Blackfat Tobacco Leaf Strips from China
Blackfat tobacco consists of dark, oily leaves from the Nicotiana rustica variety, partly or wholly stemmed but not threshed, used primarily in pipe blends and chewing tobacco. It falls under HTS 2401.20.57.30 as unmanufactured tobacco that is stripped, not containing wrapper tobacco or over 35% wrapper, and specifically classified as blackfat. This subtype is known for its high nicotine content and robust flavor.
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
• Verify origin against US quota limits (e.g
• 3,000 MT for Philippines); exceedances shift to higher duty rates
• Provide lab certification confirming <35% wrapper tobacco and blackfat variety to avoid reclassification
• Include phytosanitary certificates; watch for FDA tobacco regulations on unmanufactured imports