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HSChapter 45
U.S. imports of natural cork, debacked or roughly squared; blanks for corks or stoppers (HS 450200) totaled $102K in April 2026, traded with 3 countries.
Importers of Natural Cork, Debacked or Roughly Squared; Blanks for Corks or Stoppers paid $9K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $86K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Natural Cork, Debacked or Roughly Squared; Blanks for Corks or Stoppers imports of $102K in April 2026 ran 88% above the year-to-date monthly average of $54K.
Last updated: April 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.
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.
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Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4502000000 | NATURAL CORK DEBACK/RGH SQD IN BLKS/SHEETS/STRIPS | $102K | 10.00% | $9K |
NATURAL CORK DEBACK/RGH SQD IN BLKS/SHEETS/STRIPS
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 4502000000 | NATURAL CORK DEBACK/RGH SQD IN BLKS/SHEETS/STRIPS | $12K |
NATURAL CORK DEBACK/RGH SQD IN BLKS/SHEETS/STRIPS
4.0K kg
CORKS AND STOPPERS OF NATURAL CORK
HS 450310
BLOCKS/PLATES/SHEETS/TILE/DISKS ETC OF AGGLOM CORK
HS 450410
AGGLOMERATED CORK & ARTICLES OF AGGLOM CORK, NESOI
HS 450490
WASTE CORK; CRUSHED, GRANULATED OR GROUND CORK
HS 450190
NATURAL CORK, RAW OR SIMPLY PREPARED
HS 450110
ARTICLES OF NATURAL CORK, NESOI
HS 450390
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $69K | -- | -$69K |
| Wisconsin | $17K | -- | -$17K |
| North Carolina | $7K | -- | -$7K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEWARK, NJ | $69K | -- | -$69K |
| DETROIT, MI | $27K | -- | -$27K |
| MIAMI, FL | -- | $6K | +$6K |