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Clearance of All Types of Chocolate from Customs | Saba Tarkhis
Clearing chocolate through customs is highly important due to the edible nature of this product and the sensitivities related to standards and health regulations. Different types of chocolate—including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, chocolates filled with nuts, and chocolates without specific additives—each fall under separate customs classifications, and for each, compliance with specific rules is required during import or export. Given the growing demand for chocolate consumption in Iran and international markets, familiarity with chocolate-clearance procedures has become one of the main necessities for stakeholders in this field.
Contact Saba Tarkhis experts to estimate the time and cost of clearing different types of chocolate.
Instant Free ConsultationChocolate Customs Tariff and HS Code
The first and most important step in clearing chocolate is accurately identifying the HS Codes corresponding to the chocolate type. These codes vary depending on the type, composition, and contents of the chocolate, and selecting the correct one can directly affect the clearance process and the payable tariffs. For example:
- Plain chocolates without additives: This category includes products made only from cocoa and sugar with no fillers or centers. HS Code: ۱۸۰۶.۱۰
- Chocolates filled with nuts and various ingredients: Chocolates that include different nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds, coconut, or other additives fall under HS Code: ۱۸۰۶.۲۰.
- Other cocoa and chocolate products: Includes more specific compositions or products coated with chocolate, classified under HS Code: ۱۸۰۶.۹۰.
| Product Type | Short Description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Plain chocolate | Without center/filling | ۱۸۰۶.۱۰ |
| Filled chocolate | Contains nuts/fillers | ۱۸۰۶.۲۰ |
| Other chocolate products | Coating chocolate & special mixes | ۱۸۰۶.۹۰ |
Depending on composition, cocoa percentage, additives, and trade agreements, the exact subheading may change.
Special Conditions for Importing and Exporting Chocolate
Due to its edible nature and health sensitivities, importing and exporting chocolate requires compliance with strict rules and regulations. Every type of chocolate must be subject to health standards to ensure its quality and safety. In Iran, the Food and Drug Administration is responsible for reviewing and approving the quality of imported chocolates, and any unauthorized additive or unapproved composition can prevent entry to the market. Conversely, Iranian chocolates—thanks to quality and competitive pricing—have found a position in regional markets.
Health Supervision and Standards for Importing Chocolate into Iran
All imported chocolates must comply with the standards of the Food and Drug Administration. Importers must provide health certificates and detailed analyses to prove the product’s compliance with regulations; non-compliance can lead to delays or returns.
Exporting Iranian Chocolate to Global Markets
Countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar, and the Persian Gulf region are the main markets for Iranian chocolate. Geographic proximity and favorable trade relations provide the advantage of access to high-quality, competitively priced products. Iranian brands, by upgrading quality and complying with international standards, are also pursuing entry into European markets.
Volume of Chocolate Imports and Exports to Iran
Iran imports significant quantities of chocolate every year from countries such as Turkey, Malaysia, Germany, and Switzerland; it is estimated that annual imports are about ۱۰ thousand tons (depending on market conditions). On the export side, Iranian chocolate is shipped to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf countries, and Central Asia, and export volumes in recent years have exceeded ۵ thousand tons with an upward trend.
Global Chocolate Market
The global chocolate market is one of the largest food industries in the world, and its annual turnover is estimated at around ۱۵۰ billion dollars. Countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany hold a significant share of this market.
Top Chocolate Exporters in the World
- Belgium: Global reputation and extensive exports of premium chocolates.
- Switzerland: Luxury brands such as Lindt and Toblerone.
- Germany: Major European producer and exporter.
- Italy: With leading brands like Ferrero.
Top Chocolate Importers in the World
- United States: The largest importer.
- Japan: One of the largest consumers in Asia.
- China: Rapidly growing demand.
- United Kingdom and France: High demand among European consumers.
Documents Required for Clearing All Types of Chocolate
- Customs declaration: Information on type, weight, value, origin.
- Commercial invoice: Price, quantity, chocolate type, and payment terms.
- Bill of lading: Information on the means of transport and delivery terms (sea/air/land).
- Health certificate: Health and quality approval from the origin authority; review by Iran’s Food and Drug Administration.
- Certificate of origin: Producing country; for tariff preferences.
- Standard certificate: Compliance with national/international standards.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): Details of composition and additives.
- Import permit/Food and Drug Administration permit: Mandatory for certain items with specific compositions.
Need an exact HS and cost estimate? Our team supports you from selecting heading ۱۸۰۶ to obtaining health permits.
Submit a Proforma RequestFrequently Asked Questions
What is the HS Code for chocolate?
Typically, ۱۸۰۶.۱۰ is used for plain chocolate, ۱۸۰۶.۲۰ for filled chocolate, and ۱۸۰۶.۹۰ for other chocolate products. The final subheading depends on composition and formulation.
What permits are required to import chocolate?
Health certificate, standard certificate, certificate of analysis, certificate of origin, and in some cases a Food and Drug Administration permit. Accurate completion of the declaration and submission of the bill of lading and invoice are also mandatory.
Is cold-chain transport necessary for chocolate?
Depending on the product type and temperature sensitivity, using temperature-controlled conditions (especially in warm seasons) is recommended to preserve product quality and reduce melting risk.
What is the typical clearance time for chocolate?
It depends on the completeness of documents, results of health inspections, and customs congestion; with proper preparation and professional follow-up, the process can be significantly expedited.
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- Caption: «Chocolate clearance steps—from HS determination to obtaining the Food and Drug Administration permit»
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Summary & Call to Action
Due to health and standardization requirements, clearing chocolate requires meticulous document planning and correct HS selection. With practical experience, Saba Tarkhis manages the entire case end-to-end quickly and in compliance with regulations.
Request Expert Consultation Get a Clearance ProformaSpecial Chocolate-Clearance Services by Saba Brokerage
As one of the leading brokerage firms in customs clearance, Saba Brokerage provides comprehensive, end-to-end services for chocolate clearance so that all stages from start to finish are handled easily and in the shortest possible time:
- Expert consulting on preparing documents: Full guidance on preparing the declaration, health certificate, standard certificate, and other documents to prevent errors and delays.
- Tracking the clearance process from start to finish: Professional handling of administrative steps through to obtaining permits and final clearance, focusing on acceleration and cost reduction.
- Inspection and quality approval of chocolates: Controlling composition and quality to ensure compliance with domestic and international standards.
- Optimized financial and tariff solutions: Leveraging tariff knowledge and agreements to reduce clearance costs.
- Speed and accuracy in customs procedures: Executing the process with maximum speed and precision without legal issues or delays.
