Product classification
HS code for Cocoa paste: 1803.10
Cocoa, paste, not defatted.
Classification of cocoa paste under HS 1803.10
Cocoa paste is classified under HS code 1803.10 because it represents the primary product obtained from the grinding of roasted cocoa beans that has not undergone the fat removal process. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, heading 1803 covers cocoa paste whether or not defatted. Subheading 1803.10 specifically targets the "not defatted" variety, often referred to in the industry as cocoa liquor or cocoa mass. This product contains the natural cocoa butter present in the bean, typically ranging from 50% to 58% by weight. The classification is determined by the processing stage; once the beans are cleaned, roasted, and de-hulled to produce nibs, the subsequent grinding results in this paste. It is a semi-solid or solid block that melts into a heavy liquid upon heating. Because it has not undergone the hydraulic pressing required to remove cocoa butter, it remains in this specific category. The product must not contain added sugar or other sweetening matter to remain within this heading.
- Covers
- Cocoa liquor (non-defatted)
- Unsweetened cocoa mass
- Ground cocoa nibs (not defatted)
- Chocolate liquor (pure, unsweetened)
- Also under 1803.10
- Barry Callebaut cocoa liquor
- Cargill cocoa mass
- Olam cocoa paste
- Valrhona cocoa liquor
Codes often confused with 1803.10
Common mistake. This product is frequently confused with HS code 1803.20, which covers cocoa paste that has been wholly or partly defatted. It is also often misclassified under HS code 1806, which is reserved for chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa that have added sugar or other sweetening matter. Importers must verify the fat content and the presence of additives to ensure the correct application of 1803.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 180310 (the code used for cocoa paste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 180310 (the code used for cocoa paste) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 180310, not only cocoa paste.
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 cocoa paste
Brazil classifies cocoa paste under NCM 1803.10.00: HS 1803.10 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 cocoa paste
What is the HS code for Cocoa paste?
The HS code for Cocoa paste is 180310 (Cocoa; paste, not defatted). The HS code for cocoa paste that is not defatted is 1803.10.
How do I classify Cocoa paste for customs?
Cocoa paste is classified under HS code 180310 — Cocoa; paste, not defatted. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include sweetened cocoa paste?
No, if the cocoa paste contains added sugar or sweeteners, it must be classified under heading 1806.
Which countries are the top exporters of cocoa paste (HS 180310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 180310 (the code used for cocoa paste) 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 cocoa paste (HS 180310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 180310 (the code used for cocoa paste) 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.
Is the HS code for Cocoa paste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 180310 for Cocoa paste 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 cocoa paste in Brazil?
In Brazil, cocoa paste (HS 180310) is classified under NCM 1803.10.00.