Sugar-Reduced Hot Chocolate Mix from China
An instant mix of cocoa powder with minimal added sugar (<65% total sugar), designed for preparing hot beverages. Classified under HTS 1806.10.15.00 for cocoa powder preparations with added sweetening matter below the 65% sugar limit. It excludes dairy to avoid butterfat quotas.
Duty Rate — China → United States
17.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)
Import Tips
• Declare exact sugar percentage on entry docs; audits common for hot chocolate mixes nearing 65% threshold
• Avoid including milk powders to prevent butterfat limits under US notes for Chapter 18
• Use commercial invoice specifying 'cocoa powder base' to differentiate from retail candy preparations