treated as a processed food requiring ARCSA Notificación Sanitaria / related certification, and whether additional SPS controls apply for the specific plant-product presentation) can block commercialization and/or trigger customs delays and holds in Ecuador.Before contracting and shipping, use ARCSA’s published procedures to confirm whether the product requires a Notificación Sanitaria (or obtain the certificate of requirement/no-requirement), and align the product’s HS classification (e.g., 090230 vs 090240) and labeling dossier with the importer’s VUE documentation workflow.
Food Safety MediumDried tea can be subject to chemical-residue and contaminant concerns (e.g., pesticide residues) that may lead to non-compliance actions if importer due diligence and documentation are insufficient.Require supplier COA and residue-monitoring documentation aligned to the target market requirements; implement lot-level retain samples and importer testing plans for higher-risk origins or new suppliers.
Logistics MediumHumidity exposure, packaging damage, or odor contamination in transit/warehousing can degrade tea quality and increase claims, especially in humid coastal logistics conditions.Use high-barrier inner liners, desiccants where appropriate, and segregated odor-free storage; specify moisture/odor acceptance criteria in purchase contracts.
FAQ
Which HS codes are commonly used to classify black tea relevant to Ecuador’s trade statistics?Black (fermented) and partly fermented tea is commonly classified under HS 090230 for immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3 kg, and HS 090240 for immediate packings exceeding 3 kg.
Who were Ecuador’s notable supplier countries for black tea in 2024 according to UN Comtrade data?UN Comtrade data (via WITS) indicates Ecuador imported black tea (HS 090230) in 2024 with notable supplies from the United States, Poland, Sri Lanka, and Chile.
Does Ecuador show meaningful black tea exports in trade data?Yes. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows Ecuador exported smaller quantities of black tea (HS 090230) in 2024, mainly to Panama, consistent with limited re-export activity rather than large-scale origin production.