2401.30.13.00 - Not cut, not ground and not pulverized

This HTS category, 2401.30.13.00, specifically classifies tobacco stems derived from Oriental or Turkish type tobaccos. These stems are the central vascular tissues found within the tobacco leaf. Crucially, for classification under this subheading, the stems must be in their original, intact form, meaning they have not undergone any cutting, grinding, or pulverizing processes. They are considered "unmanufactured" in the sense that they have not been processed into a usable form for direct consumption or incorporation into manufactured tobacco products, beyond their initial separation from the leaf.

This classification is distinct from its sibling category, 2401.30.16.00, which covers tobacco stems that *have* been cut, ground, or pulverized. The physical state of the tobacco stems is the key differentiator. While both subheadings pertain to tobacco refuse from Oriental or Turkish type tobaccos, the presence or absence of mechanical processing (cutting, grinding, pulverizing) dictates whether the stems fall under 2401.30.13.00 or its sibling.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. The classification is determined solely by the origin (Oriental or Turkish type tobacco), the nature of the material (tobacco stems), and its physical condition (not cut, not ground, and not pulverized). Importers and exporters should ensure that the physical characteristics of the tobacco stems precisely match the description to avoid misclassification.