What is the HS code for cocoa beans?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
HS-2 · Chapter 18
HS chapter 18: Cocoa and cocoa preparations
Section III — Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes
Cocoa and cocoa preparations include products like raw cocoa beans, cocoa butter, and chocolate. For instance, if you're importing a shipment of roasted cocoa beans for chocolate production, this chapter is essential for classification.
To determine the correct HS-4 code, start by identifying the product's form and end-use. For example, if you're dealing with cocoa beans, you might choose 1801 for whole or broken beans, while 1804 applies to cocoa butter. Pay attention to the product's packaging and processing stage.
Next, drill down to HS-6 by checking the specific notes associated with each HS-4 code. For example, if your product is cocoa powder, you would look at 1805 and ensure it meets the criteria for not containing added sugars. This attention to detail helps avoid misclassification and potential customs issues.
Terms & reference phrasing
These are common trade terms used for this chapter. Use them as context, not as a substitute for legal wording.
cocoa beans · cocoa powder · cocoa butter · chocolate products · cocoa waste · cocoa paste · import cocoa · export cocoa · cocoa classifications · HS-18 · HS-4 codes · cocoa preparations · trade cocoa · cocoa shipments · cocoa industry · food preparations with cocoa · cocoa customs · cocoa regulations
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- how to classify cocoa beans for import
- cocoa powder HS code for export
- cocoa butter packaging requirements
- differences between cocoa paste and cocoa powder
- cocoa preparations for food industry
- import regulations for cocoa products
- cocoa classifications and customs notes
- cocoa shipments and trade compliance
Examples & common questions
Example products reflect typical trade descriptions. The questions below mirror practical doubts teams raise during filing.
Example products
- Raw cocoa beans imported in bulk bags
- Roasted cocoa beans packaged for chocolate manufacturers
- Cocoa butter in 25 kg blocks for cosmetic use
- Cocoa powder in 1 kg bags for baking
- Chocolate bars containing cocoa for retail sale
- Cocoa husks used as animal feed
- Cocoa paste supplied to confectionery producers
Common classification questions
How do I classify cocoa powder for export?
Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.
What are the different types of cocoa preparations?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
Is cocoa butter classified differently than cocoa powder?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
How to determine the correct HS-4 code for chocolate?
Pick the chapter first, then compare heading wording and exclusions before choosing an HS-6 line.
What notes should I check for cocoa classifications?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What is the difference between cocoa beans and cocoa powder?
- Cocoa beans are the raw seeds from the cocoa tree, while cocoa powder is made from processed cocoa solids after fat has been removed.
- How do I find the correct HS-4 code for my cocoa product?
- Identify the product's form and end-use, then consult the specific headings under HS-18 for accurate classification.
- Are there specific notes I should consider when classifying cocoa products?
- Yes, each HS-4 code may have specific notes detailing exclusions, inclusions, or additional requirements that must be reviewed.
- Can I import cocoa waste for animal feed?
- Yes, cocoa husks and other waste can be classified for animal feed, but ensure compliance with local regulations.
- What are the customs duties for importing chocolate?
- Customs duties vary by country and product type; check the local tariff schedule for specific rates on chocolate products.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 18 (6)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
1801
Cocoa beans; whole or broken, raw or roasted
1802
Cocoa; shells, husks, skins and other cocoa waste
1803
Cocoa; paste; whether or not defatted
1804
Cocoa; butter, fat and oil
1805
Cocoa; powder, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter
1806
Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa
Browse first heading (HS-4 1801)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (1801). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.