Natural cork, raw or simply prepared; waste cork; crushed, granulated or ground cork

HS code 4501 covers the trade and production of natural cork, a versatile and sustainable material derived from the bark of the cork oak tree. As a key component in various industries, natural cork plays a vital role in the global economy, finding applications in packaging, construction, and a wide range of consumer products. This code encompasses the trade of raw or simply prepared cork, as well as waste cork and its processed forms, such as crushed, granulated, or ground cork.

The production of natural cork begins with the harvesting of the cork oak tree's bark, a process that occurs every 9-12 years without harming the tree. The harvested cork is then boiled, cleaned, and sorted based on quality and intended use. Waste cork, generated during the manufacturing process, is often recycled and repurposed, contributing to the industry's sustainability. Further processing, such as granulation or grinding, may be carried out to produce specialized cork products.

The primary input for the natural cork industry is the cork oak tree 4401 Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal, which provides the raw material. Additionally, the industry relies on specialized equipment for harvesting, processing, and transforming the cork into various forms. Energy sources, such as electricity or fuel, are also necessary for the various production stages.

The main outputs of the natural cork industry include raw or simply prepared cork, waste cork, and processed cork products, such as granulated or ground cork. These outputs find applications in a diverse range of industries, including 4503 Articles of natural cork, 4504 (Agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance) and articles of agglomerated cork), and 2503 Sulphur of all kinds, other than sublimed sulphur, precipitated sulphur and colloidal sulphur, where cork is used in applications like bottle stoppers, insulation, and construction materials.