Product classification
HS code for Ground cork: 4501.90
Cork, waste cork, crushed, granulated or ground cork.
Classification of ground cork under HS 4501.90
Ground cork is classified under HS code 4501.90, which falls within Chapter 45 of the Harmonized System, covering cork and articles of cork. This specific subheading is designated for waste cork as well as crushed, granulated, or ground cork. The classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 4501 specifically includes natural cork in its raw state or simply prepared, but 4501.90 is the residual category for cork that has been mechanically reduced in size. To remain under this code, the ground cork must consist of pure cork particles without the addition of any binding substances or adhesives. If the ground cork were to be compressed and held together by a binder, it would undergo a character change and move to a different heading entirely. The material typically originates from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber) and is often a byproduct of the manufacturing process for natural cork stoppers.
- Covers
- Granulated natural cork
- Ground cork waste
- Cork dust and flour
- Crushed cork bark
- Regranulated cork (without binders)
- Cork wool
- 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. Ground cork is frequently misclassified under HS code 4504.10, which covers agglomerated cork. The primary distinction is the presence of a binding substance. If the ground cork has been mixed with glue, resin, or other adhesives to form blocks, sheets, or strips, it must be classified under 4504. Another common error is using 4502.00, which is reserved for natural cork that has been de-backed or roughly squared, rather than reduced to granules or powder.
Top exporters and importers of HS 450190 (the code used for ground cork), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 450190 (the code used for ground cork) 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 ground cork.
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 ground cork
Brazil classifies ground cork 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 ground cork
What is the HS code for Ground cork?
The HS code for Ground cork is 450190 (Cork; waste cork, crushed, granulated or ground cork). The HS code for ground cork is 4501.90, which covers waste cork and crushed, granulated, or ground cork.
How do I classify Ground cork for customs?
Ground cork is classified under HS code 450190 — Cork; waste cork, crushed, granulated or ground cork. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does ground cork used for insulation fall under this code?
Yes, provided the insulation material consists of loose ground cork without binders. If the cork is formed into insulation boards using adhesives, it should be classified under heading 4504.
Which countries are the top exporters of ground cork (HS 450190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 450190 (the code used for ground cork) 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 ground cork (HS 450190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 450190 (the code used for ground cork) 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 Ground cork the same in all countries?
The base HS code 450190 for Ground cork 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 ground cork in Brazil?
In Brazil, ground cork (HS 450190) is classified under NCM 4501.90.00.