HS Code for Hot chocolate mix

Hot chocolate mix is classified under HS code 1806.10. This code is situated within Chapter 18, which covers cocoa and cocoa preparations. Heading 1806 is the broad category for chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa. Subheading 1806.10 specifically targets cocoa powder that contains added sugar or other sweetening matter. This is the standard classification for most commercial instant cocoa mixes. The presence of sugar is the defining characteristic that moves the product from heading 1805 (pure cocoa powder) to 1806. Even if the mix contains other ingredients like powdered milk, creamer, salt, or flavorings (like vanilla or marshmallow bits), it remains under 1806.10 as long as it is essentially a sweetened cocoa powder preparation. The Harmonized System General Interpretative Rules (GIR) dictate that the cocoa content and the addition of sweeteners are the primary factors for this heading. If the product is a liquid chocolate drink, it might fall under 1806.90, but the dry mix is almost exclusively 1806.10.

Products Included

• Instant hot cocoa mix
• Sweetened cocoa powder
• Drinking chocolate powder
• Cocoa mix with non-dairy creamer
• Cocoa mix with mini marshmallows

Common Misclassification

A common error is using HS code 1805.00, which is strictly for cocoa powder containing no added sugar or sweeteners. Another misclassification is 1901.10 or 1901.90, which covers food preparations of flour, meal, or milk containing cocoa. However, if the product is primarily cocoa powder and sugar, 1806.10 is the specific and correct heading.

FAQ

What is the HS code for hot chocolate mix?

The HS code for sweetened hot chocolate mix in powder form is 1806.10.

What if the mix contains milk powder?

As long as the preparation is essentially cocoa powder with sugar, it remains in 1806.10, even if it contains milk powder as a secondary ingredient.