Insulation, coated or not coated, of compressed cork

HTS code 4504.10.20.00 classifies imports of: Insulation, coated or not coated, of compressed cork. This line sits within Chapter 45 (Natural cork, raw or simply prepared; waste cork; crushed, granulated or ground cork:), Section IX (Wood and Articles of Wood; Cork; Plaiting Materials), and is catalogued as a tariff line in the USITC 2026 Basic Edition. Duty is calculated against units of quantity: m3, kg. Getting the classification right is the single most important step in import compliance — a wrong code can mean overpayment of duty, shipment delays, or penalties at the border.

The general (MFN / Column 1 General) rate for HTS 4504.10.20.00 is Free, which applies to most trading partners of the United States. No special preferential rate is listed for this line, so FTA origin alone will not reduce the general duty. The Column 2 rate of Free applies to imports from non-MFN countries such as Cuba and North Korea — a much higher historical "full" tariff. Because the general rate is Free, most imports under this code enter the US without duty, though anti-dumping, countervailing, or Section 301 tariffs can still apply depending on country of origin.

Footnotes: [{"columns": ["general"], "value": "See 9903.88.03.", "type": "endnote"}]. Beyond the published rate, importers should check for Section 201 safeguards, Section 301 China tariffs, and any active AD/CVD orders that can materially change the real landed cost. Always verify the classification with a licensed customs broker before committing to a supply contract — this page is a research tool, not a customs ruling.