Cork; waste cork, crushed, granulated or ground cork

HS code 450190 covers a range of cork-based products, including waste cork, crushed cork, granulated cork, and ground cork. Cork is a natural, renewable material harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, primarily grown in the Mediterranean region. This industry plays a significant role in the global economy, providing a versatile raw material for a wide array of applications, from construction and insulation to the production of wine stoppers and other consumer goods.

The production of the products covered by HS code 450190 typically involves a series of processing steps. First, the cork bark is harvested from the cork oak trees, a process that is carefully managed to ensure the sustainability of the resource. The harvested cork is then cleaned, sorted, and processed into the desired forms, such as crushed, granulated, or ground cork, using specialized machinery and equipment.

The primary input for this industry is the raw cork harvested from cork oak trees. Additionally, the production process may require various tools and equipment, such as grinding machines, sifters, and packaging materials. The industry also relies on a skilled workforce to handle the harvesting, processing, and quality control aspects of the operation.

The products covered by HS code 450190 are used in a variety of applications, including the manufacture of 450310 cork stoppers, 450410 cork insulation, and other cork-based products. These outputs are often consumed by industries such as 2203 Beer manufacturing, 2208 Distilled alcoholic beverage production, and the construction sector.