Harmonized System
U.S. imports of Natural Cork, Debacked or Roughly Squared; Blanks for Corks or Stoppers (HS 450200) totaled $67K in August 2026, imported from 4 countries.
Natural Cork, Debacked or Roughly Squared; Blanks for Corks or Stoppers imports of $67K in August 2026 ran 27% above the year-to-date monthly average of $53K.
Last updated: August 2026 dataIntermediate-stage cork — stripped of its outer bark layer, roughly squared into workable forms, or cut into sharp-edged blanks ready for stopper manufacture — occupies a distinct position in the cork supply chain between raw bark (4501) and finished stoppers (4503). All goods in this heading are classified under a single 10-digit line (4502000000), so the commercial grade, dimensions, and intended end use (wine stoppers versus technical closures) do not affect tariff classification but are highly relevant to valuation and quality specifications. The Iberian Peninsula's near-monopoly on cork oak cultivation means supply disruptions from drought or bark-harvest cycle timing can affect availability of these blanks for the global wine and spirits closure industry.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
6 import shipments a month
The key indicators are whether the outer bark (the rough, fissured 'male cork' layer) has been removed (debacking) and whether the material has been cut or shaped into rectangular blocks, plates, or sharp-edged blanks. If the cork arrives as irregular slabs of bark with the outer layer intact and no deliberate shaping, it belongs in 4501. Once debacked or cut to a defined geometric form — even roughly — it moves to 4502. Photographs and supplier processing records are useful supporting documentation.
Yes. Cork blanks remain a plant-derived product subject to USDA APHIS phytosanitary oversight. A phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country is typically required, and APHIS may inspect shipments at the port of entry. Importers should verify current APHIS requirements for the specific country of origin and processing method, as treatment requirements can vary. Consulting a licensed customs broker familiar with plant product entry procedures is advisable for first-time importers.
ImportsExports
Imports
$67KYoY · free account
Exports
$77KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $738K of Natural Cork, Debacked or Roughly Squared; Blanks for Corks or Stoppers and exported $910K.
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Subheading 1 of 1 in heading 4502
Subheading 450200 · $67K of $67K
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4502000000 | Natural Cork Deback/Rgh Sqd in Blks/Sheets/Strips | $67K | 0.00% | 0.00% |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 4502000000 | Natural Cork Deback/Rgh Sqd in Blks/Sheets/Strips | $77K |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 450200 — Natural Cork, Debacked or Roughly Squared; Blanks for Corks or Stoppers, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Portugal and Canada together supply 100% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
100.0% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 0.00% of imports for consumption.