FDA's Center for Tobacco Products requires that foreign manufacturers and importers of tobacco products be registered. Shipments of unmanufactured tobacco leaf may be subject to admissibility review, and importers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable FDA regulations before entry is granted.

The HTS distinguishes tobacco leaf by curing method — flue-cured, air-cured, fire-cured, and sun-cured — as well as by stalk position (wrapper, filler, etc.). Misclassifying the curing method can result in an incorrect duty rate, so laboratory analysis or supplier documentation confirming the curing process is advisable.