What is the import duty on chocolate products (bulk) from the UAE to India?

The basic customs duty is 30%. This line is largely excluded from India–UAE CEPA, so no preferential rate applies. SWS adds 10% on the basic duty and 5% IGST applies on top.

How much can CEPA save on chocolate products (bulk)?

At current rates there is no basic-duty saving on this line under CEPA, so the landed duty is the same as the MFN route.

What do I need to claim the CEPA rate on chocolate products (bulk)?

A valid preferential Certificate of Origin (eCoO 2.0) proving UAE origin under the Rules of Origin. Without it, customs charges the 30% MFN rate.

Import duty on Chocolate products (bulk) (HS 18069010) from the UAE to India

HS 18069010 · UAE to India · CHOCOLATE AND OTHER FOOD PREPARATIONS CONTAINING COCOA

Data last updated: 14 June 2026 · MFN duty & IGST verified against ICEGATE (Indian Customs EDI). CEPA preferential rate per the India–UAE CEPA schedule. Verify your exact HS line before filing.

Duty breakdown on a ₹10,00,000 shipment

Component	Standard (MFN)	CEPA
Basic customs duty	₹3,00,000	₹3,00,000
Social Welfare Surcharge	₹30,000	₹30,000
IGST	₹66,500	₹66,500
Total duty	₹3,96,500	₹3,96,500

CEPA duty saving on this example: ₹0 (no basic-duty benefit at these rates). Run your own numbers in the import-duty estimator.

What drives the rate

Importing chocolate products (bulk) (HS 18069010) from the UAE to India attracts a standard MFN basic customs duty of 30%. This line is currently excluded from CEPA, so the preferential rate stays at the 30% MFN level. On a sample assessable value of ₹10,00,000, total duty is ₹3,96,500 and CEPA adds no basic-duty saving at these rates. This bulk chocolate-products line sits on India's CEPA exclusion list, carrying a 30% MFN basic customs duty with no preferential rate — a UAE-origin import pays the full 30% regardless of a Certificate of Origin. It contrasts sharply with prepared chocolate in blocks and bars (HS 18063100 and 18063200), which CEPA takes to 0%: India liberalised packaged chocolate while excluding this catch-all category. The eight-digit code is therefore decisive within Chapter 18. IGST is 5%. MFN from ICEGATE; the exclusion is per CEPA Annex 2A (Schedule of India). Social Welfare Surcharge adds 10% on the basic duty and 5% IGST applies on top — though IGST is recoverable as input tax credit, so the lasting benefit is the basic-duty saving. Always confirm the live rate for HS 18069010 on ICEGATE or CBIC before filing.

Import compliance & clearances

Beyond duty, importing chocolate products (bulk) (HS 18069010) into India requires the following regulatory clearances. The CEPA preferential rate does not waive any of these — they apply regardless of origin.

DGFT Valid IEC (Importer-Exporter Code) required; ITC(HS) import policy: Free source ↗
FSSAI Importer must hold a valid FSSAI licence; every consignment is cleared through FSSAI food-import at the port source ↗

Indicative and non-exhaustive — verify the current DGFT / BIS / FSSAI / CDSCO notification for your exact 8-digit HS line before importing. Not customs or legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty on chocolate products (bulk) from the UAE to India?: The basic customs duty is 30%. This line is largely excluded from India–UAE CEPA, so no preferential rate applies. SWS adds 10% on the basic duty and 5% IGST applies on top.
How much can CEPA save on chocolate products (bulk)?: At current rates there is no basic-duty saving on this line under CEPA, so the landed duty is the same as the MFN route.
What do I need to claim the CEPA rate on chocolate products (bulk)?: A valid preferential Certificate of Origin (eCoO 2.0) proving UAE origin under the Rules of Origin. Without it, customs charges the 30% MFN rate.