2101.20 - Extracts, essences and concentrates, of tea or maté, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or concentrates or with a basis of tea or maté:

This HTS category, 2101.20, encompasses extracts, essences, and concentrates derived from tea or maté, along with any preparations that utilize these concentrated forms or tea/maté directly as a primary ingredient. This includes products where the distinctive flavor or properties of tea or maté have been extracted and concentrated for use in beverages, food products, or other applications. The key characteristic is the presence of tea or maté as the foundational component.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 2101.10 (which covers coffee extracts), is the specific origin of the raw material. While both fall under the broader heading of extracts and preparations, 2101.20 is exclusively for products derived from tea or maté, whereas 2101.10 pertains solely to coffee. Another sibling, 2101.30, deals with roasted chicory and other coffee substitutes, which are distinct from the direct extracts of tea and maté.

Under 2101.20, two primary subcategories exist to further refine classification. The first, 2101.20.20, specifically addresses the pure extracts, essences, and concentrates themselves. The second subcategory, denoted by an empty code, covers "Other" preparations. This distinction allows for the classification of products that are more complex formulations and not simply the concentrated extract, but rather finished or semi-finished goods where the tea or maté extract serves as a key ingredient in a preparation.