Product classification
HS code for Chocolate confectionery: 1806.90
Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa, n.e.c. in chapter 18.
Classification of chocolate confectionery under HS 1806.90
Chocolate confectionery that does not fall into the categories of bulk preparations or simple blocks and bars is classified under HS code 1806.90. This is a residual subheading within heading 1806, covering 'other' chocolate and cocoa-containing food preparations. This classification applies to a wide variety of finished products intended for consumption. According to the General Rules of Interpretation, specifically GRI 1, products are classified here when they contain cocoa but are not covered by more specific subheadings like 1806.10 (cocoa powder with sugar), 1806.20 (bulk preparations), or 1806.31/32 (bars and slabs). This category includes complex confectionery items where chocolate is a primary component but the form factor is not a simple bar. The classification depends heavily on the presence of cocoa; even a small amount of cocoa solids can pull a product from Chapter 17 (sugar confectionery) into Chapter 18. However, the product must be a food preparation. Items like chocolate-coated nuts, pralines, and even chocolate spreads are typically found here. The 'n.e.c.' (not elsewhere classified) nature of 1806.90 makes it the catch-all for the diverse world of chocolate treats that populate retail shelves but do not meet the strict definitions of the preceding subheadings.
- Covers
- Chocolate pralines and truffles
- Chocolate-coated fruits and nuts
- Chocolate spreads and pastes
- Chocolate-based syrups and toppings
- Also under 1806.90
- 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. A frequent error is using HS code 1704.90, which is for sugar confectionery not containing cocoa. If the product contains any cocoa, it must be in 1806.90. Another common mistake is 1905.31 for chocolate-coated biscuits; if the product is primarily a biscuit, Chapter 19 takes precedence over Chapter 18.
Top exporters and importers of HS 180690 (the code used for chocolate confectionery), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 180690 (the code used for chocolate confectionery) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 180690, not only chocolate confectionery.
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 chocolate confectionery
Brazil classifies chocolate confectionery under NCM 1806.90.00: HS 1806.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
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 chocolate confectionery
What is the HS code for Chocolate confectionery?
The HS code for Chocolate confectionery is 180690 (Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa; n.e.c. in chapter 18). The HS code for miscellaneous chocolate confectionery is 1806.90.
How do I classify Chocolate confectionery for customs?
Chocolate confectionery is classified under HS code 180690 — Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa; n.e.c. in chapter 18. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is white chocolate classified under 1806.90?
No, white chocolate contains cocoa butter but no cocoa solids, and is therefore classified as sugar confectionery under HS code 1704.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of chocolate confectionery (HS 180690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 180690 (the code used for chocolate confectionery) 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 chocolate confectionery (HS 180690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 180690 (the code used for chocolate confectionery) 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.
Is the HS code for Chocolate confectionery the same in all countries?
The base HS code 180690 for Chocolate confectionery is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for chocolate confectionery in Brazil?
In Brazil, chocolate confectionery (HS 180690) is classified under NCM 1806.90.00.