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Cocoa Paste with 18% Milk Solids and Emulsifier from Japan

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 — 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

• 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