Chapter 45 covers cork and articles of cork, including natural cork, crushed cork, waste cork, and various agglomerated cork products. Cork is derived from the bark of the cork oak tree and possesses properties such as elasticity, thermal insulation, sound insulation, and water resistance. This chapter ranges from raw materials (such as natural cork blocks, granules) to semi-finished products (such as agglomerated cork bricks) and finished products (such as cork stoppers, gaskets), but excludes products in which cork has been mixed with other materials and the essential character has been changed (such as cork rubber sheets). Heading 4504 covers agglomerated cork (including with a binding substance) and articles thereof, specifically including agglomerated cork bricks, blocks, plates, sheets, strips, etc. Agglomerated cork is formed by mixing crushed cork granules or powder with a binder (such as phenolic resin, rubber) and hot-pressing, resulting in higher density and strength than natural cork. Products under this heading are typically used in building insulation, soundproofing, mechanical sealing, footwear materials, etc., but exclude finished products further processed into specific shapes (such as gaskets, stoppers), unless they still retain the essential character of bricks or blocks. First 2 digits 45: indicates Chapter 45, i.e., cork and articles of cork. Digits 3-4 04: indicates heading 4504, i.e., agglomerated cork (including with a binding substance) and articles thereof. Digits 5-6 10: indicates subheading 4504.10, specifically agglomerated cork bricks and blocks. Note: Subheading 4504.10 covers only the form of bricks and blocks; if in the form of plates, sheets, strips, etc., they are classified under 4504.90. Therefore, the complete code 450410 refers to agglomerated cork bricks and blocks, usually in regular geometric shapes, with higher density, used for further cutting or direct use. The goods are classified under 450410 rather than 450490 because their form is bricks or blocks, not plates, sheets, strips, etc. At the same time, it is different from natural cork of 4501 (unworked or simply prepared) and crushed cork of 4502 (only crushed, granulated). Agglomerated cork bricks and blocks are bonded and hot-pressed, with specific shapes and density, conforming to the description of 4504.10. If further processed into other shapes, they may be classified under 4504.90 or other headings.
Chapter
Chapter 45 covers cork and articles of cork, including natural cork, crushed cork, waste cork, and various agglomerated cork products. Cork is derived from the bark of the cork oak tree and possesses properties such as elasticity, thermal insulation, sound insulation, and water resistance. This chapter ranges from raw materials (such as natural cork blocks, granules) to semi-finished products (such as agglomerated cork bricks) and finished products (such as cork stoppers, gaskets), but excludes products in which cork has been mixed with other materials and the essential character has been changed (such as cork rubber sheets).
Heading
Heading 4504 covers agglomerated cork (including with a binding substance) and articles thereof, specifically including agglomerated cork bricks, blocks, plates, sheets, strips, etc. Agglomerated cork is formed by mixing crushed cork granules or powder with a binder (such as phenolic resin, rubber) and hot-pressing, resulting in higher density and strength than natural cork. Products under this heading are typically used in building insulation, soundproofing, mechanical sealing, footwear materials, etc., but exclude finished products further processed into specific shapes (such as gaskets, stoppers), unless they still retain the essential character of bricks or blocks.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 45: indicates Chapter 45, i.e., cork and articles of cork. Digits 3-4 04: indicates heading 4504, i.e., agglomerated cork (including with a binding substance) and articles thereof. Digits 5-6 10: indicates subheading 4504.10, specifically agglomerated cork bricks and blocks. Note: Subheading 4504.10 covers only the form of bricks and blocks; if in the form of plates, sheets, strips, etc., they are classified under 4504.90. Therefore, the complete code 450410 refers to agglomerated cork bricks and blocks, usually in regular geometric shapes, with higher density, used for further cutting or direct use.
Classification Basis
The goods are classified under 450410 rather than 450490 because their form is bricks or blocks, not plates, sheets, strips, etc. At the same time, it is different from natural cork of 4501 (unworked or simply prepared) and crushed cork of 4502 (only crushed, granulated). Agglomerated cork bricks and blocks are bonded and hot-pressed, with specific shapes and density, conforming to the description of 4504.10. If further processed into other shapes, they may be classified under 4504.90 or other headings.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and English names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'agglomerated cork bricks' or 'compressed cork blocks'. Material: Specify the source of cork and the type of binder, such as 'cork oak bark granules bonded with phenolic resin'. Shape: Describe the specific form, such as 'rectangular brick' or 'cubic block', and indicate dimensions. Density: Provide weight per cubic centimeter or cubic meter to distinguish different degrees of compression. Use: Explain the main use, such as 'building insulation', 'mechanical sealing', or 'footwear materials'. Specifications: List length, width, height dimensions or thickness, and whether surface treatment has been applied. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none'. Model: If there is a model, declare it; if no model, fill in 'none'. Product Name: Agglomerated cork bricks; Material: Cork oak bark granules bonded with phenolic resin; Shape: Rectangular brick; Density: 0.45g/cm³; Use: Building insulation; Specifications: Length 1000mm × Width 500mm × Thickness 50mm; Brand: None; Model: None. Mistakenly classifying agglomerated cork bricks under 4504.90 (other agglomerated cork articles) due to failure to note subheading distinctions. Ignoring density during declaration, leading to confusion with natural cork or high-density products. Failure to declare the type of binder, which may affect classification (e.g., containing rubber binder may be classified under other chapters).
