2101.20.20.10 - Instant tea

This HTS category, 2101.20.20.10, specifically classifies "Instant tea." This encompasses tea in solid form, typically powder or granules, that is designed to dissolve rapidly in hot or cold water to produce a beverage. The key characteristic is its instant dissolvability, which differentiates it from other forms of tea, such as loose-leaf or tea bags, that require a steeping process. Preparations based on tea extracts, essences, or concentrates that are also instant in nature would fall under this heading.

While this node is specifically for "Instant tea," its sibling category, 2101.20.20.90, covers "Other" extracts, essences, and concentrates of tea or maté. This sibling would likely include products like liquid tea concentrates, tea essences, or tea powders that are not intended for immediate dissolution but rather as ingredients or flavorings in other food or beverage preparations. The distinction lies in the intended use and the physical form facilitating immediate consumption as a beverage versus use as a component.

As a leaf node, 2101.20.20.10 does not have further subdivisions. Therefore, the classification hinges on whether the tea product is indeed "instant" – meaning it readily dissolves without steeping to form a beverage. The intended application as a standalone beverage product, rather than an intermediate ingredient, is a crucial factor for accurate classification within this specific code.