Product classification
HS code for Cork granules: 4501.90
Cork, waste cork, crushed, granulated or ground cork.
Classification of cork granules under HS 4501.90
Cork granules are classified under HS code 4501.90. This code is part of Chapter 45, which deals with cork and its derivatives. Heading 4501 covers natural cork, raw or simply prepared, as well as waste cork and crushed, granulated, or ground cork. While 4501.10 is reserved for natural cork in its raw state or simply surface-worked, the subheading 4501.90 is the designated category for "other" forms, which explicitly includes cork that has been mechanically processed into small particles. These granules are typically produced from the waste generated during the production of natural cork stoppers or by grinding lower-quality cork bark. They serve as a primary raw material for the manufacture of agglomerated cork products, insulation materials, and specialized sports surfaces. The classification remains in 4501.90 as long as the granules are loose and have not been bound together into a solid shape.
- Covers
- Crushed natural cork
- Granulated cork waste
- Ground cork powder
- Regenerated cork granules
- Cork meal
- Also under 4501.90
- Granulated cork for insulation
- cork infill for artificial turf
- cork powder for linoleum production
- cork waste from stopper manufacturing
Codes often confused with 4501.90
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 4504.10, which covers agglomerated cork in blocks or sheets. The distinction is that 4501.90 is for loose granules, whereas 4504 is for granules that have already been pressed and bonded into a new form. Another error is using 4502.00, which is for natural cork that has been de-backed or roughly squared into blocks, but has not been crushed or granulated. It is also important not to confuse these with expanded cork used for insulation, which may sometimes be classified under 4504 if it has been agglomerated.
Top exporters and importers of HS 450190 (the code used for cork granules), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 450190 (the code used for cork granules) in UN Comtrade data was Portugal, with 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 29% 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 450190, not only cork granules.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Portugal $140M 67% of world exports
- 2 Spain $35M 17% of world exports
- 3 Morocco $7.2M 3.4% of world exports
World total: $208M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $68M 29% of world imports
- 2 Portugal $68M 28% of world imports
- 3 France $24M 10% of world imports
World total: $238M 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 granules
Brazil classifies cork granules under NCM 4501.90.00: HS 4501.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cork granules
What is the HS code for Cork granules?
The HS code for Cork granules is 450190 (Cork; waste cork, crushed, granulated or ground cork). The HS code for cork granules, including crushed or ground cork, is 4501.90.
How do I classify Cork granules for customs?
Cork granules is classified under HS code 450190 — Cork; waste cork, crushed, granulated or ground cork. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is waste cork classified under this code?
Yes, waste cork that has been crushed or granulated is specifically included in the description for HS code 4501.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of cork granules (HS 450190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 450190 (the code used for cork granules) in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($140M, 67% of world exports), Spain ($35M) and Morocco ($7.2M). World exports came to about $208M, 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 granules (HS 450190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 450190 (the code used for cork granules) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($68M, 29% of world imports), Portugal ($68M) and France ($24M). World imports came to about $238M, 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 granules the same in all countries?
The base HS code 450190 for Cork granules 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 granules in Brazil?
In Brazil, cork granules (HS 450190) is classified under NCM 4501.90.00.