Assam Black Tea

Assam Black Tea, or Assam Chai, is exclusively cultivated in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam, India, a Geographical Indication (GI) protected region. This unique terroir, characterised by high humidity, rich loamy soil, and abundant rainfall, is ideal for the Camellia sinensis var. assamica plant, which thrives at elevations between 50 and 120 metres.

The distinct climate and soil conditions of this valley impart the characteristic malty flavour, briskness, and bright, amber liquor that defines Orthodox Assam tea. For bulk buyers, sourcing single-estate Assam from this origin guarantees authenticity and the specific flavour profile highly valued in the global tea trade, differentiating it from generic black tea blends.

In the bulk trade, the grade of Assam Black Tea is crucial for quality and consistency. Treedha offers Orthodox TGFOP, which stands for Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe. This classification indicates a superior quality whole-leaf tea, rich in golden tips (buds) and whole leaves, processed using traditional 'orthodox' methods of withering, rolling, oxidation, and firing.

Key specifications for this grade ensure its premium standing. The tea yields a cup with a brisk, malty character and a vibrant amber liquor. Purity is paramount, with MRL-tested single-origin lots ensuring a clean, unadulterated product. Shelf life for this fully oxidised whole-leaf tea is typically 2-3 years when stored ambient and sealed, reflecting its stability and quality.

Compliance with international food safety standards is non-negotiable for bulk Assam Black Tea. Treedha's commitment ensures that our product is steam-sterilised and ethylene-oxide-free (ETO-free), a critical requirement for market access, particularly in the EU, where ETO Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) are typically at the Limit of Quantification (LoQ) of 0.02 mg/kg for tea.

Our Assam Black Tea is rigorously lab-tested to meet stringent EU and US import limits for aflatoxins, MRLs for pesticides, and pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella. For instance, EU Regulation (EU) 2023/915 sets maximum levels for Aflatoxin B1 at 5.0 μg/kg and total aflatoxins at 10.0 μg/kg for tea. Similarly, the US FDA mandates facilities register and submit prior notice, alongside adhering to EPA regulations for pesticide residues and general food safety. Full provenance is provided, supported by a comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every shipment, detailing all relevant quality and safety parameters.

Assam Black Tea (Thé noir d'Assam) holds significant global demand, driven by its robust flavour profile, versatility in blending, and increasing consumer preference for single-origin and premium teas. The United Kingdom remains a historically strong market, with a deep cultural affinity for malty black teas. Russia, the UAE (often as a re-export hub for regions like Iran), and the United States are also key importing countries for Indian black tea.

Demand is further amplified by a global trend towards specialty teas and an increasing awareness of black tea's natural properties, such as polyphenols and L-theanine. Germany serves as a crucial entry point for European distribution. This sustained demand from diverse markets underscores the value of sourcing high-quality, compliant Single-Estate Assam.

For bulk export, Assam Black Tea falls primarily under Harmonized System (HS) code 0902.40, specifically 09024020 for 'black tea, leaf in bulk' or 'Indian black tea Assam GBOP Organic', used for packages exceeding 3 kg. This classification ensures streamlined customs processes for importers worldwide. Treedha offers flexible packing solutions for bulk orders, available in formats such as 100g and 250g, designed to maintain product integrity during transit and storage.

Our approach to Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is designed to accommodate the needs of wholesale importers and distributors, with specific volumes discussed based on commodity and destination. Standard Incoterms (e.g., FOB, CIF) are employed to provide clarity on shipping responsibilities. Given its stable nature, Assam Black Tea boasts a shelf life of 2-3 years when stored correctly, making it a reliable commodity for international trade.