Product classification
HS code for Tobacco substitute cigars: 2402.90
Cigars, cigarillos and cheroots, containing tobacco substitutes including the weight of every band, wrapper or attachment thereto.
Classification of tobacco substitute cigars under HS 2402.90
Cigars containing tobacco substitutes are classified under HS code 2402.90. This heading covers cigars, cheroots, cigarillos, and cigarettes that do not contain tobacco but are intended to be smoked in a similar manner. The classification includes the weight of any bands, wrappers, or attachments. This code is essential for distinguishing herbal or non-tobacco smoking products from traditional tobacco products found in 2402.10. The primary factor for classification here is the absence of the Nicotiana tabacum plant. Even if the product mimics the appearance and function of a cigar, the use of alternative leaves like lettuce, clover, or other herbs necessitates the use of 2402.90. This category also encompasses products that may contain nicotine but are derived from sources other than the tobacco plant, provided they are in the form of a cigar or cigarette.
- Covers
- Herbal cigars
- Cigars made from lettuce leaves
- Tobacco-free cigarillos
- Cheroots containing tobacco substitutes
- Non-tobacco smoking sticks
- 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. The most common misclassification is 2402.10, which is strictly for cigars containing tobacco. Importers often fail to distinguish between the physical form (cigar) and the material composition (substitute). Additionally, some electronic smoking devices are incorrectly placed here, but they generally belong in 2404 or 8543 depending on their nature.
Top exporters and importers of HS 240290 (the code used for tobacco substitute cigars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 240290 (the code used for tobacco substitute 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 tobacco substitute 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 tobacco substitute cigars
Brazil classifies tobacco substitute 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 tobacco substitute cigars
What is the HS code for Tobacco substitute cigars?
The HS code for Tobacco substitute cigars is 240290 (Cigars, cigarillos and cheroots; containing tobacco substitutes including the weight of every band, wrapper or attachment thereto). The HS code for cigars, cheroots, and cigarillos containing tobacco substitutes is 2402.90.
How do I classify Tobacco substitute cigars for customs?
Tobacco substitute 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.
Does the weight of the cigar band count?
Yes, for classification and duty purposes under 2402.90, the weight includes every band, wrapper, or attachment thereto.
Which countries are the top exporters of tobacco substitute cigars (HS 240290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 240290 (the code used for tobacco substitute 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 tobacco substitute cigars (HS 240290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 240290 (the code used for tobacco substitute 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 Tobacco substitute cigars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 240290 for Tobacco substitute 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 tobacco substitute cigars in Brazil?
In Brazil, tobacco substitute cigars (HS 240290) is classified under NCM 2402.90.00.