Product classification
HS code for Cork insulation: 4504.90
Cork, articles of agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance), n.e.c. in heading no. 4504.
Classification of cork insulation under HS 4504.90
Cork insulation is typically classified under HS code 4504.90. This code covers articles of agglomerated cork. Agglomerated cork is produced by taking cork waste (granules or dust) and binding it together under heat and pressure, often with the addition of a binding substance like resin or glue. Insulation products, such as boards, panels, or shells for pipe covering, are almost exclusively made from agglomerated cork because the process allows for uniform density and specific dimensions that natural cork cannot provide. Heading 4504 is distinct from 4503 because it focuses on the manufactured composite material rather than the natural bark. The classification 4504.90 is used for these finished insulation products that do not fit into the specific category of blocks or tiles for floors or walls (which might fall under 4504.10). Agglomerated cork is an excellent thermal and acoustic insulator, and its classification under 4504.90 ensures it is treated as a manufactured article of cork. It is important to distinguish this from mineral-based insulation like glass wool or rock wool, which are classified in Chapter 68. Even if the cork insulation is treated with fire retardants or other chemicals, it remains under 4504 as long as the agglomerated cork provides the essential character of the product.
- Covers
- Agglomerated cork insulation boards
- Cork acoustic insulation panels
- Cork pipe insulation shells
- Expansion joint fillers made of agglomerated cork
- Cork vibration damping sheets
- Also under 4504.90
- Jelinek Cork Group cork flooring
- IKEA cork wall tiles
- Gaiam cork yoga blocks
- 3M cork bulletin boards
Codes often confused with 4504.90
Common mistake. Cork insulation is sometimes misclassified under 4503.90 (articles of natural cork), but natural cork is rarely used for industrial insulation. It may also be confused with 6806.90, which covers other mineral insulating materials, though cork is clearly excluded from Chapter 68.
Top exporters and importers of HS 450490 (the code used for cork insulation), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 450490 (the code used for cork insulation) in UN Comtrade data was Portugal, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 18% 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 450490, not only cork insulation.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Portugal $39M 29% of world exports
- 2 Chile $19M 14% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $18M 13% of world exports
World total: $135M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $50M 18% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $31M 11% of world imports
- 3 Argentina $31M 11% of world imports
World total: $285M 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 insulation
Brazil classifies cork insulation under NCM 4504.90.00: HS 4504.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cork insulation
What is the HS code for Cork insulation?
The HS code for Cork insulation is 450490 (Cork; articles of agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance), n.e.c. in heading no. 4504). The HS code for agglomerated cork insulation products is 4504.90.
How do I classify Cork insulation for customs?
Cork insulation is classified under HS code 450490 — Cork; articles of agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance), n.e.c. in heading no. 4504. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is cork insulation classified as a construction material?
While used in construction, it is classified based on its material composition (cork) under Chapter 45 rather than general construction headings.
Which countries are the top exporters of cork insulation (HS 450490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 450490 (the code used for cork insulation) in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($39M, 29% of world exports), Chile ($19M) and Denmark ($18M). World exports came to about $135M, 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 insulation (HS 450490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 450490 (the code used for cork insulation) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($50M, 18% of world imports), Mexico ($31M) and Argentina ($31M). World imports came to about $285M, 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 insulation the same in all countries?
The base HS code 450490 for Cork insulation 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 insulation in Brazil?
In Brazil, cork insulation (HS 450490) is classified under NCM 4504.90.00.