Tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes

HS code 24 covers a wide range of tobacco products, including raw tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, and other manufactured tobacco substitutes. This industry plays a significant role in the global economy, with tobacco being one of the most widely traded agricultural commodities. The production and consumption of tobacco products have far-reaching economic, social, and public health implications that extend beyond the industry itself.

The production of tobacco products typically involves several key steps. Raw tobacco leaves are first harvested, cured, and processed to remove impurities. The processed tobacco is then blended, cut, and shaped into various forms, such as cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco. Specialized machinery is used to roll, pack, and seal the final products, ensuring consistent quality and presentation.

The primary inputs for the tobacco industry include 12 Oilseeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit for the raw tobacco leaves, as well as various chemicals, additives, and packaging materials. Machinery and equipment used in the production process, such as drying ovens, cutting machines, and packaging lines, are also essential inputs for this industry.

The main outputs of the tobacco industry are 2402 Cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes, of tobacco or of tobacco substitutes, 2403 Other manufactured tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes; 'homogenized' or 'reconstituted' tobacco; tobacco extracts and essences, and 2401 Unmanufactured tobacco; tobacco refuse. These products are consumed by a wide range of end-users, including individual consumers, as well as industries involved in the distribution and retail of tobacco products.