Bulk Sweetened Cocoa Beverage Base from China
Industrial-grade cocoa powder with >90% added sugar by dry weight, used as base for commercial hot drinks, exceeding 65% sugar note 2 criteria. HTS 1806.10.55.00 applies as 'other' high-sugar cocoa powder not for retail confection. Bulk packaging distinguishes it from consumer candy products.
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 as bulk/non-retail to avoid confectionery duties; provide end-use certificates for industrial beverage production
• Monitor US note quantitative limits if butterfat nears 5.5%; high-sugar powders generally exempt but confirm composition
• Ensure packaging >1kg per unit to qualify as non-retail, reducing risk of reclassification to candy subheadings