Product classification
HS code for Chocolate snacks: 1806.90
Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa, n.e.c. in chapter 18.
Classification of chocolate snacks under HS 1806.90
Chocolate snacks are classified under HS code 1806.90 because they represent food preparations containing cocoa that are not specifically categorized in the preceding subheadings of heading 1806. Heading 1806 is the primary heading for chocolate and all other food preparations containing cocoa. The classification process follows the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which prioritizes the terms of the headings and section/chapter notes. Chapter 18, Note 2, clarifies that heading 1806 includes sugar confectionery containing cocoa and other food preparations containing cocoa. Subheading 1806.90 acts as a residual category for products that are not in blocks, slabs, or bars weighing more than 2kg, and are not specifically defined as cocoa powder or simple chocolate bars. The determination often hinges on whether the cocoa content is sufficient to characterize the product as a cocoa preparation rather than a sugar preparation under Chapter 17 or a bakery product under Chapter 19. For a snack to remain in 1806.90, the cocoa must be a defining characteristic of the food item. If the product is a biscuit merely dipped in chocolate, it may be classified under 1905, but if it is a chocolate-based snack with minor inclusions, 1806.90 is the correct designation. Furthermore, the physical form—whether liquid, paste, powder, granular, or solid—plays a role in the sub-classification, but 1806.90 remains the catch-all for retail-ready chocolate snacks.
- Covers
- Chocolate-covered raisins and nuts
- Individual chocolate pralines and truffles
- Chocolate-filled snacks and wafers
- Assorted chocolate candies in retail packaging
- 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 classifying chocolate-coated biscuits under 1806.90. If the biscuit (flour-based) constitutes the essential character of the product, it should be classified under HS code 1905.31. Another common mistake involves white chocolate, which contains no cocoa solids; this is classified under HS code 1704.90 as sugar confectionery. Additionally, cocoa-flavored items with negligible cocoa content may fall under Chapter 21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 180690 (the code used for chocolate snacks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 180690 (the code used for chocolate snacks) 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 snacks.
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 snacks
Brazil classifies chocolate snacks 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 snacks
What is the HS code for Chocolate snacks?
The HS code for Chocolate snacks is 180690 (Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa; n.e.c. in chapter 18). The primary HS code is 1806.90, which covers chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa not elsewhere specified.
How do I classify Chocolate snacks for customs?
Chocolate snacks 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.
Does this code include white chocolate?
No, white chocolate does not contain cocoa solids and is classified under HS code 1704.90 as sugar confectionery.
Which countries are the top exporters of chocolate snacks (HS 180690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 180690 (the code used for chocolate snacks) 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 snacks (HS 180690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 180690 (the code used for chocolate snacks) 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 snacks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 180690 for Chocolate snacks 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 snacks in Brazil?
In Brazil, chocolate snacks (HS 180690) is classified under NCM 1806.90.00.