Whole Tobacco Stems from Brazil from China
Uncured, whole tobacco stems sourced from Brazilian flue-cured tobacco plants, not cut, ground, or pulverized, used primarily in tobacco blending. Classified under HTS 2401.30.33 as tobacco refuse (stems) meeting U.S. Note 5 quota provisions for Brazil (80,200 metric tons annually). These stems are threshed but remain in their natural, intact form for further processing.
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 export date and origin certificate to qualify under U.S
• Note 5 Brazil quota; exceeds 80,200 MT shifts to higher duty subheadings
• Provide documentation proving stems are not cut/ground/pulverized; CBP inspections common for refuse classification
• Avoid entries near September 13 quota reset; use Chapter 98 for duty-free samples but exclude from quota subheading