Cork; natural cork, raw or simply prepared

HS code 450110 covers natural cork, raw or simply prepared. Cork is a natural material harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, primarily grown in the Mediterranean region. It is a versatile and sustainable material with a wide range of applications, including in the construction, packaging, and consumer goods industries. The cork industry plays a significant role in the economies of cork-producing countries, providing employment and contributing to rural development.

The production of natural cork involves the periodic harvesting of the cork bark from cork oak trees, typically every 9-12 years. The bark is carefully removed without damaging the tree, and the harvested cork is then sorted, boiled, and dried. This process helps to stabilize the cork and prepare it for further processing or use in its raw form.

The primary input for the cork industry is the cork oak tree 440310 Cork oak, which is cultivated in specific regions with the right climatic conditions. In addition to the raw cork material, the industry requires specialized equipment for harvesting, processing, and transporting the cork. Energy sources, such as fuel for boiling and drying the cork, are also important inputs.

The main output of the 450110 industry is raw or simply prepared natural cork, which can be used in a variety of applications. This includes the production of 450190 Waste cork; crushed, granulated or ground cork for insulation and other uses, as well as the manufacture of 450200 (Natural cork, debacked or roughly squared, or in rectangular (including square) blocks, plates, sheets or strip, (including sharp-edged blanks for corks or stoppers)) for use in the production of cork stoppers, cork flooring, and other cork-based products.