Cork; articles of agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance), n.e.c. in heading no. 4504

HS code 450490 covers a wide range of products made from agglomerated cork, a versatile and sustainable material. Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, primarily grown in the Mediterranean region. The cork industry plays a significant role in the economies of countries like Portugal, Spain, and Algeria, providing employment and contributing to the export market. These cork-based products find applications in various industries, including construction, packaging, and consumer goods, making them an important part of the global trade landscape.

The production of agglomerated cork products typically involves a multi-step process. First, the raw cork is harvested from the trees, cleaned, and sorted based on quality. The cork is then ground or shredded into smaller pieces, which are then mixed with a binding agent, such as resin or latex. This mixture is then compressed and molded into the desired shape, such as sheets, tiles, or blocks. Finally, the agglomerated cork products may undergo additional finishing processes, such as sanding or coating, to enhance their appearance and performance.

The primary input for the production of agglomerated cork products is, of course, the raw cork material. Cork is a renewable and sustainable resource, as the bark of the cork oak tree can be harvested every 9-12 years without damaging the tree. In addition to the raw cork, the industry also requires binding agents, such as resins or latexes, as well as specialized machinery for grinding, mixing, and molding the cork into the final products. Energy sources, such as electricity or natural gas, are also necessary for the various production steps.

The main outputs of HS code 450490 are a diverse range of agglomerated cork products, including cork tiles, sheets, blocks, and other articles. These cork-based materials find applications in 441820 Building and construction works of cork, 420500 Other articles of leather or of composition leather, 392690 Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914, n.e.c., and 940600 Prefabricated buildings, among others. The versatility of these cork products allows them to be used in a wide variety of industries, from construction and packaging to consumer goods and insulation.