Sugar-Reduced Hot Chocolate Mix from Japan
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 — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92, articles the product of Japan, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 less than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
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