Chapter 45 covers cork and articles of cork, including natural cork, agglomerated cork, cork waste, and various cork products. Cork mainly comes from the bark of the cork oak tree and has properties such as being lightweight, elastic, heat-insulating, and sound-insulating, and is widely used in bottle stoppers, flooring, soundproofing materials, etc. This chapter does not include footwear, headgear, and similar goods made of cork that are classified in other chapters. Heading 4503 covers all articles of cork not specified in other headings, including various items made of natural cork or agglomerated cork, such as cork stoppers, cork sheets, cork gaskets, cork floats, cork ornaments, etc. However, it does not include natural cork raw materials of 4501, crushed cork of 4502, or agglomerated cork blocks of 4504. The first 2 digits 45 represent Chapter 45, Cork and Articles of Cork; digits 3-4, 03, represent heading 4503, namely other articles of cork; digits 5-6, 90, are the subheading, indicating other articles of cork not elsewhere specified. Therefore, 450390 means other articles of cork, referring to all cork products other than cork stoppers (450310). This product is an article of cork, but it is not a cork stopper, nor is it an agglomerated cork block, so it is classified under 4503 rather than 4501, 4502, or 4504. If it were a cork stopper, it would be classified under 450310; if it were an agglomerated cork block, it would be classified under 4504.
Chapter
Chapter 45 covers cork and articles of cork, including natural cork, agglomerated cork, cork waste, and various cork products. Cork mainly comes from the bark of the cork oak tree and has properties such as being lightweight, elastic, heat-insulating, and sound-insulating, and is widely used in bottle stoppers, flooring, soundproofing materials, etc. This chapter does not include footwear, headgear, and similar goods made of cork that are classified in other chapters.
Heading
Heading 4503 covers all articles of cork not specified in other headings, including various items made of natural cork or agglomerated cork, such as cork stoppers, cork sheets, cork gaskets, cork floats, cork ornaments, etc. However, it does not include natural cork raw materials of 4501, crushed cork of 4502, or agglomerated cork blocks of 4504.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 45 represent Chapter 45, Cork and Articles of Cork; digits 3-4, 03, represent heading 4503, namely other articles of cork; digits 5-6, 90, are the subheading, indicating other articles of cork not elsewhere specified. Therefore, 450390 means other articles of cork, referring to all cork products other than cork stoppers (450310).
Classification Basis
This product is an article of cork, but it is not a cork stopper, nor is it an agglomerated cork block, so it is classified under 4503 rather than 4501, 4502, or 4504. If it were a cork stopper, it would be classified under 450310; if it were an agglomerated cork block, it would be classified under 4504.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared product, such as cork gasket, cork sheet, cork float, etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods. Material: Indicate whether it is natural cork or agglomerated cork, and whether it has undergone surface treatment. Use: Describe the main use of the product, such as sealing, heat insulation, sound insulation, decoration, etc. Specifications and model: Fill in parameters such as the product's dimensions, shape, and density, such as sheet, block, cylindrical, etc. Brand: If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, fill in "none". Processing technique: Briefly describe the processing method, such as cutting, stamping, bonding, surface coating, etc. Packaging specifications: Fill in the packaging method and quantity per package, such as carton-packed, 1000 pieces per carton. Product name: Cork gasket; Material: Agglomerated cork; Use: Used for mechanical sealing; Specifications and model: Diameter 50 mm, thickness 3 mm; Brand: None; Processing technique: Stamped and formed; Packaging specifications: Carton-packed, 5000 pieces per carton. Mistakenly classifying cork stoppers under 450390, when they should actually be classified under 450310. Mistakenly classifying agglomerated cork blocks under 450390, when they should actually be classified under 4504. Failure to distinguish between natural cork and agglomerated cork, leading to incorrect classification.
Product name
The specific name of the declared product, such as cork gasket, cork sheet, cork float, etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Writing only "articles of cork" is too general and should be made specific.
Material
Indicate whether it is natural cork or agglomerated cork, and whether it has undergone surface treatment.
⚠️ Confusing natural cork with agglomerated cork, leading to incorrect classification.
Use
Describe the main use of the product, such as sealing, heat insulation, sound insulation, decoration, etc.
⚠️ The description of use is unclear, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to another heading.
Specifications and model
Fill in parameters such as the product's dimensions, shape, and density, such as sheet, block, cylindrical, etc.
⚠️ Missing specifications and model, affecting customs valuation and classification.
Brand
If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, fill in "none".
⚠️ Failure to declare or incorrect declaration of the brand, leading to intellectual property issues.
Processing technique
Briefly describe the processing method, such as cutting, stamping, bonding, surface coating, etc.
⚠️ The description of the processing technique is too simple to distinguish whether it belongs to another chapter.
Packaging specifications
Fill in the packaging method and quantity per package, such as carton-packed, 1000 pieces per carton.
⚠️ Packaging specifications do not match the actual goods, affecting inspection.
Example： Product name: Cork gasket; Material: Agglomerated cork; Use: Used for mechanical sealing; Specifications and model: Diameter 50 mm, thickness 3 mm; Brand: None; Processing technique: Stamped and formed; Packaging specifications: Carton-packed, 5000 pieces per carton.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying cork stoppers under 450390, when they should actually be classified under 450310.
Mistakenly classifying agglomerated cork blocks under 450390, when they should actually be classified under 4504.
