Natural Cork Place Mats
Natural cork place mats are rectangular mats cut from natural cork sheets to protect dining tables from hot plates and spills. They fall under tariff item 4503.90.00 as other tableware articles of natural cork, being stylish and sustainable dining accessories. The chapter's legal notes do not exclude these, as they are not footwear, headgear, or Chapter 95 articles.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the place mats are made of agglomerated cork
Agglomerated cork articles are classified under heading 4504.
If the place mats are made of plastic with a cork layer
Plastic tableware is classified under Chapter 39.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify the place mats are made entirely of natural cork; if they have a vinyl or fabric backing, classification may shift
• Describe the product as a table mat to support the tariff item
• Consider the cork's origin for potential duty reductions under free trade agreements
Related Products under Tariff item 4503.90.00
Acoustic Cork Wallcovering Rolls
Rolled wallcoverings made of natural cork with embedded paper reinforcement, designed for sound absorption in studios and offices. The paper backing provides structural stability while the cork surface delivers acoustic performance. Classified under 4503.90.00 as other articles of natural cork.
Cork Bookends
Heavy, wedge-shaped bookends carved from dense natural cork to support books on shelves. They are stylish and stable, serving as functional office or library accessories.
Cork Bottle Stopper Disks
Flat, disk-shaped pieces of natural cork used as stoppers or liners in wine and spirit bottles. They provide an airtight seal due to cork's natural elasticity, ensuring product freshness.
Cork Bulletin Board
A rectangular board surfaced with thin natural cork sheets for pinning notes and photos, typically framed with wood or metal. The cork surface provides a reusable pinning area while the frame adds structural support. Classified under 4503.90.00 as other articles of natural cork.
Cork Bullet Seal Wafers
Wafers of natural cork crimped into bullet casings for ammunition sealing. They provide a wad-like expansion seal, commonly used in shotshells to keep propellant in place.
Cork Camera Lens Mount Disks
Cork disks used to cushion lens mounts in vintage cameras against shock. They restore original damping and vibration isolation in camera equipment.