2401.20.87.55 - Virginia sun-cured

This HTS classification covers unmanufactured tobacco that has been stemmed or stripped, and subsequently threshed or similarly processed. Specifically, HTS 2401.20.87.55 pertains to Virginia sun-cured tobacco. This type of tobacco undergoes a curing process that utilizes direct sunlight to dry and prepare the leaves, contributing to its distinct chemical composition and sensory characteristics.

The "Virginia sun-cured" designation distinguishes this category from its siblings, which are classified based on different curing methods and geographical origins. For instance, while "flue-cured" (2401.20.87.10) and "fire-cured" (2401.20.87.35) tobaccos are processed using artificial heat in enclosed barns, sun-cured tobacco relies on natural solar energy. This difference in processing directly impacts the tobacco's flavor profile, color, and suitability for various end uses in the tobacco industry.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories under HTS 2401.20.87.55. The classification signifies the most granular level for this specific type of processed unmanufactured tobacco within the broader context of stemmed, stripped, and threshed tobaccos. Importers and exporters should ensure that the tobacco being classified demonstrably adheres to the sun-curing method characteristic of Virginia tobacco to correctly utilize this subheading.