Chapter 45 HS Codes: Chapter 45 Commodities
CHAPTER DEFINITION & SCOPE
HS Chapter 45 of the WCO Harmonized System covers chapter 45 commodities. It groups 4 4-digit WCO headings and 7 6-digit subheadings under the official 2026 customs nomenclature [USITC HTS 2026].
Chapter
Ch 45
Headings
4 Headings
Subheadings
7 HS6
US Tariff Status
Active 2026
Chapter 45 4-Digit Headings Directory
| Heading | WCO Heading Description | Subheading Count | Directory Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heading 4501 | Natural cork, raw or simply prepared; waste cork; crushed, granulated or ground cork | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 4501 → |
| Heading 4502 | Natural cork, debacked or roughly squared, or in rectangular (including square) blocks, plates, sheets or strip (including sharp-edged blanks for corks or stoppers) | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 4502 → |
| Heading 4503 | Articles of natural cork | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 4503 → |
| Heading 4504 | Agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance) and articles of agglomerated cork | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 4504 → |
Chapter 45 Subheading Sample & MFN Duty Rates
| HS Code | Subheading Description | Heading | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4501.10 | Natural cork, raw or simply prepared | 4501 | View 4501.10 → |
| 4501.90 | Natural cork, raw or simply prepared; waste cork; crushed, granulated or ground cork, Other | 4501 | View 4501.90 → |
| 4502.00 | Natural cork, debacked or roughly squared, or in rectangular (including square) blocks, plates, sheets or strip (including sharp-edged blanks for corks or stoppers) | 4502 | View 4502.00 → |
| 4503.10 | Articles of natural cork, Corks and stoppers | 4503 | View 4503.10 → |
| 4503.90 | Articles of natural cork, Other | 4503 | View 4503.90 → |
| 4504.10 | Agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance) and articles of agglomerated cork, Blocks, plates, sheets and strip; tiles of any shape; solid cylinders, including disks | 4504 | View 4504.10 → |
| 4504.90 | Agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance) and articles of agglomerated cork, Other | 4504 | View 4504.90 → |
EXPERT CLASSIFICATION PRO TIPS
Common Pitfalls When Classifying Chapter 45 Goods
- Always review WCO Section and Chapter Legal Notes before assigning 4-digit headings.
- Distinguish carefully between unprocessed raw materials and further prepared or processed articles.
- Verify Partner Government Agency (PGA) flags for agriculture, food, or chemical items.
- Cross-reference official CBP CROSS rulings for binding precedents on mixed or composite goods.
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
USITC HTS Chapter 45 Tariff ↗
United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CBP CROSS Rulings ↗
Customs Rulings Online Search System for Chapter 45 binding classification precedents.
WCO HS Nomenclature ↗
World Customs Organization international 6-digit Harmonized System backbone standard.
U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗
U.S. Census Bureau trade statistics and Schedule B concordance portal.
Chapter 45 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What commodities are covered under HS Chapter 45?
Chapter 45 (Chapter 45 Commodities) covers WCO Harmonized System 4-digit headings from 4501 upward, encompassing primary goods, raw materials, and manufactured articles within this nomenclature section.
How many 4-digit headings exist in HS Chapter 45?
Chapter 45 contains 4 official 4-digit WCO headings and 7 6-digit tariff subheadings.
What is the US general import duty range for Chapter 45 commodities?
Base customs duties under Chapter 45 range from 0.0% (Duty-Free) up to representative MFN rate limits depending on 10-digit HTS statistical suffix extensions.
Do Section 301 China tariffs apply to Chapter 45 imports?
Section 301 tariffs depend on specific 8-digit HTS subheadings. Importers must verify if their exact HTS code appears on USTR Lists 1 through 4A.
Are Partner Government Agency (PGA) permits required for Chapter 45?
PGA message-set flags (such as FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA, or CITES) apply conditionally depending on the commodity classification within Chapter 45.
How are products classified between adjacent headings in Chapter 45?
Classification follows WCO General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 through 6, prioritizing specific heading terms over general descriptions.
Can Chapter 45 goods enter duty-free under USMCA or Free Trade Agreements?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in USMCA member states (US, Mexico, Canada) or FTA partners enter duty-free under SPI code P, KR, AU, or CL with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Chapter 45 shipments?
Eligible commercial shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day may enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal entry of Chapter 45 goods?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, and entry summary CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer obtain a binding CBP ruling for Chapter 45?
Importers may submit an e-Ruling application under 19 CFR Part 177 to CBP National Commodity Specialist Division.