HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1806.90 – Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa; n.e.c. in chapter 18
HS code 1806.90 is the 6-digit subheading for chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa, n.e.c. in chapter 18. It is used for chocolate spreads, cocoa powder for drinks, chocolate-covered nuts, chocolate-covered fruits and chocolate syrup.
What HS 1806.90 covers
This catch-all HS code covers a diverse range of chocolate and cocoa-containing food preparations that don't fit into the more specific categories of blocks, slabs, or bars (filled or unfilled). This includes items like chocolate spreads, chocolate powders for beverages, chocolate-coated fruits or nuts, chocolate decorations, and various other confectionery items where chocolate is a primary ingredient but not in a bar format. The international trade for these products is dynamic, catering to both retail consumers and industrial users (e.g., bakeries, ice cream manufacturers). Major exporters often include countries with advanced food processing capabilities and strong confectionery industries, such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy. Importers span across the globe, driven by demand for specialty ingredients, convenience foods, and diverse snack options. Key considerations in this trade involve ingredient sourcing, food safety regulations, and adapting to regional taste preferences. The variety within this category makes it a significant contributor to the overall cocoa products market.
- Covers
- Chocolate spreads
- Cocoa powder for drinks
- Chocolate-covered nuts
- Chocolate-covered fruits
- Chocolate syrup
- Chocolate decorations
- Chocolate chips
- Chocolate-coated biscuits
- Examples
- Nutella Hazelnut Spread
- Hershey's Chocolate Syrup
- Cadbury Drinking Chocolate
- M&M's Peanut Chocolate Candies
- Ghirardelli Chocolate Chips
Codes often confused with 1806.90
Common mistake. This code is for chocolate preparations not elsewhere specified in Chapter 18, meaning it's often confused with 180631 and 180632 if the product is mistakenly identified as a bar, or with Chapter 17 (sugar confectionery) if the cocoa content is low. Ensure the product is not a bar and contains significant cocoa.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 180690, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 180690 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.4% 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 Germany $3.3B 15% of world exports
- 2 Italy $2.5B 11% of world exports
- 3 Poland $2.3B 10% of world exports
World total: $22.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.1B 9.4% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $2.1B 9.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $1.8B 8.3% of world imports
World total: $22.3B 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 1806.90
Brazil does not split HS 1806.90: its NCM code is 1806.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 18.06 →
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 1806.90
What is HS code 180690?
HS code 180690 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa; n.e.c. in chapter 18. This catch-all HS code covers a diverse range of chocolate and cocoa-containing food preparations that don't fit into the more specific categories of blocks, slabs, or bars (filled or unfilled). This includes items like chocolate spreads, chocolate powders for beverages, chocolate-coated fruits or nuts, chocolate decorations, and various other confectionery items where chocolate is a primary ingredient but not in a bar format. The international trade for these products is dynamic, catering to both retail consumers and industrial users (e.g., bakeries, ice cream manufacturers). Major exporters often include countries with advanced food processing capabilities and strong confectionery industries, such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy. Importers span across the globe, driven by demand for specialty ingredients, convenience foods, and diverse snack options. Key considerations in this trade involve ingredient sourcing, food safety regulations, and adapting to regional taste preferences. The variety within this category makes it a significant contributor to the overall cocoa products market.
What products fall under HS code 180690?
Chocolate spreads, cocoa powder for drinks, chocolate-covered nuts, chocolate-covered fruits, chocolate syrup, chocolate decorations, chocolate chips, chocolate-coated biscuits
What are common misclassifications for HS code 180690?
This code is for chocolate preparations not elsewhere specified in Chapter 18, meaning it's often confused with 180631 and 180632 if the product is mistakenly identified as a bar, or with Chapter 17 (sugar confectionery) if the cocoa content is low. Ensure the product is not a bar and contains significant cocoa.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 180690?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 180690 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($3.3B, 15% of world exports), Italy ($2.5B) and Poland ($2.3B). World exports came to about $22.3B, 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 180690?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 180690 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.1B, 9.4% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($2.1B) and Germany ($1.8B). World imports came to about $22.3B, 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 180690 structured?
HS code 180690 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (18) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 180690?
In Brazil, HS code 180690 is NCM 1806.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.