Reports on the final decision not to establish minimum standards for imported teas in Great Britain, on the ground that it would probably lead to sound but cheap teas being taken off the market, and that cheap and below standard teas (especially those produced in China) would probably be rejected by the United States customs. Compared consumption habits in GB (a nation of tea drinkers) and the United States (a nation of coffee drinkers). Suggests the idea of consumers as voters or arbitrers of the quality of tea - at least British consumers, who are educated in regard to tea, contrary to American consumers who are largely coffee drinkers. Further suggests that educated consumers may compensate for the absence of tea standards.