2401.20.29 - Cigar binder and filler

This HTS subcategory, 2401.20.29, encompasses unmanufactured tobacco that has been partly or wholly stemmed or stripped, but not yet threshed or similarly processed. Within the broader category of "Tobacco, partly or wholly stemmed/stripped: Not threshed or similarly processed: Other," this classification specifically applies to tobacco that does not contain wrapper tobacco or contains not more than 35 percent wrapper tobacco. This distinction is crucial for accurate tariff determination.

The subcategories at this level differentiate based on the specific type of tobacco. "Oriental or Turkish type" would cover aromatic tobaccos typically grown in that region, characterized by their smaller leaves and distinct curing methods. In contrast, "Other" in this context refers to all other unmanufactured tobacco that fits the primary criteria of being stemmed/stripped, not threshed, and not meeting the wrapper tobacco percentage threshold.

The subcategories that follow, 2401.20.29.70 for Binder and 2401.20.29.90 for Filler, further refine the classification based on the intended end-use of the unmanufactured tobacco within the cigar manufacturing process. Binder tobacco is used to hold the filler together, while filler tobacco constitutes the bulk of the cigar's interior. This division acknowledges the distinct physical and chemical properties that make tobacco suitable for each specific role in cigar production.