Product classification
HS code for Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1805.00
Cocoa, powder, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter.
Classification of unsweetened cocoa powder under HS 1805.00
Unsweetened cocoa powder is classified under HS code 1805.00. This classification is straightforward under Chapter 18, which covers cocoa and cocoa preparations. Heading 1805 is a single-level heading that specifically encompasses cocoa powder that does not contain added sugar or any other sweetening matter. The classification is determined by the composition of the product: it must be obtained by pulverizing the cocoa cake resulting from the expression of cocoa butter from cocoa paste. The powder may be processed with alkaline substances (Dutch process) to modify its color or solubility, but as long as no sweeteners are added, it remains under 1805.00. This code is distinct from other cocoa products because it represents the pure powdered form of cocoa without the additives found in confectionery or beverage mixes. The absence of sugar is the primary legal requirement for this classification.
- Covers
- Natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- Alkalized (Dutch-processed) unsweetened cocoa powder
- Low-fat unsweetened cocoa powder
- High-fat unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pure cocoa powder for industrial food manufacturing
- 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 misclassification is with HS code 1806.10, which covers cocoa powder containing added sugar or other sweetening matter. Even a very small percentage of added sugar moves the product from 1805.00 to 1806.10. Another error involves HS code 1803, which is for cocoa paste (liquor), whether or not defatted; however, 1803 refers to the paste before it is pulverized into powder. Additionally, 1901.10 or 1901.90 might be mistakenly used if the powder is mixed with dairy or other ingredients, but pure unsweetened cocoa powder must stay in 1805.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 180500 (the code used for unsweetened cocoa powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 180500 (the code used for unsweetened 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 unsweetened 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 unsweetened cocoa powder
Brazil classifies unsweetened 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 unsweetened cocoa powder
What is the HS code for Unsweetened cocoa powder?
The HS code for Unsweetened cocoa powder is 180500 (Cocoa; powder, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter). The HS code for unsweetened cocoa powder is 1805.00.
How do I classify Unsweetened cocoa powder for customs?
Unsweetened 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 Dutch-processed cocoa powder classified differently?
No, as long as it does not contain added sugar, Dutch-processed (alkalized) cocoa powder is still classified under 1805.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of unsweetened cocoa powder (HS 180500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 180500 (the code used for unsweetened 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 unsweetened cocoa powder (HS 180500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 180500 (the code used for unsweetened 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 Unsweetened cocoa powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 180500 for Unsweetened 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 unsweetened cocoa powder in Brazil?
In Brazil, unsweetened cocoa powder (HS 180500) is classified under NCM 1805.00.00.