Due to its popularity, importing chocolate into the U.S. can be an excellent opportunity for shippers. Especially during holidays like Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Halloween, chocolate imports usually increase due to the demand. While beneficial, the process can be complex for importers due to the steps involved. Failure to import correctly can result in delays, monetary loss, and cargo loss. Disruptions can especially be harmful if the shipper has customers expecting chocolate products. This article will explain the process for importing chocolate and what to expect when starting.

What To Know Before Importing Chocolate Into The U.S.

Before bringing chocolate into the U.S., a shipper must understand the rules and regulations for importation. Chocolate is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must follow its requirements. The FDA separates the requirements by chocolate types, including bittersweet chocolate, buttermilk chocolate, chocolate liquor, milk chocolate, white chocolate, mixed dairy product chocolate, skim milk chocolate, and sweet chocolate. Each type has its formulation that shippers must follow, and failure to do so may result in customs holding the goods. The FDA requires that the importer files a Prior Notice before the shipment arrives in the U.S. A Prior Notice includes vital information like shipper, importer, manufacturer information, product details, carrier and arrival information, and more.

The deadline for filing a Prior Notice depends on the method of conveyance. Importers by air have a deadline of four hours before arrival, while importers by sea have eight hours before arrival. It is also essential to understand that chocolate imports have duties and taxes based on the type. A shipper can determine the tariff amount by finding the HTS (harmonized Tariff Schedule) code related to the cargo. When packaging, the labeling should contain the ingredients, nutritional facts, and allergen warnings, like if the chocolate contains peanuts.

The Journey Begins

Once ready to ship the chocolate internationally, shippers can use various conveyance methods, like air, sea, or land. Air can be ideal for speed, while sea is beneficial if you are shipping a large volume. The importer must keep the chocolate at a specific temperature during the journey to prevent melting or spoilage. Before the cargo enters the U.S., shippers must provide the necessary paperwork to the CBP (Customs and Border Protection). Some of the documentation required for customs clearance includes:

• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Arrival Notice

Importations into the U.S. by sea must also have the importer submit an ISF (Import Security Filing). ISFs detail the content of the cargo, who is importing it, the seller/buyer address, and more. Failure to provide the appropriate documentation can lead to financial penalties and customs seizing the cargo. Once customs releases the shipment, you can contact a freight broker with carriers to move it to the final destination.

When bringing chocolate into the U.S., the shipper must be ready for anything that could affect the shipment. An ideal way to avoid disruptions when importing is by using the help of a customs broker. Brokers are licensed individuals or companies that coordinate the clearance of shipments through customs. They do this by providing paperwork, filing customs entries, paying duties, and more.  Brokers also communicate with their clients through customs clearance, educating them. Contact A1 Worldwide Logistics at 305-435-9456 or info@a1wwl.com to begin importing chocolate to the U.S. Along with brokers, we also have freight forwarders, domestic transport, warehousing, and more services for ensuring your shipment’s success.