Chapter 45 covers cork and articles of cork, including natural cork, agglomerated cork (compressed cork), 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, sound-insulating, and waterproof. This chapter ranges from raw materials (natural cork, waste cork) to semi-finished products (agglomerated cork blocks, sheets, strips) and then to finished products (such as cork stoppers, gaskets, floats, soundproof boards, etc.). Note: This chapter does not include footwear parts made of cork (Chapter 64), mechanical parts (Chapter 84), or toys (Chapter 95), etc. Heading 4504 specifically refers to agglomerated cork and articles thereof. Agglomerated cork is a product made by mixing cork granules, particles, or waste cork with adhesive and then molding or extruding it. It can be made into blocks, boards, sheets, strips, rods, and other shapes, or directly into specific articles. This heading includes raw materials of agglomerated cork (such as blocks and boards) and finished products (such as gaskets, seals, sound-insulating and heat-insulating articles, fishing rod grips, etc.), but does not include articles of natural cork (heading 4503) or cork stoppers (heading 4503). The first 2 digits 45: represent Chapter 45 "Cork and articles of cork," covering all goods made from cork as a raw material. Digits 3-4, 04: represent heading 4504, namely "Agglomerated cork and articles thereof," distinguished from 4501 (natural cork, raw), 4502 (natural cork, debacked or roughly squared), and 4503 (articles of natural cork). Digits 5-6, 90: represent subheading 4504.90, namely "Other articles of agglomerated cork," which is the residual subheading under 4504. Under heading 4504 there are also 4504.10 (blocks, plates, sheets, and strips of agglomerated cork) and 4504.90 (other), so 4504.90 covers all finished articles of agglomerated cork other than semi-finished products such as blocks, plates, sheets, and strips. This product is an article of agglomerated cork, not natural cork. If it were a simply processed article of natural cork, it should be classified under 4503; if it were a semi-finished product of agglomerated cork (blocks, plates, sheets, strips), it should be classified under 4504.10; if it were a similar article made of other materials (such as plastics or rubber), it would be classified under Chapter 39 or Chapter 40. Therefore, only finished products made entirely of agglomerated cork and not in the forms listed under 4504.10 are classified under 4504.90.
Chapter
Chapter 45 covers cork and articles of cork, including natural cork, agglomerated cork (compressed cork), 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, sound-insulating, and waterproof. This chapter ranges from raw materials (natural cork, waste cork) to semi-finished products (agglomerated cork blocks, sheets, strips) and then to finished products (such as cork stoppers, gaskets, floats, soundproof boards, etc.). Note: This chapter does not include footwear parts made of cork (Chapter 64), mechanical parts (Chapter 84), or toys (Chapter 95), etc.
Heading
Heading 4504 specifically refers to agglomerated cork and articles thereof. Agglomerated cork is a product made by mixing cork granules, particles, or waste cork with adhesive and then molding or extruding it. It can be made into blocks, boards, sheets, strips, rods, and other shapes, or directly into specific articles. This heading includes raw materials of agglomerated cork (such as blocks and boards) and finished products (such as gaskets, seals, sound-insulating and heat-insulating articles, fishing rod grips, etc.), but does not include articles of natural cork (heading 4503) or cork stoppers (heading 4503).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 45: represent Chapter 45 "Cork and articles of cork," covering all goods made from cork as a raw material. Digits 3-4, 04: represent heading 4504, namely "Agglomerated cork and articles thereof," distinguished from 4501 (natural cork, raw), 4502 (natural cork, debacked or roughly squared), and 4503 (articles of natural cork). Digits 5-6, 90: represent subheading 4504.90, namely "Other articles of agglomerated cork," which is the residual subheading under 4504. Under heading 4504 there are also 4504.10 (blocks, plates, sheets, and strips of agglomerated cork) and 4504.90 (other), so 4504.90 covers all finished articles of agglomerated cork other than semi-finished products such as blocks, plates, sheets, and strips.
Classification Basis
This product is an article of agglomerated cork, not natural cork. If it were a simply processed article of natural cork, it should be classified under 4503; if it were a semi-finished product of agglomerated cork (blocks, plates, sheets, strips), it should be classified under 4504.10; if it were a similar article made of other materials (such as plastics or rubber), it would be classified under Chapter 39 or Chapter 40. Therefore, only finished products made entirely of agglomerated cork and not in the forms listed under 4504.10 are classified under 4504.90.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "agglomerated cork gasket," "cork soundproof board," etc., and it must be consistent with the actual goods. Material: State whether it is agglomerated cork and indicate the type of adhesive (such as phenolic resin, rubber, etc.). Shape: Describe the specific shape of the article, such as sheet, strip, ring, block, etc., as well as dimensions. Use: Explain the final use of the article, such as sealing, sound insulation, heat insulation, shock absorption, etc. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, declare "no brand." Specifications and model: Fill in the product's specifications and model, such as thickness, density, dimensions, etc. Processing method: Explain the forming process, such as molding, extrusion, cutting, etc. Product name: Agglomerated cork gasket; Material: Agglomerated cork (containing phenolic resin adhesive); Shape: Circular sheet, diameter 50 mm, thickness 3 mm; Use: Used for automobile engine sealing; Brand: No brand; Specifications and model: D50*3mm; Processing method: Molded. Mistakenly classifying blocks, plates, sheets, and strips of agglomerated cork under 4504.90 when they should actually be classified under 4504.10. Failure to indicate the type of adhesive, resulting in inability to determine whether it is agglomerated cork. Mistakenly declaring articles of natural cork as articles of agglomerated cork, when they should be classified under 4503.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "agglomerated cork gasket," "cork soundproof board," etc., and it must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Declaring it generically as "cork product" without distinguishing between agglomerated and natural.
