HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1803.10 – Cocoa; paste, not defatted
HS code 1803.10 is the 6-digit subheading for cocoa, paste, not defatted. It is used for cocoa liquor, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa mass (not defatted), chocolate liquor and pure cocoa paste.
What HS 1803.10 covers
This HS code refers to cocoa paste (also known as cocoa liquor or cocoa mass) that has not been defatted. It is the pure, unsweetened product obtained by grinding roasted cocoa beans, retaining all of its natural cocoa butter content. This is a crucial intermediate product in the chocolate manufacturing process, serving as the base for both chocolate and cocoa powder. International trade in this commodity is significant, with major chocolate-producing nations like the USA, Germany, and the Netherlands being top importers. Exporters are typically countries with advanced cocoa processing capabilities, such as Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Malaysia. The quality and flavor profile of this paste are critical, as they directly influence the final chocolate product. Compliance with the EUDR is essential, requiring traceability of the cocoa beans used to produce the paste.
- Covers
- Cocoa liquor
- Unsweetened chocolate
- Cocoa mass (not defatted)
- Chocolate liquor
- Pure cocoa paste
- Examples
- Barry Callebaut cocoa liquor
- Cargill cocoa mass
- Olam cocoa paste
- Valrhona cocoa liquor
Codes often confused with 1803.10
Common mistake. Distinct from 180320 (partly or wholly defatted cocoa paste) due to its full fat content, and 180500 (cocoa powder) which is a further processed product.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 180310, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 180310 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 11% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $2.2B 23% of world exports
- 2 Côte d'Ivoire $1.8B 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.0B 11% of world exports
World total: $9.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $1.1B 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.1B 11% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $1.0B 10% of world imports
World total: $10.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 1803.10
Brazil does not split HS 1803.10: its NCM code is 1803.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 18.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about HS 1803.10
What is HS code 180310?
HS code 180310 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cocoa; paste, not defatted. This HS code refers to cocoa paste (also known as cocoa liquor or cocoa mass) that has not been defatted. It is the pure, unsweetened product obtained by grinding roasted cocoa beans, retaining all of its natural cocoa butter content. This is a crucial intermediate product in the chocolate manufacturing process, serving as the base for both chocolate and cocoa powder. International trade in this commodity is significant, with major chocolate-producing nations like the USA, Germany, and the Netherlands being top importers. Exporters are typically countries with advanced cocoa processing capabilities, such as Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Malaysia. The quality and flavor profile of this paste are critical, as they directly influence the final chocolate product. Compliance with the EUDR is essential, requiring traceability of the cocoa beans used to produce the paste.
What products fall under HS code 180310?
Cocoa liquor, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa mass (not defatted), chocolate liquor, pure cocoa paste
What are common misclassifications for HS code 180310?
Distinct from 180320 (partly or wholly defatted cocoa paste) due to its full fat content, and 180500 (cocoa powder) which is a further processed product.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 180310?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 180310 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($2.2B, 23% of world exports), Côte d'Ivoire ($1.8B) and Germany ($1.0B). World exports came to about $9.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 180310?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 180310 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($1.1B, 11% of world imports), the United States ($1.1B) and the Netherlands ($1.0B). World imports came to about $10.2B, 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.
How is HS code 180310 structured?
HS code 180310 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (18) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 180310?
In Brazil, HS code 180310 is NCM 1803.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.