Overview
Terroir Cocoa ships single-origin, farm-crafted chocolate to customers worldwide. Because international trade involves varying import regulations, we want to ensure you are fully informed about customs procedures, applicable duties, and your responsibilities as the recipient.
Our goal is to make receiving your chocolate as seamless as possible. We partner with premium international carriers and utilize Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping for most regions, meaning all import fees are calculated and collected at checkout.
Shipping Methods & Customs Clearance
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
For orders shipped to the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, and Japan, we use DDP shipping. This means all import duties, taxes, and customs brokerage fees are pre-calculated and included in your checkout total. No surprise fees upon delivery.
Why DDP Matters
You'll never face unexpected charges from your local postal service or customs authority. The price you see at checkout is the final price.
Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU)
For shipments to countries not covered under our DDP program, orders ship as DDU. In these cases, import duties and local taxes are not included at checkout and may be collected by your local customs authority or delivery carrier upon arrival. We recommend checking with your national customs agency before ordering.
Duties, Taxes & HS Codes
All chocolate products exported from our farm are classified under international trade standards. Below is a breakdown of how duties are typically applied:
| Product Category | HS Code | Typical Duty Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate Bars (≥55% Cacao) | 1705.90 | 0% – 12% | Varies by destination country's agricultural tariffs |
| Milk & White Chocolate | 1704.90 | 5% – 15% | May include additional dairy import regulations |
| Cacao Beans & Raw Cocoa Nibs | 1801.00 | 0% – 4% | Generally lower duties; phytosanitary certificates included |
| Gift Sets & Assortments | 1705.90 | Calculated by weight | Deemed chocolate for customs purposes |
Note: Import regulations and duty rates change frequently. The figures above are approximate and based on current international trade data. Terroir Cocoa is not responsible for unexpected customs holds caused by inaccurate shipping information provided by the customer.
Customer Responsibilities
- Accurate Address & Contact Info: Customs authorities require a verifiable delivery address and phone number. Incomplete details may cause delays or return to sender.
- Import Limits: Some countries have monetary or quantity limits for personal imports. If your order exceeds these limits, local authorities may contact you for additional documentation.
- Commercial vs. Personal: Orders marked for resale or commercial use may be subject to different clearance procedures and higher duties. Please contact us if purchasing wholesale.
- Prohibited Items: While chocolate is generally unrestricted, certain countries have strict agricultural import laws. We comply with all export documentation requirements, but destination-country restrictions apply.
Country-Specific Notes
- European Union: VAT is calculated at checkout based on your country. No additional fees upon delivery.
- United Kingdom: UK VAT and import duties are collected at checkout for orders under £135. Orders above may be subject to additional clearance.
- United States: De minimis threshold is $800. Most orders qualify for duty-free entry, but we still ship DDP for seamless clearance.
- Australia & New Zealand: GST is included at checkout. Biosecurity may require additional inspection; we provide all necessary health certificates.
- Canada: GST/HST and duties are calculated and collected at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your country is covered under our DDP program, no. All duties, taxes, and brokerage fees are included in your checkout total. For DDU destinations, local customs may collect applicable fees upon delivery.
We provide complete and accurate commercial invoices, HS codes, and phytosanitary certificates for every shipment. If your package is delayed, your carrier will contact you. For assistance, forward the tracking notice to our customs support team.
Import duties are paid directly to customs authorities and are non-refundable by Terroir Cocoa. We recommend ensuring your address and contact details are correct to avoid customs-related returns.
We comply with all international trade regulations and cannot ship to countries under active economic embargo or import restriction. If you're unsure, contact us before placing your order.
All chocolate is vacuum-sealed in temperature-controlled packaging with desiccants to preserve quality. External labels clearly state contents as "Confectionery/Chocolate" to facilitate smooth customs processing.
Customs Support & Contact
Experiencing a customs delay? Need clarification on import regulations for your region? Our logistics team is available to assist with tracking updates, documentation requests, and carrier coordination.
Customs & Logistics Support
Email: customs@terroircocoa.com
Response time: Within 24 business hours
Please include your order number and tracking ID when contacting us.