Cocoa Paste with 18% Milk Solids and Emulsifier from China

Bulk cocoa paste produced from ground cocoa beans, incorporating emulsifying agents and less than 21% milk solids, packaged in drums over 2 kg for food processing. Classified under HTS 1806.20.36.00 due to its composition of primarily ground cocoa with allowed milk solids under the threshold and no more than 32% butterfat or 60% sugar. Intended for bakers and confectioners, not retail sale.

Duty Rate — China → United States

21.8%

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

Provide detailed spec sheets showing butterfat <32%, sugar <60%, and milk solids <21%; non-compliance risks higher duties or denial

Confirm bulk form (>2kg containers) via packing lists; retail-like packaging could trigger reclassification to confectionery headings

Monitor US notes on low-fat chocolate crumb quotas; origin from quota countries like Ireland may require special entry procedures