Fire-Cured Kentucky Cut Tobacco Stems from China
Cut fire-cured Kentucky tobacco stems are pulverized unmanufactured tobacco refuse derived from the Fire-Cured Kentucky-Tennessee type, processed for use in blends or further manufacturing. Classified under HTS 2401.30.35.35 as cut tobacco stems entered pursuant to U.S. Note 5 quota provisions for fire-cured varieties. These stems provide bulk filler material valued for their robust flavor profile.
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 certificate proving export from quota-eligible countries (e.g
• Brazil, Zimbabwe) before September 13 period; exceeds aggregate limits trigger higher duties
• Include lab analysis confirming fire-cured Kentucky-Tennessee type and pulverized stem composition
• Track annual quota usage via USTR portal to avoid reclassification