Cocoa Fat Pellets
Cocoa fat pellets are cocoa butter that has been formed into small, pellet-like shapes for convenience in melting and handling during chocolate production. The pellet form is purely physical and does not alter the product's composition, which remains 100% cocoa fat. As such, it is classified as cocoa butter under this tariff item, consistent with the section note defining pellets as agglomerated products with no more than 3% binder.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the pellets contain added sugar or other ingredients beyond cocoa fat
Preparations containing cocoa with added sweeteners or other components fall under heading 18.06.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Confirm that any binder used in pellet formation does not exceed 3% by weight, as per section note 1, to maintain classification under this item
• Keep documentation of the pellet composition and manufacturing process for CBSA verification
• If the pellets are for food use, ensure compliance with Canadian food additive regulations
Related Products under Tariff item 1804.00.00
Bleached Cocoa Butter
Bleached cocoa butter is cocoa butter that has undergone a light bleaching process to reduce its natural color for applications where color neutrality is required, such as in certain fillings or coatings. The bleaching does not introduce chemical additives that alter its fundamental nature as cocoa fat, so it remains classified as cocoa butter under this tariff item.
Cocoa Oil
Cocoa oil is a pure fat extracted from cocoa beans, similar to cocoa butter but with a lower solidity, making it suitable for use in soaps and emollients. It is an unconverted cocoa fat or oil, and this tariff item covers all cocoa butter, fat, and oil without requiring conversion or refinement. The product's intended use in cosmetics does not affect its classification as a cocoa-derived fat.
Deodorized Cocoa Butter
Deodorized cocoa butter is cocoa butter that has been treated to remove its natural aroma, resulting in a neutral flavor profile suitable for applications like white chocolate where a mild taste is desired. The deodorization process does not introduce any non-cocoa components, so the product remains pure cocoa fat. It is therefore classified as cocoa butter under this tariff item.
Food-Grade Cocoa Butter
Food-grade cocoa butter is high-purity cocoa butter that meets strict standards for direct use in baking and confectionery. It consists solely of cocoa fat with no non-cocoa components, making it classifiable as cocoa butter under this tariff item. The food-grade designation reflects quality standards but does not change the product's fundamental nature as pure cocoa fat.
Organic Cocoa Butter
Organic cocoa butter is cocoa butter produced from organically certified cocoa beans, used in natural cosmetics and vegan products. The organic certification pertains to agricultural practices and does not alter the product's composition, which remains pure cocoa fat. It is therefore classified as cocoa butter under this tariff item, regardless of its organic status.
Pharmaceutical Cocoa Butter
Pharmaceutical cocoa butter is a highly purified form of cocoa butter used as a base in suppositories and ointments. Despite its pharmaceutical-grade purity, it remains unconverted cocoa fat without any added medicinal substances. As such, it is classified as cocoa butter under this tariff item, and not as a pharmaceutical preparation.