4501.90.40.00 - Crushed, granulated or ground cork

This HTS classification covers cork that has been processed through crushing, granulation, or grinding. These forms of cork are typically derived from natural cork or cork waste and are distinguished by their reduced physical size and altered texture compared to raw or simply prepared cork. The primary characteristic is the fragmentation of the original cork material into smaller, uniform particles, making it suitable for a variety of industrial and commercial applications.

This category is distinct from its sibling, 4501.90.20.00, which specifically pertains to "Waste cork." While crushed, granulated, or ground cork may originate from waste, this classification focuses on the *processed form* of the cork, regardless of its initial source. The key differentiator is the mechanical treatment of crushing, granulating, or grinding, which transforms the material from its raw or waste state into a more refined and usable particulate form.

As a leaf node within the HTS structure, 4501.90.40.00 does not have further subcategories. Classification under this code relies solely on identifying the material as cork that has undergone crushing, granulation, or grinding. Examples of products falling under this classification would include cork granules used as aggregate in construction materials, finely ground cork powder for insulation or acoustic dampening, or larger granulated cork for decorative purposes or as a filler material.