Product classification
HS code for Cork waste: 4501.90
Cork, waste cork, crushed, granulated or ground cork.
Classification of cork waste under HS 4501.90
Cork waste is classified under HS code 4501.90 because it represents the residual material generated during the processing of natural cork. Chapter 45 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to cork and articles of cork, with heading 4501 specifically covering natural cork in its raw or simply prepared states, as well as waste cork. The subheading 4501.90 is a catch-all for cork that has been crushed, granulated, or ground, as well as general waste such as shavings or wood-like chips that are byproducts of manufacturing cork stoppers or other natural cork products. This classification is determined by the physical state of the material—being a byproduct rather than a finished article—and its lack of further processing into sheets, blocks, or strips. The Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) clarify that this code includes waste resulting from the processing of raw cork, which is often used subsequently for the production of agglomerated cork or as a lightweight filler in construction and industrial applications. Because it is considered a raw material or a byproduct of the first stage of processing, it remains in the 4501 category rather than moving to headings for semi-manufactured or finished goods.
- Covers
- Crushed natural cork
- Granulated natural cork
- Ground natural cork
- Cork shavings and waste from stopper production
- Cork dust and powder
- Small fragments of raw cork
- 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. Cork waste is frequently confused with HS code 4502.00, which covers natural cork that has been de-backed or roughly squared into blocks, plates, sheets, or strips. While 4501.90 is for waste and granulated forms, 4502.00 represents a higher level of preparation. Another common error is classifying granulated cork under 4504.10, which is reserved for agglomerated cork (cork that has been bonded together with a binding substance). If the cork is simply crushed but not yet glued or pressed into a new form, it must remain under 4501.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 450190 (the code used for cork waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 450190 (the code used for cork waste) 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 waste.
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 waste
Brazil classifies cork waste 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 waste
What is the HS code for Cork waste?
The HS code for Cork waste is 450190 (Cork; waste cork, crushed, granulated or ground cork). The HS code for cork waste, including crushed, granulated, or ground cork, is 4501.90.
How do I classify Cork waste for customs?
Cork waste is classified under HS code 450190 — Cork; waste cork, crushed, granulated or ground cork. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include cork dust?
Yes, cork dust and powder generated as waste during the grinding or processing of natural cork are classified under HS code 4501.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of cork waste (HS 450190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 450190 (the code used for cork waste) 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 waste (HS 450190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 450190 (the code used for cork waste) 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 450190 for Cork waste 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 waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, cork waste (HS 450190) is classified under NCM 4501.90.00.