Product classification
HS code for Herbal cigars: 2402.90
Cigars, cigarillos and cheroots, containing tobacco substitutes including the weight of every band, wrapper or attachment thereto.
Classification of herbal cigars under HS 2402.90
Herbal cigars are classified under HS code 2402.90. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on the physical form and the intended use of the product. Heading 2402 covers cigars, cheroots, cigarillos, and cigarettes of tobacco or of tobacco substitutes. Since herbal cigars are manufactured to be smoked in the same manner as traditional tobacco cigars but utilize organic plant matter such as rose petals, lettuce, or clover instead of tobacco leaves, they fall under the "tobacco substitutes" category. The subheading 2402.90 is specifically reserved for these non-tobacco versions. It is important to note that the weight of any bands, wrappers, or attachments is included in the weight for duty calculations. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the product claims medicinal benefits, provided it is intended for smoking. The Harmonized System prioritizes the physical characteristics and the function of the item over its marketing claims. Therefore, even if a product is marketed as a wellness item, if it is rolled in a wrapper and intended to be ignited and inhaled, it remains under 2402.90. This code ensures that customs authorities can apply the appropriate excise taxes and regulatory controls that often mirror those of traditional tobacco products, depending on national legislation.
- Covers
- Herbal cigars made from lettuce leaves
- Clove cigars (containing no tobacco)
- Rose petal cigars
- Tobacco-free cigarillos
- Herbal cheroots
- Also under 2402.90
- Black & Mild (select variants)
- Royal Blunts (hemp wraps)
- various herbal cigar brands
- King Palm Wraps
- High Hemp Wraps
Codes often confused with 2402.90
Common mistake. Herbal cigars are frequently confused with traditional tobacco cigars under HS code 2402.10. The primary difference is the presence of tobacco; 2402.10 is strictly for tobacco-containing products. Another common error is using HS code 2403.99, which is for other manufactured tobacco substitutes like herbal smoking mixtures. However, if the product is in the form of a cigar, 2402.90 takes precedence due to its specific shape and construction.
Top exporters and importers of HS 240290 (the code used for herbal cigars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 240290 (the code used for herbal cigars) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 92% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 240290, not only herbal cigars.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Malaysia $18M 34% of world exports
- 2 United States $15M 29% of world exports
- 3 Tanzania $6.1M 12% of world exports
World total: $52M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $287M 92% of world imports
- 2 DR Congo* ~$4.1M 1.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $3.7M 1.2% of world imports
World total: $314M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for herbal cigars
Brazil classifies herbal cigars under NCM 2402.90.00: HS 2402.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about herbal cigars
What is the HS code for Herbal cigars?
The HS code for Herbal cigars is 240290 (Cigars, cigarillos and cheroots; containing tobacco substitutes including the weight of every band, wrapper or attachment thereto). The HS code for herbal cigars is 2402.90, which covers cigars and cigarillos containing tobacco substitutes.
How do I classify Herbal cigars for customs?
Herbal cigars is classified under HS code 240290 — Cigars, cigarillos and cheroots; containing tobacco substitutes including the weight of every band, wrapper or attachment thereto. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are herbal cigars subject to the same excise taxes as tobacco?
In many jurisdictions, herbal cigars are taxed similarly to tobacco products because they are intended for smoking, though rates may vary by country.
Which countries are the top exporters of herbal cigars (HS 240290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 240290 (the code used for herbal cigars) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($18M, 34% of world exports), the United States ($15M) and Tanzania ($6.1M). World exports came to about $52M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of herbal cigars (HS 240290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 240290 (the code used for herbal cigars) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($287M, 92% of world imports), the DR Congo (about $4.1M) and Malaysia ($3.7M). World imports came to about $314M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Herbal cigars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 240290 for Herbal cigars is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for herbal cigars in Brazil?
In Brazil, herbal cigars (HS 240290) is classified under NCM 2402.90.00.