Material
State whether it is agglomerated cork and indicate the type of adhesive (such as phenolic resin, rubber, etc.).
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring it as "natural cork" or "cork stopper."
Shape
Describe the specific shape of the article, such as sheet, strip, ring, block, etc., as well as dimensions.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring blocks, plates, sheets, and strips as other shapes, resulting in an incorrect subheading.
Use
Explain the final use of the article, such as sealing, sound insulation, heat insulation, shock absorption, etc.
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as "industrial use," and lacks specificity.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, declare "no brand."
⚠️ Ignoring brand declaration, or mistakenly declaring another brand.
Specifications and model
Fill in the product's specifications and model, such as thickness, density, dimensions, etc.
⚠️ Failure to provide key specifications, leading to classification disputes.
Processing method
Explain the forming process, such as molding, extrusion, cutting, etc.
⚠️ Failure to indicate the processing method, making it impossible to determine whether it is agglomerated cork.
Example： Product name: Agglomerated cork gasket; Material: Agglomerated cork (containing phenolic resin adhesive); Shape: Circular sheet, diameter 50 mm, thickness 3 mm; Use: Used for automobile engine sealing; Brand: No brand; Specifications and model: D50*3mm; Processing method: Molded.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying blocks, plates, sheets, and strips of agglomerated cork under 4504.90 when they should actually be classified under 4504.10.
Failure to indicate the type of adhesive, resulting in inability to determine whether it is agglomerated cork.
Mistakenly declaring articles of natural cork as articles of agglomerated cork, when they should be classified under 4503.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the material is agglomerated cork, that is, cork granules mixed and formed with adhesive; 2) whether the shape is blocks, plates, sheets, or strips (classified under 4504.10) or other shapes (classified under 4504.90); 3) whether the use falls within the exclusions of Chapter 45 (such as mechanical parts, toys, etc.). Only articles that are both made of agglomerated cork and not in the shapes of 4504.10 are classified under 4504.90. 4504.10 Blocks, plates, sheets, and strips of agglomerated cork: 4504.10 covers only semi-finished shapes such as blocks, plates, sheets, and strips, while 4504.90 covers finished articles in other shapes, such as gaskets, rings, stoppers, etc. 4503.10 Cork stoppers of natural cork: 4503 covers articles of natural cork, made of natural cork rather than agglomerated cork; 4504.90 covers articles of agglomerated cork. 3926.90 Other articles of plastics: If the main material of the article is plastics, even if it contains cork components, it should be classified under Chapter 39; 4504.90 requires the article to be wholly or basically composed of agglomerated cork. 8484.10 Sealing gaskets: 8484.10 covers sealing gaskets for machinery. If an agglomerated cork gasket is specially used for mechanical sealing, it may be classified under 8484, but this must be determined based on material and use. 4501.10 Natural cork, raw: 4501 covers unworked cork, while 4504.90 covers articles of agglomerated cork, with different degrees of processing. Is the material agglomerated cork? Is the shape not blocks, plates, sheets, or strips? Is it made entirely of agglomerated cork? Does the use exceed the scope of Chapter 45? Is there any conflict with Chapter 39, Chapter 40, Chapter 84, etc.?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the material is agglomerated cork, that is, cork granules mixed and formed with adhesive; 2) whether the shape is blocks, plates, sheets, or strips (classified under 4504.10) or other shapes (classified under 4504.90); 3) whether the use falls within the exclusions of Chapter 45 (such as mechanical parts, toys, etc.). Only articles that are both made of agglomerated cork and not in the shapes of 4504.10 are classified under 4504.90.
Confused Codes：
4504.10 - Blocks, plates, sheets, and strips of agglomerated cork
4504.10 covers only semi-finished shapes such as blocks, plates, sheets, and strips, while 4504.90 covers finished articles in other shapes, such as gaskets, rings, stoppers, etc.
4503.10 - Cork stoppers of natural cork
4503 covers articles of natural cork, made of natural cork rather than agglomerated cork; 4504.90 covers articles of agglomerated cork.
3926.90 - Other articles of plastics
If the main material of the article is plastics, even if it contains cork components, it should be classified under Chapter 39; 4504.90 requires the article to be wholly or basically composed of agglomerated cork.
