## Common ground
Both options refer to products made from cork, but only one matches the specific composition of paper-backed cork wall coverings.
## Options at a glance
**4502.00 – Natural cork (raw)**
- **Defining trait:** Made from untreated, natural cork material without added binding or backing.
- **Typical examples:** Cork stoppers, raw cork sheets for crafts, unprocessed cork blocks.
- **Best fit when:** The product is primarily natural cork with no paper layer or adhesive backing.
**4504 – Agglomerated cork (with binding)**
- **Defining trait:** Made by compressing cork particles with a binding agent (like resin), forming a solid, uniform material.
- **Typical examples:** Cork boards, flooring tiles, insulation panels.
- **Best fit when:** The product is manufactured from compressed cork dust and binder, not natural sheets.
## Key differences
| Feature | 4502.00 (Natural) | 4504 (Agglomerated) |
|-----------------------|--------------------------|------------------------------|
| Material source | Whole or raw cork | Recycled cork particles |
| Binding agent | None | Yes (e.g., resin) |
| Surface finish | Natural, rough | Smooth, uniform |
| Backing | No paper or layer | Often has backing or coating |
## How to choose
- Is the product made from whole or untreated cork sheets? → 4502.00
- Is it compressed from cork dust with a binding agent? → 4504
## Overlaps & pitfalls
The product described (cork backed with paper) does not fully match either option as written. **4502.00** applies to raw natural cork, but the paper backing makes it more than just "natural cork." **4504** applies to agglomerated cork, which is typically not paper-backed. The correct classification likely lies outside these two HS codes—possibly under a different category for wall coverings (e.g., 3925 or 4819) if the paper is the primary backing. If forced to choose between the two, **4504** is closer due to the processed nature of the material, but neither perfectly fits. The product’s defining trait—paper-backed cork wall covering—is not clearly covered by either option