Product classification
HS code for Cocoa powder: 1805.00
Cocoa, powder, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter.
Classification of cocoa powder under HS 1805.00
Cocoa powder is classified under HS code 1805.00. This heading is reserved for cocoa powder that does not contain any added sugar or other sweetening matter. The classification process follows the logic that cocoa powder is a derivative of cocoa paste (1803) that has had a significant portion of its fat (cocoa butter) removed through mechanical pressing. The remaining "cake" is then pulverized into a fine powder. Under the Harmonized System, the absence of sweeteners is the primary criterion for this code. If the powder were to include sucrose, lactose, or artificial sweeteners, it would immediately shift to heading 1806. The powder can be "natural" or "alkalized" (treated with an alkaline substance like potassium carbonate to neutralize acidity and darken the color), and both types remain under 1805.00 as long as they are unsweetened. This code is a single-dash heading, meaning it does not have further sub-divisions based on fat content, unlike cocoa paste.
- Covers
- Natural cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- Alkalized or Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- Low-fat cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- Pure cocoa powder for industrial baking
- Also under 1805.00
- Hershey's Natural Unsweetened Cocoa
- Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa
- Valrhona Pure Cocoa Powder
- Droste Cacao
Codes often confused with 1805.00
Common mistake. The most common error is classifying sweetened cocoa mixes under 1805.00. Sweetened cocoa powder belongs under HS code 1806.10. Additionally, cocoa powder containing added milk powder or other substances is classified under 1806.90. It is also distinct from cocoa paste (1803), which is the unpulverized form.
Top exporters and importers of HS 180500 (the code used for cocoa powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 180500 (the code used for cocoa powder) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 180500, not only cocoa powder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $2.3B 28% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $1.2B 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $793M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $8.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $915M 12% of world imports
- 2 China $402M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $342M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $7.9B 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 powder
Brazil classifies cocoa powder under NCM 1805.00.00: HS 1805.00 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 powder
What is the HS code for Cocoa powder?
The HS code for Cocoa powder is 180500 (Cocoa; powder, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter). The HS code for pure, unsweetened cocoa powder is 1805.00.
How do I classify Cocoa powder for customs?
Cocoa powder is classified under HS code 180500 — Cocoa; powder, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is sweetened cocoa powder under this code?
No, cocoa powder with added sugar or sweeteners is classified under HS code 1806.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of cocoa powder (HS 180500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 180500 (the code used for cocoa powder) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($2.3B, 28% of world exports), Malaysia ($1.2B) and Germany ($793M). World exports came to about $8.0B, 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 powder (HS 180500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 180500 (the code used for cocoa powder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($915M, 12% of world imports), China ($402M) and the Netherlands ($342M). World imports came to about $7.9B, 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 powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 180500 for Cocoa powder 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 powder in Brazil?
In Brazil, cocoa powder (HS 180500) is classified under NCM 1805.00.00.