2401.20.83.55 - Virginia sun-cured

This classification pertains to Virginia sun-cured unmanufactured tobacco, which has undergone partial or complete stemming and stripping, followed by threshing or a similar processing method. This category specifically captures tobacco leaves dried using natural sunlight, often involving a period of air-curing and then further processing to separate the leaf from the midrib, making it ready for use in manufactured tobacco products.

The distinction from sibling categories lies in the specific curing process. While other classifications at this level might cover flue-cured, burley, Maryland, fire-cured, or dark-air cured tobacco, this code exclusively identifies tobacco that has been cured primarily by exposure to the sun. The "Virginia sun-cured" designation highlights this unique drying method, which influences the tobacco's flavor profile, aroma, and chemical composition, differentiating it from tobaccos cured by artificial heat, controlled airflow, or other methods.

As this is a leaf node in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, classification under 2401.20.83.55 relies solely on confirming that the unmanufactured tobacco is Virginia sun-cured, has been stemmed or stripped, and has been threshed or similarly processed, intended for use in products other than cigarettes. This precise identification ensures accurate duty assessment and trade statistics.