Virginia Bright Tobacco Seeds from China
Premium seeds from the Virginia Brightleaf tobacco cultivar, designed for sowing in flue-cured production systems to yield light-colored leaves ideal for American blend cigarettes. Fits HTS 1209.99.4170 as 'other' tobacco seeds for sowing per Chapter 12 notes, distinguishing from cereals or spices.
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
• Obtain phytosanitary certificate from exporting country confirming freedom from pests like tobacco blue mold
• Label packages clearly as 'for sowing only' to prevent customs reclassifying as Chapter 24 tobacco products
• Check for varietal restrictions under US seed laws; bulk shipments often trigger additional inspections