Turkish Oriental Tobacco Seeds from China
Sun-cured Oriental tobacco seeds (Nicotiana tabacum orientalis type) for sowing small-leafed, aromatic plants used in pipe and specialty blends. HTS 1209.99.4170 covers these as other tobacco seeds for sowing, per Chapter 12 excluding leguminous vegetables or Chapter 10 cereals.
Duty Rate — China → United States
35%
Rate breakdown
9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
Import Tips
• Ensure compliance with Tobacco Seed Act equivalents via APHIS; declare germination rates above 80%
• Avoid mixing with filler seeds; pure lots prevent contamination claims and duty disputes
• Document sowing intent with buyer contracts to counter arguments for merchandise classification