Cocoa; powder, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter

HS code 180500 covers the trade and production of unsweetened cocoa powder, a vital ingredient in the global confectionery and food processing industries. As a key component in the manufacture of chocolate, cocoa powder is an essential commodity that underpins the multi-billion dollar chocolate market worldwide. This code encompasses the processing and distribution of pure, unaltered cocoa powder, which serves as a crucial raw material for a wide range of food and beverage products.

The production of unsweetened cocoa powder typically involves the roasting, winnowing, and grinding of cocoa beans. After harvesting, the beans undergo fermentation and drying processes before being roasted at high temperatures. The roasted beans are then separated from their husks, leaving behind the cocoa nibs. These nibs are ground into a cocoa liquor or mass, which is subsequently pressed to extract the cocoa butter. The remaining cocoa cake is then finely ground to produce the powdery, unsweetened cocoa product covered by HS code 180500.

The primary inputs for the production of HS code 180500 cocoa powder include raw cocoa beans, which are sourced from major producing regions such as West Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Specialized processing equipment, such as roasters, winnowers, and grinders, are also essential for transforming the raw beans into the final cocoa powder. Energy sources, such as electricity or fuel, are required to power the various stages of production.

The main output of HS code 180500 is unsweetened cocoa powder, which is then used as an ingredient in a wide range of food and beverage products. This includes 180610 Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa, 180620 Other preparations in blocks, slabs or bars weighing more than 2 kg or in liquid, paste, powder, granular or other bulk form in containers or immediate packings, of a content exceeding 2 kg, and 210690 Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included. Cocoa powder is also used in the production of 180310 Cocoa paste, whether or not defatted, which is another important HS code in the cocoa industry.