Chapter 18 HS Codes: Chapter 18 Commodities
CHAPTER DEFINITION & SCOPE
HS Chapter 18 of the WCO Harmonized System covers chapter 18 commodities. It groups 6 4-digit WCO headings and 11 6-digit subheadings under the official 2026 customs nomenclature [USITC HTS 2026].
Chapter
Ch 18
Headings
6 Headings
Subheadings
11 HS6
US Tariff Status
Active 2026
Chapter 18 4-Digit Headings Directory
| Heading | WCO Heading Description | Subheading Count | Directory Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heading 1801 | Cocoa beans, whole or broken, raw or roasted | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 1801 → |
| Heading 1802 | Cocoa shells, husks, skins and other cocoa waste | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 1802 → |
| Heading 1803 | Cocoa paste, whether or not defatted | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 1803 → |
| Heading 1804 | Cocoa butter, fat and oil | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 1804 → |
| Heading 1805 | Cocoa powder, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 1805 → |
| Heading 1806 | Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa | 5 subheadings | Browse Heading 1806 → |
Chapter 18 Subheading Sample & MFN Duty Rates
| HS Code | Subheading Description | Heading | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1801.00 | Cocoa beans, whole or broken, raw or roasted | 1801 | View 1801.00 → |
| 1802.00 | Cocoa shells, husks, skins and other cocoa waste | 1802 | View 1802.00 → |
| 1803.10 | Not defatted | 1803 | View 1803.10 → |
| 1803.20 | Wholly or partly defatted | 1803 | View 1803.20 → |
| 1804.00 | Cocoa butter, fat and oil | 1804 | View 1804.00 → |
| 1805.00 | Cocoa powder, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter | 1805 | View 1805.00 → |
| 1806.10 | Cocoa powder, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter | 1806 | View 1806.10 → |
| 1806.20 | 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 | 1806 | View 1806.20 → |
| 1806.31 | Other, in blocks, slabs or bars, Filled | 1806 | View 1806.31 → |
| 1806.32 | Other, in blocks, slabs or bars, Not filled | 1806 | View 1806.32 → |
| 1806.90 | Other | 1806 | View 1806.90 → |
EXPERT CLASSIFICATION PRO TIPS
Common Pitfalls When Classifying Chapter 18 Goods
- Always review WCO Section and Chapter Legal Notes before assigning 4-digit headings.
- Distinguish carefully between unprocessed raw materials and further prepared or processed articles.
- Verify Partner Government Agency (PGA) flags for agriculture, food, or chemical items.
- Cross-reference official CBP CROSS rulings for binding precedents on mixed or composite goods.
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
USITC HTS Chapter 18 Tariff ↗
United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CBP CROSS Rulings ↗
Customs Rulings Online Search System for Chapter 18 binding classification precedents.
WCO HS Nomenclature ↗
World Customs Organization international 6-digit Harmonized System backbone standard.
U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗
U.S. Census Bureau trade statistics and Schedule B concordance portal.
Chapter 18 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What commodities are covered under HS Chapter 18?
Chapter 18 (Chapter 18 Commodities) covers WCO Harmonized System 4-digit headings from 1801 upward, encompassing primary goods, raw materials, and manufactured articles within this nomenclature section.
How many 4-digit headings exist in HS Chapter 18?
Chapter 18 contains 6 official 4-digit WCO headings and 11 6-digit tariff subheadings.
What is the US general import duty range for Chapter 18 commodities?
Base customs duties under Chapter 18 range from 0.0% (Duty-Free) up to representative MFN rate limits depending on 10-digit HTS statistical suffix extensions.
Do Section 301 China tariffs apply to Chapter 18 imports?
Section 301 tariffs depend on specific 8-digit HTS subheadings. Importers must verify if their exact HTS code appears on USTR Lists 1 through 4A.
Are Partner Government Agency (PGA) permits required for Chapter 18?
PGA message-set flags (such as FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA, or CITES) apply conditionally depending on the commodity classification within Chapter 18.
How are products classified between adjacent headings in Chapter 18?
Classification follows WCO General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 through 6, prioritizing specific heading terms over general descriptions.
Can Chapter 18 goods enter duty-free under USMCA or Free Trade Agreements?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in USMCA member states (US, Mexico, Canada) or FTA partners enter duty-free under SPI code P, KR, AU, or CL with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Chapter 18 shipments?
Eligible commercial shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day may enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal entry of Chapter 18 goods?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, and entry summary CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer obtain a binding CBP ruling for Chapter 18?
Importers may submit an e-Ruling application under 19 CFR Part 177 to CBP National Commodity Specialist Division.