Product classification
HS code for Cork strips: 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 strips under HS 4502.00
Natural cork strips are classified under HS code 450200 because they represent a specific stage of primary processing where the raw bark of the cork oak tree has been refined but not yet manufactured into a finished article. This classification applies to natural cork that has been debacked—meaning the rough, woody outer layer has been removed—or roughly squared into rectangular shapes. Unlike raw cork, which is often irregular and contains forest debris, products under 450200 are prepared for industrial use, such as being sliced into thin layers for gaskets or cut into blanks for high-quality wine stoppers. The material must remain in its natural state; it cannot be granulated and bonded with adhesives, as that would move the classification to agglomerated cork. The technical distinction lies in the preservation of the natural cellular structure of the cork bark in a standardized geometric form, such as sheets or strips, which facilitates further manufacturing processes.
- Covers
- Natural cork strips with squared edges
- Debacked natural cork plates
- Rectangular blocks of natural cork
- Sharp-edged cork blanks for stopper production
- Natural cork sheets for industrial lining
- 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. A frequent point of confusion occurs between HS code 450200 and HS code 4501, which covers raw or simply prepared cork. If the cork has not been debacked or squared, it remains in 4501. Conversely, if the strips are made from compressed cork granules rather than a single piece of natural bark, they must be classified under 4504. Additionally, finished articles like gaskets or decorative strips that are ready for retail use may be pushed into 450390.
Top exporters and importers of HS 450200 (the code used for cork strips), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 450200 (the code used for cork strips) 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 strips.
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 strips
Brazil classifies cork strips 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 strips
What is the HS code for Cork strips?
The HS code for Cork strips 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)). The HS code for natural cork strips that are debacked or roughly squared is 450200.
How do I classify Cork strips for customs?
Cork strips 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 there a difference between natural and agglomerated cork strips?
Yes, natural cork strips (450200) are cut directly from the bark, while agglomerated strips (4504) are made from ground cork particles bonded with resin.
Which countries are the top exporters of cork strips (HS 450200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 450200 (the code used for cork strips) 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 strips (HS 450200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 450200 (the code used for cork strips) 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 strips the same in all countries?
The base HS code 450200 for Cork strips 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 strips in Brazil?
In Brazil, cork strips (HS 450200) is classified under NCM 4502.00.00.