Whole Leaf Connecticut Shade Tobacco for Cigars from Japan
Whole, unstemmed leaves of Connecticut Shade tobacco, prized for their light color, slow burn, and smooth flavor in premium cigar wrappers. Classified in HTS 2401.10.21.20 as unmanufactured, not stemmed/stripped wrapper tobacco exceeding 35% wrapper content of the Connecticut Shade variety. Ideal for boutique cigar manufacturers importing for rolling operations.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
Import Tips
• Declare exact wrapper percentage via lab analysis if challenged; must exceed 35% for this subheading
• Track annual quota usage by origin (e.g
• Brazil 80,200 MT) through USTR reports to time imports
• Avoid common pitfall of moisture content misrepresentation, which affects weight-based duties