4501 - Natural cork, raw or simply prepared; waste cork; crushed, granulated or ground cork:

HTS Code 4501 encompasses natural cork in its raw or simply prepared state, as well as waste cork. This classification includes cork that has undergone basic processing, such as cleaning, rough cutting, or agglomeration, but has not been transformed into finished articles. Essentially, it covers the initial forms of cork before it is significantly manufactured.

This category is distinct from other high-level HTS classifications, such as those for live animals (Chapter 01) or other raw materials, by its specific focus on the cork material itself. While the broader Section IX deals with wood and articles of wood, Chapter 45 isolates cork and its derivatives, ensuring specialized treatment for this unique natural product.

Within HTS 4501, further subdivisions are made to distinguish between raw or simply prepared natural cork (4501.10.00.00) and other forms of cork waste or processed cork that do not fit the "raw or simply prepared" description. This differentiation allows for more precise tracking and duty assessment based on the level of preparation or the origin of the cork material.