Cork and articles of cork (chapter 45): which countries import it
Chapter 45 covers natural cork, agglomerated cork and cork articles. Spain is a major exporter to France, the US and Italy. Cork exports require…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 45 covers natural cork, agglomerated cork and cork articles. Spain is a major exporter to France, the US and Italy. Cork exports require knowledge of tariff codes within the chapter, destination import rules and phytosanitary requirements for raw materials. France alone imported USD 300 million in 2025.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 45
- Sector
- Furniture and Decoration
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| France | 299,925,911 |
| United States | 276,740,074 |
| Italy | 257,421,485 |
| Portugal | 212,298,576 |
| Spain | 197,403,631 |
| Germany | 110,639,572 |
| Mexico | 81,693,616 |
| United Kingdom | 64,723,359 |
| Saudi Arabia | 58,041,699 |
| Chile | 35,591,207 |
| Argentina | 32,390,991 |
| China | 31,596,301 |
| Australia | 29,860,213 |
| Netherlands | 25,172,703 |
| Switzerland | 23,577,269 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Natural cork, raw or simply prepared; waste cork; crushed, granulated or ground corkHeading 4501
- Natural cork, debacked or roughly squared, or in rectangular (including square) blocks, plates, sheets or strip, (including sharp-edged blanks for corks or stoppers)Heading 4502
- Cork; articles of natural corkHeading 4503
- Agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance) and articles of agglomerated corkHeading 4504
Trade fairs in this sector
- Feria Internacional del Mueble e Iluminación de València
- Intergift, Feria Internacional del Regalo y la Decoración
- Maison&Objet
- Salone del Mobile.Milano
What you need to know to export cork products
Spain holds a dominant position in cork supply. Your advantage is proximity to EU markets and established logistics, but competition from Portugal and Italy is intense in finished articles. Check the specific tariff code within chapter 45 before quoting: headings 4501 to 4504 have different rules.
Agglomerated cork products (heading 4504) use binders that must meet chemical safety standards in destination markets: REACH in the EU, TSCA in the US. Request the material safety data sheet from your supplier before exporting.
Packaging standards for cork flooring or decorative articles depend on the buyer's retail requirements, not on regulations. Agree format with the importer at quotation stage to avoid costly rework.
Common questions about exporting cork
What is the difference between natural cork and agglomerated cork for export purposes?
Natural cork (headings 4501-4503) is peeled, processed or cut from the cork oak bark. Agglomerated cork (heading 4504) is made by gluing together cork waste with a binder. Agglomerated cork is cheaper but the binder must comply with chemical standards in the destination market. Choose the heading that matches your product before classifying for export.
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