Product classification
HS code for Cork stoppers: 4503.10
Cork, corks and stoppers, of natural cork.
Classification of cork stoppers under HS 4503.10
Natural cork stoppers are classified under HS code 4503.10. This classification is found within Chapter 45 (Cork and articles of cork) and heading 4503 (Articles of natural cork). The subheading 4503.10 is specifically designated for corks and stoppers. These items are manufactured by punching cylindrical shapes directly from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber). Because they are made of natural cork without the addition of chemical binders or adhesives to hold the structure together, they are distinguished from agglomerated versions. The classification applies regardless of whether the stoppers are tapered, cylindrical, or have been washed or coated with paraffin to facilitate insertion into bottles. These stoppers are primarily used in the wine and spirits industry due to their elasticity and breathability. The integrity of the natural cellular structure is the defining characteristic for this specific HS code.
- Covers
- Natural wine corks
- Tapered natural cork stoppers
- Champagne corks (natural portion)
- Natural cork bungs for barrels
- Laboratory stoppers made of natural cork
- Also under 4503.10
- Amorim natural wine corks
- O-I cork stoppers
- Portocork natural corks
- Jelinek Cork Group stoppers
Codes often confused with 4503.10
Common mistake. Natural cork stoppers are often confused with agglomerated cork stoppers, which fall under HS code 4504.90. Agglomerated stoppers are made from cork bits glued together. Another common misclassification involves stoppers with heads made of other materials (like plastic or wood). If the head is the dominant feature, it might be classified elsewhere, but generally, if the sealing part is natural cork, 4503.10 is considered. Metal crown caps are also distinct, falling under 8309.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 450310 (the code used for cork stoppers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 450310 (the code used for cork stoppers) in UN Comtrade data was Portugal, with 76% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% 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 450310, not only cork stoppers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Portugal $379M 76% of world exports
- 2 Spain $43M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 France $24M 4.9% of world exports
World total: $496M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $152M 30% of world imports
- 2 France $106M 21% of world imports
- 3 Italy $52M 10% of world imports
World total: $511M 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 stoppers
Brazil classifies cork stoppers under NCM 4503.10.00: HS 4503.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cork stoppers
What is the HS code for Cork stoppers?
The HS code for Cork stoppers is 450310 (Cork; corks and stoppers, of natural cork). The HS code for stoppers made of natural cork is 4503.10.
How do I classify Cork stoppers for customs?
Cork stoppers is classified under HS code 450310 — Cork; corks and stoppers, of natural cork. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does a wax coating change the HS code?
No, simple treatments like paraffin coating or washing do not change the classification from 4503.10, as the essential character remains natural cork.
Which countries are the top exporters of cork stoppers (HS 450310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 450310 (the code used for cork stoppers) in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($379M, 76% of world exports), Spain ($43M) and France ($24M). World exports came to about $496M, 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 stoppers (HS 450310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 450310 (the code used for cork stoppers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($152M, 30% of world imports), France ($106M) and Italy ($52M). World imports came to about $511M, 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 stoppers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 450310 for Cork stoppers 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 stoppers in Brazil?
In Brazil, cork stoppers (HS 450310) is classified under NCM 4503.10.00.