Cocoa; butter, fat and oil

HS code 180400 covers a diverse range of products derived from cocoa beans, including cocoa butter, cocoa fat, and cocoa oil. This industry plays a vital role in the global food and confectionery sectors, providing essential ingredients for a wide array of chocolate, baked goods, and other consumer products. As a key component of the broader agricultural and food processing industries, the 180400 product group contributes significantly to international trade and economic activity.

The production of cocoa-based products under HS code 180400 typically involves a multi-step process. First, cocoa beans are harvested, fermented, and dried. The dried beans are then roasted, winnowed, and ground to produce cocoa liquor or cocoa mass. This cocoa liquor is then pressed to extract the cocoa butter, which is the primary output of this industry. The remaining cocoa cake or cocoa powder can also be further processed and refined for use in various food applications.

The main inputs required for the 180400 industry include cocoa beans, which are the primary raw material. Specialized processing equipment such as roasters, winnowers, and hydraulic presses are also essential for the production of cocoa butter, fat, and oil. Additionally, the industry relies on energy sources, packaging materials, and various chemicals and additives to ensure consistent quality and product characteristics.

The primary outputs of the 180400 industry are cocoa butter, cocoa fat, and cocoa oil, which are widely used in the production of chocolate, confectionery, and other food products. These outputs may be further consumed by industries covered under other HS codes, such as 180632 Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa and 190190 Malt extract; food preparations of flour, groats, meal, starch or malt extract, not containing cocoa or containing less than 40% by weight of cocoa, among others.