Agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance) and articles of agglomerated cork
HS v2022 Code: 4504
About agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance) and articles of agglomerated cork
HS code 4504 covers the production and trade of agglomerated cork, a versatile material derived from the bark of cork oak trees. Agglomerated cork is widely used in a variety of applications, including construction, insulation, and the manufacture of consumer goods. As a renewable and environmentally-friendly material, the global agglomerated cork industry plays a significant role in the broader economy, providing a sustainable alternative to many traditional materials.
Production process
The production of agglomerated cork involves grinding or shredding natural cork into small pieces, which are then combined with a binding agent, such as resin or latex. This mixture is then compressed and molded into the desired shape or form. The specific production techniques may vary depending on the intended use of the final product, but the core process of agglomerating and binding the cork particles remains consistent.
Production inputs
The primary input for the agglomerated cork industry is, of course, natural cork harvested from cork oak trees. In addition to the raw cork material, the industry also relies on various binding agents, such as resins and latexes, as well as specialized machinery for grinding, mixing, and molding the agglomerated cork products. Energy sources, such as electricity or natural gas, are also important inputs for the manufacturing process.
Production outputs
The main outputs of the agglomerated cork industry are a diverse range of products, including insulation materials, construction components, flooring, and consumer goods like wine stoppers and coasters. These agglomerated cork products are often used as inputs for other industries, such as 4411 Fiberboard of wood or other ligneous materials and 4412 Plywood, veneered panels and similar laminated wood.
Family tree for agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance) and articles of agglomerated cork
graph LR
A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/45'>45: Cork and articles of cork</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/4504'>4504: Agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance) and articles of agglomerated cork</a>"]
A --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/4501'>4501: Natural cork, raw or simply prepared; waste cork; crushed, granulated or ground cork</a>"]
A --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/4502'>4502: Natural cork, debacked or roughly squared, or in rectangular (including square) blocks, plates, sheets or strip, (including sharp-edged blanks for corks or stoppers)</a>"]
A --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/4503'>4503: Cork; articles of natural cork</a>"]
B --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/450410'>450410: Cork; blocks, plates, sheets and strip, tiles of any shape, solid cylinders (including discs), of agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance)</a>"]
B --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/450490'>450490: Cork; articles of agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance), n.e.c. in heading no. 4504</a>"]
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