Cork Granules Flooring Material
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4504103000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4503906000 | 49.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4503102000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3918901000 | 40.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
πΏ Cork Granules Flooring Material (Agglomerated Cork)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Cork Granules Flooring"?
Cork granules flooring is an eco-friendly, resilient building material made by crushing natural cork bark into particles and binding them together under heat and pressure. In international trade, the classification depends heavily on the form of the product (tiles vs. rolls vs. bulk granules) and the binding substance used.
Key Distinction:
- Agglomerated Cork Blocks/Tiles/Sheets: These are pre-formed flooring materials. They fall under Chapter 45 (Cork and Articles of Cork).
- Loose Cork Granules (Unbound): If sold as raw material for further processing, they may fall under different headings, but floor coverings specifically imply a finished or semi-finished flooring product.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the product is pre-formed into tiles, rolls, sheets, or strips for direct installation as flooring β It is Agglomerated Cork.
- If it is natural cork articles (e.g., solid cork stoppers) β It is Natural Cork.
- Most "Cork Granules Flooring" sold as ready-to-install tiles or rolls is classified under HS 4504 (Agglomerated Cork).
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Reference)
Based on the provided , here are the relevant HS Codes for cork-related flooring and cork products:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4504.10.30.00 |
Agglomerated cork (with or without binding substance): Blocks, plates, sheets and strip; tiles of any shape; solid cylinders, including disks: Floor coverings | Direct Match: Pre-formed cork tiles, rolls, or sheets for flooring installation | 0.0% | β Best Fit for "Cork Granules Flooring" in tile/roll form |
4503.90.60.00 |
Articles of natural cork: Other: Other | Non-flooring cork products (e.g., cork boards, craft items) | 0.0% | β Not for flooring |
4503.10.20.00 |
Articles of natural cork: Corks and stoppers: Tapered... | Wine bottle stoppers | 25.0% | β Not for flooring |
3918.90.10.00 |
Floor coverings of plastics, whether or not self-adhesive... | PVC/Plastic vinyl flooring | 0.0% | β Not cork |
π Important Note:
- HS4504.10.30.00is the correct classification for cork granules flooring when it is manufactured into tiles, rolls, or sheets.
- The term "Agglomerated Cork" explicitly covers cork granules bound together.
- Do not confuse with plastic flooring (3918) or natural cork stoppers (4503.10).
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Additions)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 November 10 (and onwards)
π― 1. 4504.10.30.00 β Agglomerated Cork Floor Coverings
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 (USITC) Surcharge | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (if value β€ $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:4504.10.30.00 |
π Explanation:
- Cork flooring (agglomerated) enjoys a 0% tariff under current US trade policy.
- No additional Section 301 or IEEPA surcharges apply to this HS Code.
- This makes cork flooring a highly cost-effective import compared to many other building materials.
β οΈ Comparison with Other Cork Products:
- Natural Cork Stoppers (
4503.10.20.00): Subject to 25% total tariff due to trade tensions. - Do Not Confuse: Importing "cork granules" as raw material may have different rules, but flooring products (tiles/rolls) are clearly under
4504.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Agglomerated Cork Flooring Tiles/Rolls," not just "Cork" |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Include: Composition (100% agglomerated cork), binding agent type (e.g., phenolic resin), thickness, dimensions |
| β HS Code Justification | βοΈ | Reference: "Classified under HTS 4504.10.30.00 as agglomerated cork floor coverings" |
| β Photo of Product & Packaging | βοΈ | Show tiles/rolls, labels, and any certification marks |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | If binding agents contain chemicals, may be required for safety compliance |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βAgglomerated Cork, Not Natural Cork; Tiles/Rolls, Not Granules!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Cork flooring sold as tiles or rolls | 4504.10.30.00 |
Misdeclare as 4503 (Natural Cork) β Risk of 25% tax |
| Loose cork granules (for further processing) | May require different HS (e.g., 4504.10.90) |
Declare as "Flooring" β Customs rejection |
| Cork underlayment (foam + cork) | May be classified as 4504 or 5602 depending on structure |
Misdeclare as "Textile" β Higher tax |
π Critical Reminder:
- Agglomerated cork is NOT natural cork. It is a manufactured product.
- Use terms like "Agglomerated Cork Flooring Tiles" or "Cork Vinyl Composite Flooring" (if layered) accurately.
- Avoid vague terms like "Cork Material" or "Cork Parts."
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Cork + PVC Composite Flooring | If cork is the essential character, may still be 4504. If PVC dominates, may be 3918. Consult with customs broker. |
| Self-Adhesive Cork Tiles | Still classified under 4504.10.30.00 if primarily cork. |
| Bulk Cork Granules (Not Flooring) | If not in tile/roll/strip form, may not qualify for 4504.10.30.00. Check HTSUS for bulk granules. |
| Origin: Non-China (e.g., Portugal, Spain) | Still 0% tariff for US imports, but ensure Certificate of Origin for preferential treatment if applicable. |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4504.10.30.00 |
0% | None required | Most favorable tariff |
| π¨π³ China | 4504.10.30.00 |
5% | None | Standard import duty |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4504.10.30.00 |
0% | CE (if applicable) | Duty-free for many origins |
| π¬π§ UK | 4504.10.30.00 |
0% | UKCA | Post-Brexit duty-free |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4504.10.30.00 |
0% | JIS | Duty-free for many origins |
π Conclusion:
- USA offers 0% tariff for agglomerated cork flooring, making it highly competitive.
- EU and UK also offer 0%, but check for anti-dumping duties if applicable.
- China charges 5%, which is still low.
π Part 6: Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring cork flooring as "Natural Cork Articles" (4503)
π Consequence: 25% tariff applied instead of 0%. Loss of profit!
β Mistake 2: Using vague description "Cork Products"
π Consequence: Customs may assign default high tariff rate or hold shipment for inspection.
β Mistake 3: Mixing "Agglomerated Cork" with "Plastic Flooring"
π Consequence: Misclassification β Delays, fines, or reclassification to 3918 (which is 0% but requires different documentation).
β Correct Practice:
"Agglomerated Cork Flooring Tiles, 8mm Thick, 30x30cm, Bound with Phenolic Resin, HTS 4504.10.30.00"
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Time-Saving, Cost-Reducing!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Agglomerated Cork =
4504, Not4503!"
πΉ "Tiles/Rolls = 0% Tariff, Granules = Check HTS!"
πΉ "Accurate Description = Smooth Clearance, High Profit!"
π Pro Tip:
- If importing large quantities, consider applying for a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or Advance Ruling in the US (via CBP) to secure 0% tariff certainty.
- Ensure binding agents are non-toxic to meet green building standards (LEED, BREEAM), adding value to your product.
π£ Action Now:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide product specs + Confirm HS Code
4504.10.30.00
π Let your cork flooring clear customs smoothly, enjoy 0% tariff, and maximize profits!
β¨ Professional customs clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Your every dollar of cost deserves precise calculation!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.