2401.30.33.40 - Dark air-cured Kentucky and Tennessee

This HTS category, 2401.30.33.40, specifically classifies "Dark air-cured Kentucky and Tennessee" tobacco. This refers to unmanufactured tobacco that has undergone a specific curing process. Air-curing involves allowing the tobacco leaves to dry naturally in well-ventilated barns, away from direct sunlight or artificial heat, leading to a dark color and a distinct flavor profile. The geographical origin, Kentucky and Tennessee, further defines this particular type of dark air-cured tobacco.

It is important to distinguish this classification from its siblings. For instance, "Flue-cured" (2401.30.33.10) and "Burley" (2401.30.33.20) tobacco are cured using different methods, resulting in lighter colors and different chemical compositions. Similarly, "Fire-cured Kentucky and Tennessee" (2401.30.33.35) is cured using wood smoke, imparting a smoky aroma and taste distinct from the air-curing process. Other sibling categories, such as Virginia fire-cured or sun-cured, also represent distinct curing methods and geographical origins that differentiate them from this specific dark air-cured classification.

As a leaf node, HTS code 2401.30.33.40 does not have further subcategories. Therefore, classification under this code hinges entirely on meeting the criteria of being dark, air-cured, and originating from Kentucky or Tennessee, without any further processing such as cutting or grinding, as implied by the broader category of "Not cut, not ground and not pulverized" tobacco stems.