2401.30.35.40 - Dark air-cured Kentucky and Tennessee

This HTS classification, 2401.30.35.40, specifically covers dark air-cured tobacco derived from Kentucky and Tennessee. It falls under the broader category of unmanufactured tobacco refuse, further refined to "other" and then specifically to tobacco stems that are cut, ground, or pulverized. The key characteristic defining this subcategory is the curing method: air curing, which involves drying tobacco leaves in barns without artificial heat, and the specific geographical origin of Kentucky and Tennessee.

Distinguishing this classification from its siblings is crucial for accurate import and export declarations. For instance, it differs from 2401.30.35.35, which also pertains to Kentucky and Tennessee tobacco but specifies fire-cured methods, involving the use of wood fires to impart a smoky flavor during the curing process. Similarly, it is distinct from classifications covering flue-cured (2401.30.35.10), Burley (2401.30.35.20), Virginia fire-cured (2401.30.35.50), and Virginia sun-cured (2401.30.35.60) tobaccos, each defined by their unique curing techniques and geographical origins. The "cut, ground or pulverized" aspect indicates that the tobacco stems have undergone mechanical processing to reduce their size.

As a leaf node, 2401.30.35.40 does not have further subcategories. Therefore, the focus remains on understanding the precise criteria for inclusion: tobacco stems that are the refuse from the processing of dark air-cured Kentucky and Tennessee tobacco, and that have been cut, ground, or pulverized. Importers and exporters should ensure that the physical characteristics and processing methods of their goods precisely align with this description to avoid misclassification and potential customs delays.