Dark Air-Cured Kentucky Fire-Cured Tobacco Strips from Japan
These are strips of dark air-cured tobacco grown in Kentucky, fire-cured to develop a robust, smoky flavor profile ideal for pipe tobacco blends. Classified under HTS 2401.30.27.40 as dark air-cured Kentucky and Tennessee tobacco refuse intended for use in products other than cigarettes, such as chewing tobacco or snuff.
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
• Verify origin documentation to confirm Kentucky/Tennessee production and dark air-curing process for quota eligibility under US Note 1
• Provide end-use certification proving tobacco is for non-cigarette products to avoid reclassification
• Monitor annual quantitative limits for dark air-cured tobacco; exceedance triggers higher duty rates