Fire-Cured Kentucky Cut Tobacco Stems from China
These are cut tobacco stems sourced from fire-cured Kentucky tobacco plants, processed for use in non-cigarette products like pipe tobacco or chewing tobacco. They fall under HTS 2401.30.25.35 as cut tobacco refuse from fire-cured Kentucky and Tennessee varieties, intended for products other than cigarettes. The fire-curing process imparts a distinctive smoky flavor, making them ideal for blending in premium pipe mixtures.
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 documentation to confirm fire-cured Kentucky or Tennessee type, as quotas apply under U.S. notes; ensure stems are cut/ground and declared for non-cigarette use to avoid reclassification
• Obtain FDA tobacco product import alerts and provide lab analysis for residue compliance