Failure to distinguish between natural cork and agglomerated cork, leading to incorrect classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1. Whether the material is cork; 2. Whether it belongs to cork stoppers (450310) or agglomerated cork blocks (4504); 3. Whether it belongs to goods already specified in other chapters (such as footwear or headgear). If it is an article of cork and is not specified in other headings, it is classified under 450390. 450310 Cork stoppers: Cork stoppers are cork products specifically used for sealing bottles and cans, while 450390 covers other cork products such as gaskets, floats, etc. 4504 Agglomerated cork and articles thereof: 4504 includes agglomerated cork blocks and agglomerated cork products, but if an agglomerated cork product is not specified in other headings, is it still classified under 450390? In fact, 4504 includes agglomerated cork blocks, boards, sheets, etc., while 450390 covers other articles of cork. 4501 Natural cork: 4501 is unprocessed natural cork raw material, while 450390 is processed cork products. 4502 Crushed cork: 4502 is crushed cork not made into specific products, while 450390 is finished products. 4421 Other articles of wood: 4421 covers articles of wood, while 450390 covers articles of cork; the materials are different. Is the material cork? Is it a cork stopper? Is it an agglomerated cork block? Is it a good already specified in another chapter? Has it been processed into a specific shape?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1. Whether the material is cork; 2. Whether it belongs to cork stoppers (450310) or agglomerated cork blocks (4504); 3. Whether it belongs to goods already specified in other chapters (such as footwear or headgear). If it is an article of cork and is not specified in other headings, it is classified under 450390.
Confused Codes：
450310 - Cork stoppers
Cork stoppers are cork products specifically used for sealing bottles and cans, while 450390 covers other cork products such as gaskets, floats, etc.
4504 - Agglomerated cork and articles thereof
4504 includes agglomerated cork blocks and agglomerated cork products, but if an agglomerated cork product is not specified in other headings, is it still classified under 450390? In fact, 4504 includes agglomerated cork blocks, boards, sheets, etc., while 450390 covers other articles of cork.
4501 - Natural cork
4501 is unprocessed natural cork raw material, while 450390 is processed cork products.
4502 - Crushed cork
4502 is crushed cork not made into specific products, while 450390 is finished products.
4421 - Other articles of wood
4421 covers articles of wood, while 450390 covers articles of cork; the materials are different.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material cork?
✓ Is it a cork stopper?
✓ Is it an agglomerated cork block?
✓ Is it a good already specified in another chapter?
✓ Has it been processed into a specific shape?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the tariff rate for 450390? You can check the applicable tariff rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms by entering HS code 450390 and selecting conditions such as country of origin and trade method. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted according to policy, and the latest published rates should be used. Should cork gaskets be classified under 450390? Yes, if a cork gasket is made of cork and is not a cork stopper or an agglomerated cork block, it is classified under 450390. However, it is necessary to confirm whether it has undergone surface treatment or is combined with other materials; if combined, it may be classified under another code. What is the difference between 450390 and 450310? 450310 specifically refers to cork stoppers used for sealing bottles and cans; 450390 refers to other cork products such as gaskets, floats, ornaments, etc. If the product is a cork stopper, it must be classified under 450310. Are agglomerated cork products classified under 450390 or 4504? If agglomerated cork products are semi-finished products such as blocks, boards, or sheets, they are classified under 4504; if they are finished products and are not specified in other headings, they are classified under 450390. Judgment should be based on the degree of processing and use. Do cork products with a brand need to be declared? Yes, if the product has a brand, the brand name must be declared; otherwise, it may involve infringement or false declaration. If there is no brand, declare "none". What are the declaration elements for 450390? Usually include product name, material, use, specifications and model, brand, processing technique, packaging specifications, etc. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements, and it is recommended to refer to the Catalogue of Specifications for Customs Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China. How are cork products distinguished from wood products? Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree, while wood products come from timber. The materials are different, so the classification is different. Cork products are classified under Chapter 45, and wood products under Chapter 44. Do exports of 450390 require commodity inspection? Cork products are generally not subject to statutory commodity inspection, but if they involve endangered species or specific uses, relevant certificates may be required. It is recommended to consult the local customs or check the regulatory conditions.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for 450390?
A: You can check the applicable tariff rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms by entering HS code 450390 and selecting conditions such as country of origin and trade method. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted according to policy, and the latest published rates should be used.
Q: Should cork gaskets be classified under 450390?
A: Yes, if a cork gasket is made of cork and is not a cork stopper or an agglomerated cork block, it is classified under 450390. However, it is necessary to confirm whether it has undergone surface treatment or is combined with other materials; if combined, it may be classified under another code.
Q: What is the difference between 450390 and 450310?
A: 450310 specifically refers to cork stoppers used for sealing bottles and cans; 450390 refers to other cork products such as gaskets, floats, ornaments, etc. If the product is a cork stopper, it must be classified under 450310.
Q: Are agglomerated cork products classified under 450390 or 4504?
A: If agglomerated cork products are semi-finished products such as blocks, boards, or sheets, they are classified under 4504; if they are finished products and are not specified in other headings, they are classified under 450390. Judgment should be based on the degree of processing and use.
Q: Do cork products with a brand need to be declared?
A: Yes, if the product has a brand, the brand name must be declared; otherwise, it may involve infringement or false declaration. If there is no brand, declare "none".
Q: What are the declaration elements for 450390?
A: Usually include product name, material, use, specifications and model, brand, processing technique, packaging specifications, etc. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements, and it is recommended to refer to the Catalogue of Specifications for Customs Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China.
Q: How are cork products distinguished from wood products?
A: Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree, while wood products come from timber. The materials are different, so the classification is different. Cork products are classified under Chapter 45, and wood products under Chapter 44.
Q: Do exports of 450390 require commodity inspection?
A: Cork products are generally not subject to statutory commodity inspection, but if they involve endangered species or specific uses, relevant certificates may be required. It is recommended to consult the local customs or check the regulatory conditions.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.