Product Name
The Chinese and English names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'agglomerated cork bricks' or 'compressed cork blocks'.
⚠️ Mistakenly written as 'cork bricks' or 'cork sheets', without reflecting the 'agglomerated' process.
Material
Specify the source of cork and the type of binder, such as 'cork oak bark granules bonded with phenolic resin'.
⚠️ Only writing 'cork', without mentioning the binder or process.
Shape
Describe the specific form, such as 'rectangular brick' or 'cubic block', and indicate dimensions.
⚠️ Confusing bricks with plates, mistakenly declaring sheets as bricks.
Density
Provide weight per cubic centimeter or cubic meter to distinguish different degrees of compression.
⚠️ Not providing density, leading to classification disputes.
Use
Explain the main use, such as 'building insulation', 'mechanical sealing', or 'footwear materials'.
⚠️ Use description is too broad, such as 'industrial use'.
Specifications
List length, width, height dimensions or thickness, and whether surface treatment has been applied.
⚠️ Specifications are incomplete, lacking key dimensions.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer.
Model
If there is a model, declare it; if no model, fill in 'none'.
Mistakenly classifying agglomerated cork bricks under 4504.90 (other agglomerated cork articles) due to failure to note subheading distinctions.
Ignoring density during declaration, leading to confusion with natural cork or high-density products.
Failure to declare the type of binder, which may affect classification (e.g., containing rubber binder may be classified under other chapters).
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 45 and subheading texts of the Import and Export Tariff. Agglomerated cork bricks and blocks must meet: 1) raw materials are crushed cork or cork powder; 2) mixed with binder and hot-pressed; 3) form is bricks or blocks, usually with regular geometric shapes, density greater than natural cork. If the product is in the form of plates, sheets, strips, it is classified under 4504.90. If cork is mixed with rubber, etc., and the essential character is changed, it may be classified under Chapter 40. In addition, if the product is further processed into specific articles (such as gaskets), it is classified under 4504.90 or other headings. 450490 Other agglomerated cork articles: 450490 covers plates, sheets, strips, and other shapes of agglomerated cork articles, while 450410 is limited to bricks and blocks. If the product is in sheet or profile form, it should be classified under 450490. 450200 Natural cork, debacked or roughly squared, or in rectangular (including square) blocks, plates, sheets or strip: 450200 is natural cork simply prepared, not hot-pressed with binder; while 450410 is made by pressing crushed cork with binder, with higher density and strength. 450310 Corks and stoppers of natural cork: 450310 is stoppers made of natural cork, while 450410 is agglomerated cork bricks and blocks, used for further processing or insulation, not final stoppers. 848490 Other mechanical seals: If agglomerated cork bricks are further processed into sealing gaskets, they should be classified under 848490; but unprocessed bricks are still classified under 450410. Is it formed by hot-pressing crushed cork with a binder? Is the form bricks or blocks? Is the density significantly higher than natural cork? Has it not been further processed into specific articles? Does the type of binder affect the essential character?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 45 and subheading texts of the Import and Export Tariff. Agglomerated cork bricks and blocks must meet: 1) raw materials are crushed cork or cork powder; 2) mixed with binder and hot-pressed; 3) form is bricks or blocks, usually with regular geometric shapes, density greater than natural cork. If the product is in the form of plates, sheets, strips, it is classified under 4504.90. If cork is mixed with rubber, etc., and the essential character is changed, it may be classified under Chapter 40. In addition, if the product is further processed into specific articles (such as gaskets), it is classified under 4504.90 or other headings.
Confused Codes：
450490 - Other agglomerated cork articles
450490 covers plates, sheets, strips, and other shapes of agglomerated cork articles, while 450410 is limited to bricks and blocks. If the product is in sheet or profile form, it should be classified under 450490.
450200 - Natural cork, debacked or roughly squared, or in rectangular (including square) blocks, plates, sheets or strip
450200 is natural cork simply prepared, not hot-pressed with binder; while 450410 is made by pressing crushed cork with binder, with higher density and strength.
450310 - Corks and stoppers of natural cork
450310 is stoppers made of natural cork, while 450410 is agglomerated cork bricks and blocks, used for further processing or insulation, not final stoppers.
848490 - Other mechanical seals
If agglomerated cork bricks are further processed into sealing gaskets, they should be classified under 848490; but unprocessed bricks are still classified under 450410.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it formed by hot-pressing crushed cork with a binder?
