Food safety management system certification applicable to tea handling and transport.

ISO 22000

Hazard analysis and critical control points system used to control safety hazards during processing and transport.

HACCP

Physical damage to leaves that can affect infusion quality and appearance.

Leaf breakage

Visible fungal development caused by excess moisture during transport or storage.

Mold growth

Presence of non‑tea particles such as dust, stones, or metal fragments.

Foreign material contamination

Packaging up to 3 kg targets products suitable for retail sale or small‑scale consumption rather than bulk trade.

Retail/small‑scale consumption

Used to brew black tea infusions for consumption as a hot or cold drink

Beverage

Used as a flavor ingredient in food products, confectionery and bakery items

Flavoring

Processed into tea extracts for use in beverages, nutraceuticals and cosmetics

Extracts

Leaves are assessed for consistent size and shape to ensure even fermentation and flavor development.

Leaf size and uniformity

Moisture is measured to verify that it falls within the range required for safe transport and storage, typically between 3% and 5%.

Moisture content

The degree of oxidation is evaluated to confirm that the tea meets the definition of black (fully fermented) tea.

Fermentation level

Multi‑layer paper bags that protect the tea from light and moisture while allowing limited breathability.

Paper bags

Outer cartons that hold one or more paper bags and provide structural support for handling.

Cardboard cartons

Black tea, packed under 3 kg

Unseasonal rains or droughts in tea‑growing regions can reduce yields and affect the availability of black tea for packing.

Weather‑related supply disruptions

Improper handling or storage can allow growth of bacteria such as Salmonella or molds, compromising product safety.

Microbial contamination

Delays in shipping or inland transport can extend storage time, increasing risk of moisture ingress and quality degradation.

Transportation delays

Storage facilities may be vulnerable to insects like beetles that can damage tea leaves and affect quality.

Insect infestation

Black tea packed in immediate packings not exceeding 3 kg is a dried, fermented tea product that is consumed as a beverage. It is typically stored at ambient temperature and has a low perishability when kept in dry conditions.

Month	Exports	Imports
Dec 2024	$5.3M	$2.7M
Nov 2024	$6.1M	$1.8M
Oct 2024	$7.7M	$2M
Sep 2024	$7.5M	$1.9M
Aug 2024	$9M	$2.1M
Jul 2024	$10.4M	$1.7M
Jun 2024	$9.4M	$2.5M
May 2024	$5.3M	$3M
Apr 2024	$8.1M	$2M
Mar 2024	$3.1M	$1.7M
Feb 2024	$4.1M	$1.4M
Jan 2024	$8M	$2.3M

China Black Tea, Packed Under 3 Kg Exports and Imports

Monthly Trade Values