Dark Air-Cured Kentucky Tobacco Stems from China
Uncured stems from dark air-cured Kentucky tobacco, not cut, ground, or pulverized, classified under HTS 2401.30.23.40 as tobacco refuse intended for use in products other than cigarettes, such as pipe tobacco or chewing tobacco. These stems are a byproduct of leaf processing, retaining natural oils and flavors suitable for blending in non-cigarette tobacco products.
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 U.S
• Note quotas (e.g
• 10,750 MT aggregate); exceeds may trigger higher duties or rejection
• Provide certification that stems are for non-cigarette products (e.g
• pipe tobacco) to avoid reclassification to cigarette subheadings
• Ensure documentation proves stems are not cut/ground/pulverized; common pitfall is improper stemming process description