Cocoa Paste with 18% Milk Solids and Emulsifier from Mexico

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 — Mexico → United States

14.3%

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

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