Natural Cork Gasket Washers from Japan
These are thin, circular washers made from compressed natural cork used as gaskets in machinery and plumbing to create seals. They fall under HTS 4503.90.20.00 as articles of natural cork specifically shaped as washers. The porous structure of cork provides excellent compressibility and sealing properties.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92, articles the product of Japan, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 less than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• Verify the cork is natural (not agglomerated) via supplier certification to avoid reclassification under 4504
• Include material composition documentation; ensure no synthetic binders exceed allowable limits for Chapter 45
• Check for contamination with plastics or rubber, which could shift classification to Chapter 39 or 40