Product classification
HS code for Industrial chocolate: 1806.20
Chocolate & other food preparations containing cocoa, in blocks, slabs or bars weighing more than 2kg or in liquid, paste, powder, granular or other bulk form in containers or immediate packings, content exceeding 2kg.
Classification of industrial chocolate under HS 1806.20
Industrial chocolate is classified under HS code 1806.20 based on its physical form and packaging weight. Heading 1806 encompasses chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa. Subheading 1806.20 specifically targets products in bulk forms—such as blocks, slabs, or bars weighing more than 2kg, or liquid, paste, powder, or granular forms in containers or immediate packings exceeding 2kg. This classification distinguishes industrial-grade chocolate intended for further processing or manufacturing from retail-ready chocolate products. The high cocoa content and the presence of sweeteners or other fats are secondary to the packaging size and bulk nature of the shipment. This code is critical for manufacturers who import large quantities of chocolate to be melted down, molded, or used as an ingredient in other confectionery, bakery, or dairy products. The classification remains 1806.20 even if the chocolate contains added nuts, fruits, or cereals, provided it meets the bulk weight threshold.
- Covers
- Couverture chocolate in 5kg blocks
- Liquid chocolate transported in heated tankers
- Chocolate chips or buttons in 25kg industrial sacks
- Cocoa paste containing added sugar in bulk containers
- Bulk chocolate paste for industrial confectionery
- Also under 1806.20
- Barry Callebaut industrial chocolate
- Cargill bulk chocolate
- Guittard baking chocolate (large format)
- Valrhona couverture (large blocks)
Codes often confused with 1806.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS codes 1806.31 and 1806.32, which cover chocolate in blocks, slabs, or bars weighing 2kg or less. These are considered retail products. Additionally, pure cocoa paste without added sugar is classified under 1803.10, and cocoa powder without added sugar falls under 1805.00. The presence of sugar or sweeteners is the deciding factor for heading 1806.
Top exporters and importers of HS 180620 (the code used for industrial chocolate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 180620 (the code used for industrial chocolate) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 180620, not only industrial chocolate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $3.6B 30% of world exports
- 2 Canada $1.3B 11% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.0B 8.5% of world exports
World total: $12.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.8B 15% of world imports
- 2 France $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $1.4B 12% of world imports
World total: $11.9B 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 industrial chocolate
Brazil classifies industrial chocolate under NCM 1806.20.00: HS 1806.20 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 industrial chocolate
What is the HS code for Industrial chocolate?
The HS code for Industrial chocolate is 180620 (Chocolate & other food preparations containing cocoa; in blocks, slabs or bars weighing more than 2kg or in liquid, paste, powder, granular or other bulk form in containers or immediate packings, content exceeding 2kg). The HS code for industrial chocolate in bulk form (over 2kg) is 1806.20.
How do I classify Industrial chocolate for customs?
Industrial chocolate is classified under HS code 180620 — Chocolate & other food preparations containing cocoa; in blocks, slabs or bars weighing more than 2kg or in liquid, paste, powder, granular or other bulk form in containers or immediate packings, content exceeding 2kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is cocoa butter classified under this code?
No, cocoa butter, fat, and oil are classified under HS code 1804.00, as they are fats extracted from the bean rather than a prepared chocolate food product.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial chocolate (HS 180620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 180620 (the code used for industrial chocolate) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($3.6B, 30% of world exports), Canada ($1.3B) and Germany ($1.0B). World exports came to about $12.0B, 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 industrial chocolate (HS 180620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 180620 (the code used for industrial chocolate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.8B, 15% of world imports), France ($1.5B) and Germany ($1.4B). World imports came to about $11.9B, 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 Industrial chocolate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 180620 for Industrial chocolate 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 industrial chocolate in Brazil?
In Brazil, industrial chocolate (HS 180620) is classified under NCM 1806.20.00.