Cocoa and cocoa preparations (chapter 18): which countries import it
Chapter 18 covers cocoa beans, cocoa paste, cocoa butter, cocoa powder and chocolate preparations. The US, Netherlands and Germany are the largest…
Published on 14 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 18 covers cocoa beans, cocoa paste, cocoa butter, cocoa powder and chocolate preparations. The US, Netherlands and Germany are the largest importers. Spain exported USD 3.5 billion to the world in 2025. Understanding tariffs, food safety rules and your buyer's origin requirements is essential before shipping.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 18
- Sector
- Food and Drink
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | 13,317,498,659 |
| Netherlands | 12,018,401,472 |
| Germany | 10,873,981,441 |
| France | 8,759,724,188 |
| Belgium | 6,754,730,710 |
| United Kingdom | 6,222,314,776 |
| Malaysia | 4,525,664,712 |
| Canada | 4,224,197,766 |
| Italy | 3,947,965,185 |
| Poland | 3,811,489,846 |
| Spain | 3,474,904,764 |
| Türkiye | 2,219,377,082 |
| Japan | 2,168,715,968 |
| Indonesia | 2,154,036,849 |
| Switzerland | 1,730,918,144 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Cocoa beans; whole or broken, raw or roastedHeading 1801
- Cocoa; shells, husks, skins and other cocoa wasteHeading 1802
- Cocoa; paste; whether or not defattedHeading 1803
- Cocoa; butter, fat and oilHeading 1804
- Cocoa; powder, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matterHeading 1805
- Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoaHeading 1806
Trade fairs in this sector
- Alimentaria Barcelona
- Anuga
- BIOFACH – World’s Leading Trade Fair for Organic Food
- Fruit Attraction
- Gulfood
- ProWein Düsseldorf
- Salón Gourmets
- SIAL – Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL Paris)
- Summer Fancy Food Show
- Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris
What you need to know to export cocoa products
Cocoa and cocoa preparations fall under HS chapter 18, which includes six product categories from raw cocoa beans to finished chocolate. Each heading has different tariff rates depending on the destination country and the trade agreement between Spain and the buyer's country.
Origin marking applies to most cocoa preparations. Your buyer may require that the product shows "Product of Spain" or "Made in Spain" on the label. Check the import rules of your specific destination country, as some markets have preferential trade agreements that depend on product origin.
Logistics and packaging matter. Cocoa is sensitive to temperature and humidity. Use airtight, moisture-proof containers and keep the product between 13 and 18°C during storage and transport. Port of departure in Spain depends on your location: companies in Catalonia often use Barcelona or Tarragona; those in Valencia use the Port of Valencia. Lead times from Spain to the US average 10–14 days by sea; to the Netherlands, 3–5 days.
Common questions about exporting cocoa
Do I need organic certification to export cocoa to Germany or the Netherlands?
Certification is not required by law, but many importers in these countries request it. Germany and the Netherlands have large markets for organic products. If your cocoa is organic, certification under an ECOCERT or equivalent body recognised by the EU will make your product more competitive. Check your buyer's requirements before investing in certification.
Can I export cocoa directly to a distributor in Malaysia or must I use an importer?
You can export directly to any registered buyer. Malaysia imports 4.5 billion USD of cocoa products annually and has no legal requirement for you to use an intermediary. However, most international cocoa trade flows through importers and distributors who handle customs clearance, storage and local logistics. Direct sales are common only if your buyer has import licenses and storage capacity.
Which cocoa product has the highest export value from Spain?
Chocolate and food preparations containing cocoa (heading 1806) typically represent the largest share of Spain's cocoa exports by value. Raw cocoa beans and cocoa paste are also significant, but processed chocolate products command higher prices and reach more consumer markets.
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