Tobacco; partly or wholly stemmed or stripped

HS code 240120 covers tobacco that has been partially or fully stemmed or stripped. This industry is a crucial component of the global tobacco supply chain, providing raw materials for the production of various tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco. The trade in tobacco products is a significant contributor to the international economy, with many countries relying on tobacco exports as a source of revenue.

The production of tobacco under HS code 240120 involves several key steps. After harvesting, the tobacco leaves are cured, either through air-curing or flue-curing, to reduce their moisture content. The cured leaves are then sorted and graded based on factors such as color, texture, and quality. Finally, the leaves are partially or fully stemmed and stripped, removing the central stem and any remaining veins or impurities, to prepare the tobacco for further processing or packaging.

The main inputs required for the production of tobacco under HS code 240120 include the raw tobacco leaves, which are typically grown in regions with suitable climates and soil conditions. Additionally, specialized machinery and equipment, such as curing barns, sorting tables, and stemming machines, are necessary for the various processing steps. Labor, energy, and transportation resources are also important inputs in this industry.

The primary output of HS code 240120 is partially or fully stemmed and stripped tobacco, which is then used as an input for the production of various tobacco products. These products may fall under other HS codes, such as 240220 Cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes, of tobacco or of tobacco substitutes, 240310 Smoking tobacco, whether or not containing tobacco substitutes in any proportion, and 240391 Homogenised or reconstituted tobacco, among others.