HTS Chapter 18: Cocoa and cocoa preparations
HTS Chapter 18 covers Cocoa and cocoa preparations. Browse 2 published headings, then narrow to the active product line that matches the goods.
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
Chapter 18 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) covers cocoa and cocoa preparations. Representative headings include heading 1803 for cocoa paste, whether or not defatted, and heading 1806 for chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa. Products may include cocoa ingredients, chocolate products, confectionery, mixes, and other prepared foods, depending on their composition and presentation.
The HTS is organized from broad to specific: a chapter identifies a product family, a heading provides a more specific category, a subheading narrows it further, and the complete 10-digit HTS code provides the reporting classification used for entry. To classify a Chapter 18 product, start with its ingredients and physical form, then review the relevant heading and subheadings, including notes, exclusions, and statistical descriptions. Do not choose a code based only on a product name such as “chocolate”; similar products can classify differently based on cocoa content, ingredients, packaging, or intended use.
What to check
- Confirm the product’s complete ingredient list, cocoa content, form, and condition, such as paste, powder, bar, coating, filling, or prepared food.
- Compare the product with the wording of each applicable heading and subheading, and read the chapter, section, and tariff notes for exclusions or required conditions.
- Check whether another HTS chapter more specifically covers a product because of its principal ingredient, preparation, or use; classification may require customs-broker or ruling guidance.
- Review packaging and intended use when the tariff language distinguishes retail products, food-service preparations, ingredients, or other presentations.
- Check the current entry requirements for any applicable Chapter 99 provisions, additional duties, exclusions, or reporting instructions; these are separate from the basic Chapter 18 classification.
How to use this chapter
A chapter is the first classification level, not a duty rate. Choose the heading that describes the product, narrow by material, construction, use, or other legal distinctions, and verify the final line against the official HTS notes.
Heading list
| HTS code | Description | Linked 8-digit entries |
|---|---|---|
| 1803 | Cocoa paste, whether or not defatted: | 0 |
| 1806 | Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: | 0 |
Linked measures
0 linked measure entries in the current snapshot.
Questions about HTS Chapter 18
What does HTS Chapter 18 cover?
HTS Chapter 18 covers Cocoa and cocoa preparations. This page groups the chapter’s 4-digit headings; a shipment still needs the most specific active 8- or 10-digit line supported by the product facts.
Is HTS Chapter 18 a final product classification?
No. A chapter is a broad 2-digit category. Narrow it to the applicable heading and the most specific active statistical line before estimating duty or filing an entry.