Product classification
HS code for Wine corks: 4503.10
Cork, corks and stoppers, of natural cork.
Classification of wine corks under HS 4503.10
Wine corks are classified under HS code 4503.10 because they are articles of natural cork. Chapter 45 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to cork and articles of cork. Within this chapter, heading 4503 specifically covers articles of natural cork. This is a critical distinction, as it separates products made from solid, natural cork bark from those made from agglomerated cork, which are classified under heading 4504. Natural cork is harvested from the Quercus suber tree and is valued for its elasticity and near-impermeability. Subheading 4503.10 is the specific international code for corks and stoppers of natural cork. This includes cylindrical corks used for still wines and the natural components of champagne corks. The classification remains the same regardless of whether the cork has been washed, bleached, or coated with paraffin or silicone to aid in the bottling process. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1), classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since 4503 explicitly mentions articles of natural cork and 4503.10 specifies corks and stoppers, this code is the most specific and legally correct classification for natural wine stoppers. Importers must ensure that the cork is indeed natural; if the stopper is composed of granulated cork bits glued together, it must be moved to 4504.10.
- Covers
- Natural cylindrical wine corks
- Tapered natural cork stoppers
- Champagne corks made of natural cork
- Natural cork bungs for barrels
- Untreated natural cork stoppers
- 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. Wine corks are frequently confused with HS code 4504.10, which covers agglomerated cork stoppers. Agglomerated cork is made from cork granules bound together with resin or other adhesives. Another common error is 3923.50, which covers plastic stoppers that mimic the appearance of cork but are made of polymers. Using the wrong code can lead to duty discrepancies.
Top exporters and importers of HS 450310 (the code used for wine corks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 450310 (the code used for wine corks) 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 wine corks.
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 wine corks
Brazil classifies wine corks 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 wine corks
What is the HS code for Wine corks?
The HS code for Wine corks is 450310 (Cork; corks and stoppers, of natural cork). The HS code for wine corks made of natural cork is 4503.10.
How do I classify Wine corks for customs?
Wine corks is classified under HS code 450310 — Cork; corks and stoppers, of natural cork. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include plastic wine stoppers?
No, plastic stoppers are classified under HS code 3923.50 as articles for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Which countries are the top exporters of wine corks (HS 450310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 450310 (the code used for wine corks) 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 wine corks (HS 450310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 450310 (the code used for wine corks) 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 Wine corks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 450310 for Wine corks 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 wine corks in Brazil?
In Brazil, wine corks (HS 450310) is classified under NCM 4503.10.00.