0903.00.00.00 - Maté

This classification covers Maté, a traditional South American beverage derived from the leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant (Ilex paraguariensis). It is typically consumed as a hot infusion, often prepared and served in a gourd, but can also be found in dried leaf form ready for steeping. The primary characteristic of this HTS code is the processed product of the yerba mate plant, intended for beverage preparation.

While Chapter 9 of the HTS classifies "Coffee, tea, maté and spices," this specific code 0903.00.00.00 isolates Maté from other beverages and related commodities. It is distinct from "Coffee" (0901) and "Tea" (0902), which are derived from different plant species and undergo different processing. Similarly, it does not fall under "Spices" (0904-0910) as its primary use is as a beverage rather than a flavor enhancer for food.

As 0903.00.00.00 is a leaf node, there are no further subdivisions within this HTS code. Therefore, all forms of processed Maté, whether dried loose leaves, tea bags containing Maté, or specific preparations intended for infusion, are classified here, provided they meet the definition of Maté and are not explicitly covered by a more specific heading or subheading. Classification will rely on the identification of the yerba mate plant as the source material and its intended use as a beverage.