HS Code for Defatted cocoa paste

Defatted cocoa paste is classified under HS code 1803.20. This classification is part of Chapter 18, which covers cocoa and cocoa preparations. Heading 1803 is specifically designated for cocoa paste, whether or not defatted. The heading is split into two subheadings: 1803.10 for paste that has not been defatted (often called cocoa liquor or mass) and 1803.20 for paste that has been wholly or partly defatted. Defatted cocoa paste is produced by taking cocoa nibs, grinding them into a paste, and then using a hydraulic press to remove a portion of the cocoa butter. The resulting material, often referred to as "cocoa press cake," remains classified as paste under 1803.20 as long as it has not been ground into a fine powder. This classification is vital because the fat content (cocoa butter) is a primary factor in determining the value and the specific tariff treatment of cocoa products.

Products Included

• Cocoa press cake (partly defatted)
• Low-fat cocoa mass
• Wholly defatted cocoa paste in bulk blocks
• Partially defatted cocoa liquor used in industrial baking

Common Misclassification

Defatted cocoa paste is most commonly misclassified as HS code 1805.00, which covers cocoa powder. The distinction is purely physical: 1803.20 is for paste or cake (solid or semi-solid blocks), while 1805.00 is for the product once it has been pulverized into a fine powder. Another error is using 1803.10, which is only for full-fat cocoa paste. If any amount of cocoa butter has been intentionally removed to meet specific fat-content percentages, the product must move to 1803.20. Finally, if sugar or other sweeteners are added, the product may move to heading 1806.

FAQ

What is the HS code for defatted cocoa paste?

The correct HS code for cocoa paste that has had some or all of its fat removed is 1803.20.

Is cocoa press cake the same as cocoa powder?

No. Cocoa press cake is the solid result of the fat extraction process and is classified under 1803.20. Once that cake is ground into a fine dust, it becomes cocoa powder under 1805.00.