Cocoa Shells, Husks, Skins & Other Cocoa Waste

Cocoa shells, husks, and skins — byproducts of cocoa bean roasting and processing — are classified under a single 10-digit line, 1802000000, with no further US schedule subdivisions. These materials serve as inputs for mulch, animal feed, specialty teas, and cosmetic formulations, giving the heading a more industrial character than other cocoa headings. Ecuador and Peru lead US imports, with Germany also among the top three sources — reflecting both origin-country processing and re-export of European cocoa-industry byproducts. Because cocoa waste can retain biological material from the bean, USDA APHIS phytosanitary requirements may apply to raw or minimally processed forms; importers should verify admissibility conditions before shipment.