Cut Tobacco Stems for Pipe Blending from China
These are cut tobacco stems derived from flue-cured tobacco, processed by cutting into small pieces suitable for blending into pipe tobacco mixtures. Classified under HTS 2401.30.35.90 as cut tobacco refuse (stems) entered pursuant to U.S. Note 5 quota provisions, the stems serve as a low-cost extender in tobacco products without further manufacturing.
Duty Rate — China → United States
37.5%
Rate breakdown
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)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China
Import Tips
• Verify origin country eligibility under U.S
• Note 5 quotas (e.g
• Brazil up to 80,200 MT annually) and obtain USTR approval if needed
• Provide lab analysis confirming stems are cut/ground/pulverized tobacco refuse, not leaf, to avoid reclassification
• Exclude products from Canada, Israel, or Mexico as they bypass quota subheadings; track aggregate entries from Sep 13 to Sep 12