Pure Cocoa Paste Slabs from China
Industrial slabs of cocoa paste made solely from ground cocoa nibs, each over 4.5 kg, for use in confectionery production. Classified under HTS 1806.20.20.10 because it is wholly ground cocoa beans without butterfat, milk solids, sugar, or other additives beyond minimal emulsifiers.
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
• Label shipments clearly as 'industrial cocoa paste, no milk solids' and include lab tests proving compliance with butterfat limits
• Avoid retail packaging; use bulk industrial containers to maintain bulk form classification over 2 kg
• Monitor EU or origin country certifications for pesticide residues, as cocoa imports face strict food safety scrutiny