Mexican Sweetened Cocoa Powder
Finely ground cocoa powder with added sugar, containing less than 65% sugar by weight, produced in Mexico. This product falls under HTS 1806.10.05.00 as it is described in general note 15 (NAFTA provisions) and entered pursuant to those provisions, allowing duty-free entry for qualifying Mexican goods. It is used for baking and hot chocolate mixes.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If containing 65% or more sugar by weight
Higher sugar content shifts classification to the subheading for more heavily sweetened cocoa powders.
If not qualifying under General Note 15
Non-NAFTA origin sweetened cocoa preparations fall under other food prep containing cocoa provisions.
If prepared as instant beverage mix for retail
Mixtures with dairy or other additives for direct consumption classify as flavored coffee/tea substitutes.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify origin certificate to qualify under General Note 15 for duty-free entry from Mexico or Canada
• Ensure sugar content is documented as less than 65% by weight to avoid reclassification
• Provide lab analysis for cocoa powder composition to prevent customs disputes on sweetening matter
Related Products under HTS 1806.10.05.00
Canadian Low-Sugar Chocolate Drink Mix
Powdered mix of cocoa and sugar (under 65% sugar) for preparing hot chocolate, originating from Canada. Classified under 1806.10.05.00 due to general note 15 provisions for USMCA/NAFTA duty preferences on qualifying North American goods. Ideal for commercial beverage production.
USMCA Sweetened Baking Cocoa Powder
Sweetened cocoa powder blend with less than 65% sugar for bakery use, compliant with USMCA rules of origin. Enters under HTS 1806.10.05.00 pursuant to general note 15, granting preferential duty rates for North American production. Commonly used in cookie and cake mixes.
Mexican Hot Cocoa Base Powder
Cocoa powder sweetened with sugar to under 65% total, from Mexico, for hot beverage bases. This qualifies for HTS 1806.10.05.00 under general note 15 NAFTA provisions, enabling duty-free import when rules of origin are met. Popular in food service industries.
Canadian Sugar-Sweetened Cocoa for Confectionery
Low-sugar cocoa powder (added sweetening <65%) from Canada for use in candy making. Falls under 1806.10.05.00 as per general note 15 for preferential treatment on USMCA goods. Excludes retail candy forms per chapter notes.