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SITCSection 1
U.S. imports of cigars, cheroots, cigarillos & cigarettes of tobacco substitutes (SITC 12231) totaled $89K in April 2026, traded with 7 countries.
Importers of Cigars, Cheroots, Cigarillos & Cigarettes of Tobacco Substitutes paid $6K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 7.1% on $87K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Cigars, Cheroots, Cigarillos & Cigarettes of Tobacco Substitutes imports of $89K in April 2026 ran 51% below the year-to-date monthly average of $182K.
Last updated: April 2026 dataSmoke products in cigar, cheroot, cigarillo, and cigarette form made entirely or primarily from tobacco substitutes — such as herbal blends, lettuce leaf, or other non-tobacco plant materials — occupy a regulatory gray zone that has attracted increasing FDA scrutiny as the agency works to define the boundaries of its tobacco product jurisdiction. Products that contain no tobacco or nicotine derived from tobacco may fall outside FDA CTP authority but could still be subject to FTC oversight regarding health claims. Importers should conduct a careful regulatory analysis before entry, as the applicable compliance pathway depends heavily on the specific substitute material and any nicotine content.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
FDA's jurisdiction under the Tobacco Control Act extends to products made or derived from tobacco. Products made entirely from non-tobacco plant materials with no nicotine derived from tobacco may fall outside FDA CTP's authority, but the regulatory boundary is not always clear-cut. Importers should obtain a legal opinion on FDA jurisdiction before importing, particularly for novel substitute materials, to avoid potential enforcement action.
Federal excise tax on tobacco products applies to articles that meet the statutory definition of cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products. Whether a tobacco-substitute product triggers excise tax depends on its composition and how TTB classifies it. Importers should request a TTB ruling or consult a licensed customs broker with tobacco expertise before assuming these products are excise-tax-exempt.
Monthly import values over time
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIGERIA | -- | $755K | +$755K |
| MEXICO | -- | $379K | +$379K |
| DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | -- | $72K | +$72K |
| KOREA, SOUTH | $62K | -- | -$62K |
| ST LUCIA | -- | $49K | +$49K |
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