Product classification
HS code for Cork blocks: 4502.00
Cork, natural cork, debacked or roughly squared, or in rectangular (including square) blocks, plates, sheets or strip, (including sharp-edged blanks for corks or stoppers).
Classification of cork blocks under HS 4502.00
Natural cork blocks are classified under HS code 4502.00. This heading covers natural cork that has undergone primary processing beyond simple stripping from the tree. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, this includes cork that has been debacked (removal of the outer crust) or roughly squared. It also includes cork in the form of rectangular (including square) blocks, plates, sheets, or strips. This classification is crucial for raw material trade, as it represents the stage between raw, unworked cork and finished articles. The material must be natural cork; if the blocks are formed by binding cork granules together with an adhesive, they would instead be classified under heading 4504 as agglomerated cork. The processing involved in 4502.00 is generally limited to mechanical shaping. This includes sharp-edged blanks for corks or stoppers, which are essentially small cubes or rectangular prisms of natural cork intended to be turned into bottle stoppers. The distinction between 4501 (raw cork) and 4502 (processed blocks) is the level of "working" the material has undergone. If the cork has been sliced into very thin sheets for wallpaper, it might still fall here or under 4503 depending on the backing and finish. Proper documentation of the processing stage is required to ensure the correct application of this code.
- Covers
- Debacked natural cork in blocks
- Roughly squared natural cork
- Rectangular sheets of natural cork
- Natural cork plates for industrial use
- Sharp-edged blanks for cork stoppers
- Also under 4502.00
- Cork planks for wine stopper production
- cork blocks for carving
- cork sheets for gasket manufacturing
- cork strips for shoe insoles
Codes often confused with 4502.00
Common mistake. Natural cork blocks are often confused with HS code 4501.10 (raw or simply prepared cork) or 4504.10 (agglomerated cork blocks). The distinction is that 4502.00 requires the cork to be natural and squared/debacked, whereas 4504 involves cork waste bonded with adhesives.
Top exporters and importers of HS 450200 (the code used for cork blocks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 450200 (the code used for cork blocks) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Portugal, with 23% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 450200, not only cork blocks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $20M 44% of world exports
- 2 Poland $9.8M 22% of world exports
- 3 Italy $4.5M 10% of world exports
World total: $45M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Portugal $11M 23% of world imports
- 2 Slovakia $9.3M 19% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $5.8M 12% of world imports
World total: $49M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for cork blocks
Brazil classifies cork blocks under NCM 4502.00.00: HS 4502.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cork blocks
What is the HS code for Cork blocks?
The HS code for Cork blocks is 450200 (Cork; natural cork, debacked or roughly squared, or in rectangular (including square) blocks, plates, sheets or strip, (including sharp-edged blanks for corks or stoppers)). Natural cork blocks that are debacked or roughly squared are classified under HS code 4502.00.
How do I classify Cork blocks for customs?
Cork blocks is classified under HS code 450200 — Cork; natural cork, debacked or roughly squared, or in rectangular (including square) blocks, plates, sheets or strip, (including sharp-edged blanks for corks or stoppers). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is agglomerated cork classified under 4502.00?
No, agglomerated cork (cork granules bonded with resin) is classified under heading 4504.
Which countries are the top exporters of cork blocks (HS 450200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 450200 (the code used for cork blocks) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($20M, 44% of world exports), Poland ($9.8M) and Italy ($4.5M). World exports came to about $45M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of cork blocks (HS 450200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 450200 (the code used for cork blocks) in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($11M, 23% of world imports), Slovakia ($9.3M) and Saudi Arabia ($5.8M). World imports came to about $49M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Cork blocks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 450200 for Cork blocks is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for cork blocks in Brazil?
In Brazil, cork blocks (HS 450200) is classified under NCM 4502.00.00.