2401.30.27.50 - Virginia fire-cured

This HTS subheading, 2401.30.27.50, specifically classifies Virginia fire-cured unmanufactured tobacco. This category encompasses tobacco leaves that have undergone a curing process involving direct exposure to smoke from burning hardwoods, typically oak or hickory. This method imparts a distinct, smoky aroma and flavor profile to the tobacco, setting it apart from other curing methods.

It is crucial to differentiate this specific type of fire-cured tobacco from its sibling categories. For instance, while 2401.30.27.35 and 2401.30.27.40 also cover fire-cured tobacco, they are limited to specific geographical origins within Kentucky and Tennessee. Subheading 2401.30.27.10, "Flue-cured," represents a fundamentally different curing process where tobacco is dried using heated air without smoke, resulting in a lighter color and different flavor. Similarly, sun-cured varieties (2401.30.27.60) are dried primarily by natural sunlight.

As this subheading represents a leaf node within the HTS database, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the classification hinges on confirming that the unmanufactured tobacco is indeed Virginia-type and has been cured using the fire-curing method. This classification is intended for tobacco refuse specifically intended for use in products other than cigarettes, following the broader scope of its parent category.