HS Code 18.02 – Cocoa; shells, husks, skins and other cocoa waste

HS code 1802 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cocoa; shells, husks, skins and other cocoa waste. Heading 1802 of the Harmonized System (HS) specifically covers 'Cocoa; shells, husks, skins and other cocoa waste.' This classification is dedicated to the by-products and residues generated during the processing of cocoa beans, particularly during roasting and winnowing. It encompasses the outer layers of the cocoa bean—the pericarp (shell) and testa (skin/husk)—that are removed before the valuable cocoa nibs are further processed. The scope extends to 'other cocoa waste,' which can include dust, fine fragments, or other non-valuable residues resulting from the handling and preparation of cocoa beans. Critically, this heading explicitly excludes the cocoa bean itself (1801) and any valuable processed forms like cocoa paste (1803), butter (1804), or powder (1805). Sub-categories include cocoa shells, cocoa husks, cocoa skins, and various forms of cocoa bean waste. Classification under 1802 is important for waste management, environmental compliance, and determining any applicable tariffs, especially if these by-products are repurposed for industrial uses such as animal feed, fertilizer, or biomass fuel. Historically, these materials were often discarded, but with a growing focus on sustainability and circular economy principles, they are increasingly finding secondary economic value. This heading complements 1801 by providing a classification for the non-valuable components of the cocoa bean, clearly distinguishing them from the primary commodity and its valuable derivatives.

Cocoa shells, cocoa husks, cocoa skins, cocoa bean shells, cocoa bean husks, cocoa pod husks (waste), winnowing waste from cocoa, ground cocoa shells, spent cocoa husks, cocoa shell meal, cocoa waste for animal feed, cocoa waste for compost, cocoa waste for biomass, broken fragments of cocoa beans (unusable), cocoa dust, cacao shell tea, roasted cocoa husks, unroasted cocoa shells, cocoa bran, cocoa fiber from waste.

A common misclassification involves confusing 1802 with 1801 (Cocoa beans; whole or broken, raw or roasted). The crucial difference is that 1801 refers to the valuable, usable part of the cocoa bean (including nibs), while 1802 is specifically for the *waste* materials like shells and husks. Another error might involve classifying these materials under Chapter 23 (Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder), particularly 2302 (Bran, sharps and other residues from the sifting, milling or other working of cereals or of leguminous plants...), if used for animal feed. However, cocoa is not a cereal or leguminous plant, so its specific waste belongs in 1802. The key is to determine if the material is a valuable component for chocolate production or a by-product/waste for secondary uses.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1802 in UN Comtrade data were Côte d'Ivoire ($1.1B, 96% of world exports), Germany ($7.8M) and France ($5.7M). World exports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 1802 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($10M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($6.7M) and Lithuania ($6.2M). World imports came to about $53M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 1802 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 18 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (18) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.