✓ Is the form bricks or blocks?
✓ Is the density significantly higher than natural cork?
✓ Has it not been further processed into specific articles?
✓ Does the type of binder affect the essential character?
❓ FAQ
How to inquire about the import tariff rate for 450410? You can check the latest tariff rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the 'Single Window'. Tariff rates may vary due to trade agreements, origin, etc. It is recommended to rely on the customs system feedback at the time of declaration. Usually, a certificate of origin is required to enjoy preferential rates. What is the difference in classification between agglomerated cork bricks and agglomerated cork sheets? Bricks and blocks are classified under 450410, while plates, sheets, strips are classified under 450490. The difference lies in shape: bricks are usually rectangular and larger in size, while sheets are thin. When declaring, accurately describe the shape and dimensions to avoid classification errors. If agglomerated cork bricks are used for footwear materials, does the classification change? Classification depends on the state of the product. If still in brick form, classified under 450410; if cut into sole shapes, it may be classified under 6406 (footwear parts) or 450490. It is recommended to judge based on the degree of processing. Does the density of agglomerated cork bricks affect classification? Density is an important indicator to distinguish agglomerated cork from natural cork, but subheading 450410 does not specify a specific density value. Typically, agglomerated cork density is 0.3-0.6g/cm³, much higher than natural cork (0.15-0.25g/cm³). Density should be provided during declaration to assist classification. How to classify agglomerated cork bricks containing rubber binder? If the binder is only a small amount and does not change the essential character of cork, it is still classified under 450410; if the rubber content is high, giving the product rubber elasticity, it may be classified under Chapter 40. Judgment should be based on component ratio and product characteristics. What should be noted when declaring agglomerated cork bricks for cross-border e-commerce sales? Accurately declare product name, material, shape, density, use, etc., to avoid rejection or penalties due to inaccurate declaration. Also note the difference between personal items and goods declaration, and it is recommended to consult a professional customs broker. Are the regulatory conditions for 450410 and 450490 the same? Regulatory conditions may vary by subheading, such as certain products requiring endangered species certificates (if the cork source involves endangered tree species). Specifically, check the 'Customs Import and Export Tariff' and regulatory condition codes. How to determine whether agglomerated cork bricks have been further processed? If the bricks are only cut to specific dimensions, they are still classified under 450410; if surface grinding, coating, drilling, or bonding with other materials, they may be considered further processed and classified under 450490 or other headings.
Q: How to inquire about the import tariff rate for 450410?
A: You can check the latest tariff rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the 'Single Window'. Tariff rates may vary due to trade agreements, origin, etc. It is recommended to rely on the customs system feedback at the time of declaration. Usually, a certificate of origin is required to enjoy preferential rates.
Q: What is the difference in classification between agglomerated cork bricks and agglomerated cork sheets?
A: Bricks and blocks are classified under 450410, while plates, sheets, strips are classified under 450490. The difference lies in shape: bricks are usually rectangular and larger in size, while sheets are thin. When declaring, accurately describe the shape and dimensions to avoid classification errors.
Q: If agglomerated cork bricks are used for footwear materials, does the classification change?
A: Classification depends on the state of the product. If still in brick form, classified under 450410; if cut into sole shapes, it may be classified under 6406 (footwear parts) or 450490. It is recommended to judge based on the degree of processing.
Q: Does the density of agglomerated cork bricks affect classification?
A: Density is an important indicator to distinguish agglomerated cork from natural cork, but subheading 450410 does not specify a specific density value. Typically, agglomerated cork density is 0.3-0.6g/cm³, much higher than natural cork (0.15-0.25g/cm³). Density should be provided during declaration to assist classification.
Q: How to classify agglomerated cork bricks containing rubber binder?
A: If the binder is only a small amount and does not change the essential character of cork, it is still classified under 450410; if the rubber content is high, giving the product rubber elasticity, it may be classified under Chapter 40. Judgment should be based on component ratio and product characteristics.
Q: What should be noted when declaring agglomerated cork bricks for cross-border e-commerce sales?
A: Accurately declare product name, material, shape, density, use, etc., to avoid rejection or penalties due to inaccurate declaration. Also note the difference between personal items and goods declaration, and it is recommended to consult a professional customs broker.
Q: Are the regulatory conditions for 450410 and 450490 the same?
A: Regulatory conditions may vary by subheading, such as certain products requiring endangered species certificates (if the cork source involves endangered tree species). Specifically, check the 'Customs Import and Export Tariff' and regulatory condition codes.
Q: How to determine whether agglomerated cork bricks have been further processed?
A: If the bricks are only cut to specific dimensions, they are still classified under 450410; if surface grinding, coating, drilling, or bonding with other materials, they may be considered further processed and classified under 450490 or other headings.
⚠️ 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.