8484.10 - Sealing gaskets
8484.10 covers sealing gaskets for machinery. If an agglomerated cork gasket is specially used for mechanical sealing, it may be classified under 8484, but this must be determined based on material and use.
4501.10 - Natural cork, raw
4501 covers unworked cork, while 4504.90 covers articles of agglomerated cork, with different degrees of processing.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material agglomerated cork?
✓ Is the shape not blocks, plates, sheets, or strips?
✓ Is it made entirely of agglomerated cork?
✓ Does the use exceed the scope of Chapter 45?
✓ Is there any conflict with Chapter 39, Chapter 40, Chapter 84, etc.?
❓ FAQ
How can one determine whether a cork product is agglomerated cork or natural cork? Agglomerated cork is made by mixing and pressing cork granules with adhesive, and its surface shows a granular texture with uniform density; natural cork is processed from whole bark and retains natural pores and texture. It can be determined by microscopic observation or by reviewing the production process. Should an agglomerated cork gasket be classified under 4504.10 or 4504.90? If the gasket is in sheet form and has not been further processed into a specific shape, it may be classified under 4504.10; if it has been punched into a specific shape such as circular or ring-shaped, it is classified under 4504.90. The key is whether it is in the basic shape of "blocks, plates, sheets, or strips." How should a rubber seal containing cork granules be classified? If rubber is the main material and cork is only a filler, it should be classified under Chapter 40; if cork is the main material and it has the characteristics of agglomerated cork, it is classified under 4504. This must be determined based on the proportion of components and essential character. What is the difference in declaration between branded and unbranded agglomerated cork products? If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, declare "no brand." The brand itself does not affect classification, but it may involve customs protection of intellectual property rights and must be declared truthfully. Under which code should an agglomerated cork board used for sound insulation be classified? If it is in board form, it is classified under 4504.10; if it has been cut into a specific shape or combined with other materials, it may be classified under 4504.90 or other chapters. This must be determined based on the specific form and use. Are special documents required when exporting agglomerated cork products? Generally, no special documents are required, but if endangered species are involved (such as certain cork from endangered tree species), a CITES certificate must be provided. In addition, quarantine requirements of the importing country for cork products must be met. How can one check the import tariff rate for 4504.90? The latest tariff rate can be checked through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or the official website of the customs authority of a third country. Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement (such as RCEP), and the latest official publication should be taken as authoritative. What is the difference in classification between agglomerated cork products and cork stoppers? If a cork stopper is made of natural cork, it is classified under 4503.10; if it is made of agglomerated cork and is stopper-shaped, it is still classified under 4504.90 (because it is not a block, plate, sheet, or strip). However, if an agglomerated cork stopper is used for wine bottles, it may be classified according to its specific use.
Q: How can one determine whether a cork product is agglomerated cork or natural cork?
A: Agglomerated cork is made by mixing and pressing cork granules with adhesive, and its surface shows a granular texture with uniform density; natural cork is processed from whole bark and retains natural pores and texture. It can be determined by microscopic observation or by reviewing the production process.
Q: Should an agglomerated cork gasket be classified under 4504.10 or 4504.90?
A: If the gasket is in sheet form and has not been further processed into a specific shape, it may be classified under 4504.10; if it has been punched into a specific shape such as circular or ring-shaped, it is classified under 4504.90. The key is whether it is in the basic shape of "blocks, plates, sheets, or strips."
Q: How should a rubber seal containing cork granules be classified?
A: If rubber is the main material and cork is only a filler, it should be classified under Chapter 40; if cork is the main material and it has the characteristics of agglomerated cork, it is classified under 4504. This must be determined based on the proportion of components and essential character.
Q: What is the difference in declaration between branded and unbranded agglomerated cork products?
A: If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, declare "no brand." The brand itself does not affect classification, but it may involve customs protection of intellectual property rights and must be declared truthfully.
Q: Under which code should an agglomerated cork board used for sound insulation be classified?
A: If it is in board form, it is classified under 4504.10; if it has been cut into a specific shape or combined with other materials, it may be classified under 4504.90 or other chapters. This must be determined based on the specific form and use.
Q: Are special documents required when exporting agglomerated cork products?
A: Generally, no special documents are required, but if endangered species are involved (such as certain cork from endangered tree species), a CITES certificate must be provided. In addition, quarantine requirements of the importing country for cork products must be met.
Q: How can one check the import tariff rate for 4504.90?
A: The latest tariff rate can be checked through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or the official website of the customs authority of a third country. Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement (such as RCEP), and the latest official publication should be taken as authoritative.
Q: What is the difference in classification between agglomerated cork products and cork stoppers?
A: If a cork stopper is made of natural cork, it is classified under 4503.10; if it is made of agglomerated cork and is stopper-shaped, it is still classified under 4504.90 (because it is not a block, plate, sheet, or strip). However, if an agglomerated cork stopper is used for wine bottles, it may be classified according to its specific use.
⚠️ 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.