2401.20.85.40 - Dark-air cured Kentucky and Tennessee

This HTS classification, 2401.20.85.40, specifically covers dark-air cured Kentucky and Tennessee unmanufactured tobacco that has been threshed or similarly processed, and further processed by being stemmed or stripped. The "dark-air cured" designation refers to a specific curing method where the tobacco leaves are dried using air circulation in barns without artificial heat, resulting in a darker leaf color and a distinct aroma and flavor profile associated with these particular tobacco types.

This subcategory is distinguished from its siblings primarily by the curing method and geographical origin. For instance, 2401.20.85.10 refers to flue-cured tobacco, which is dried using artificial heat, while 2401.20.85.35 covers fire-cured Kentucky and Tennessee tobacco, a distinct curing process utilizing wood smoke. The emphasis here is on tobacco that has undergone the dark-air curing process specifically within the Kentucky and Tennessee regions of the United States, distinguishing it from other air-cured or differently cured tobacco varieties.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Classification under 2401.20.85.40 is therefore contingent upon the tobacco meeting the criteria of being unmanufactured, partly or wholly stemmed/stripped, threshed or similarly processed, and specifically identified as dark-air cured Kentucky and Tennessee tobacco. This level of specificity ensures accurate duty assessment and trade data collection for this niche segment of the tobacco market.