Product classification
HS code for Cork placemats: 4503.90
Cork, articles of natural cork other than corks and stoppers.
Classification of cork placemats under HS 4503.90
Cork placemats are classified under HS code 4503.90, which covers articles of natural cork other than stoppers. The classification is determined by the material composition and the manufacturing process. Since these items are typically cut or shaped from natural cork bark without the use of binding agents that would characterize agglomerated cork, they fall under heading 4503. The subheading 4503.90 is a residual category for various finished products made from natural cork that do not meet the specific definition of corks or stoppers. Customs authorities prioritize the constituent material when the product is not specifically named elsewhere in the Harmonized System. For a placemat to qualify here, it must retain the cellular structure of natural cork. If the placemat is reinforced with a backing of another material, such as MDF or plastic, the classification may shift depending on which component provides the essential character of the article, though pure cork mats remain firmly within this code.
- Covers
- Natural cork table mats
- Natural cork coasters
- Heat-resistant cork pads for kitchenware
- Decorative natural cork mats for household use
- Natural cork protective surface discs
- Also under 4503.90
- IKEA cork coasters
- Birkenstock cork footbeds
- Corkor cork wallets
- fishing rods with cork grips
Codes often confused with 4503.90
Common mistake. Cork placemats are frequently misclassified under HS code 4504.90. This code is reserved for articles of agglomerated cork, which is made from cork granules bound together with substances like glue or resin. If the placemat is made from compressed cork dust rather than solid natural cork slices, 4504.90 is the correct code. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 4419.90 for wooden tableware; however, Chapter 45 specifically covers cork, which takes precedence over Chapter 44 (Wood) for these items.
Top exporters and importers of HS 450390 (the code used for cork placemats), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 450390 (the code used for cork placemats) in UN Comtrade data was Portugal, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 51% 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 450390, not only cork placemats.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Portugal $8.0M 27% of world exports
- 2 Spain $5.1M 17% of world exports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $2.1M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $30M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $38M 51% of world imports
- 2 Spain $6.3M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Italy $4.7M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $75M 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 placemats
Brazil classifies cork placemats under NCM 4503.90.00: HS 4503.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cork placemats
What is the HS code for Cork placemats?
The HS code for Cork placemats is 450390 (Cork; articles of natural cork other than corks and stoppers). The HS code for placemats made of natural cork is 4503.90. If they are made of agglomerated cork, the code is 4504.90.
How do I classify Cork placemats for customs?
Cork placemats is classified under HS code 450390 — Cork; articles of natural cork other than corks and stoppers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the thickness of the cork affect the HS code?
No, the thickness does not change the classification, provided the material remains natural cork and the function is for table or household use.
Which countries are the top exporters of cork placemats (HS 450390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 450390 (the code used for cork placemats) in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($8.0M, 27% of world exports), Spain ($5.1M) and Saudi Arabia ($2.1M). World exports came to about $30M, 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 placemats (HS 450390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 450390 (the code used for cork placemats) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($38M, 51% of world imports), Spain ($6.3M) and Italy ($4.7M). World imports came to about $75M, 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 placemats the same in all countries?
The base HS code 450390 for Cork placemats 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 placemats in Brazil?
In Brazil, cork placemats (HS 450390) is classified under NCM 4503.90.00.