Product classification
HS code for Pipe tobacco: 2403.19
Tobacco, smoking, other than water pipe tobacco, whether or not containing tobacco substitutes in any proportion.
Classification of pipe tobacco under HS 2403.19
Pipe tobacco is classified under HS code 2403.19. Chapter 24 deals with tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes. Heading 2403 covers other manufactured tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes, including "homogenized" or "reconstituted" tobacco, tobacco extracts, and essences. Subheading 2403.19 specifically refers to smoking tobacco that is not intended for water pipes (shisha). This includes tobacco that has been cut, shredded, or otherwise manufactured for use in a traditional smoking pipe. The classification depends on the intended use and the physical processing of the tobacco leaves into a format suitable for pipe smoking. Unlike cigarettes or cigars, pipe tobacco is usually sold in loose form in tins, pouches, or bulk containers. The essential characteristic for 2403.19 is that it is "smoking tobacco," which distinguishes it from smokeless tobacco like snuff or chewing tobacco. Customs authorities may perform laboratory analysis to ensure the product does not contain the high glycerin or molasses content typical of water pipe tobacco, which would move it to a different subheading.
- Covers
- Loose leaf pipe tobacco
- Flake and navy cut tobacco
- Aromatic and non-aromatic pipe blends
- Ribbon cut smoking tobacco
- Plug and rope tobacco for pipes
- Also under 2403.19
- Drum Original
- Golden Virginia
- Mac Baren Mixture
- Captain Black Royal
- Copenhagen Snuff
Codes often confused with 2403.19
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is 2403.11, which is specifically for water pipe (shisha/hookah) tobacco. Pipe tobacco is also sometimes confused with 2401 (unmanufactured tobacco) if the processing is minimal, or 2403.99 (other manufactured tobacco) if it is not clearly for smoking. It must also be distinguished from 2402.10 (cigars) and 2402.20 (cigarettes), which are finished smoking articles rather than loose tobacco.
Top exporters and importers of HS 240319 (the code used for pipe tobacco), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 240319 (the code used for pipe tobacco) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% 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 240319, not only pipe tobacco.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $787M 16% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $781M 15% of world exports
- 3 Poland $739M 15% of world exports
World total: $5.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $887M 18% of world imports
- 2 Italy $573M 12% of world imports
- 3 Spain $375M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $4.8B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 pipe tobacco
Brazil classifies pipe tobacco under NCM 2403.19.00: HS 2403.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pipe tobacco
What is the HS code for Pipe tobacco?
The HS code for Pipe tobacco is 240319 (Tobacco; smoking, other than water pipe tobacco, whether or not containing tobacco substitutes in any proportion). The HS code for smoking tobacco intended for pipes (excluding water pipe tobacco) is 2403.19.
How do I classify Pipe tobacco for customs?
Pipe tobacco is classified under HS code 240319 — Tobacco; smoking, other than water pipe tobacco, whether or not containing tobacco substitutes in any proportion. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is shisha tobacco classified under the same code as pipe tobacco?
No, shisha (water pipe) tobacco is classified under HS code 2403.11, whereas traditional pipe tobacco is classified under 2403.19.
Which countries are the top exporters of pipe tobacco (HS 240319)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 240319 (the code used for pipe tobacco) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($787M, 16% of world exports), the Netherlands ($781M) and Poland ($739M). World exports came to about $5.0B, 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 pipe tobacco (HS 240319)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 240319 (the code used for pipe tobacco) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($887M, 18% of world imports), Italy ($573M) and Spain ($375M). World imports came to about $4.8B, 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 Pipe tobacco the same in all countries?
The base HS code 240319 for Pipe tobacco 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 pipe tobacco in Brazil?
In Brazil, pipe tobacco (HS 240319) is classified under NCM 2403.19.00.