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42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977, unless otherwise noted.
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42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977, unless otherwise noted.
As used in these standards, the words and phrases hereinafter defined shall have the indicated meanings so assigned.
The thickness and density of a leaf or the weight per unit of surface. (See Elements of Quality Chart.)
A major division of tobacco based on method of cure or principal usage.
Tobacco is described as clean when it contains only a normal amount of sand or soil particles. Leaves grown on the lower position of the stalk normally contain more sand or dirt than those from higher stalk positions. (See Rule 4.)
The third factor of a grade based on the relative hues, saturations or chromas, and color values common to the type.
The varying degree of saturation or chroma. Color intensity as applied to tobacco describes the strength or weakness of a specific color or hue. (See Elements of Quality Chart.)
As applied to flue-cured tobacco, color symbols are L—lemon, F—orange, FR—orange red, R—red, V—greenish, K—variegated, KR—variegated red or scorched, G—green, GR—green red, GK—green variegated (may be scorched), GG—gray green, KL—variegated lemon, KF—variegated orange, KV—variegated greenish, KM—variegated (scorched) mixed, KD—variegated dark red, and LL—whitish-lemon.
[48 FR 29670, June 28, 1983]
A color or group symbol used with another symbol to form the third factor of a grademark to denote a particular side or characteristic of the tobacco. As applied to flue-cured tobacco, the combination symbols are XL—lug side, PO—oxidized primings, XO—oxidized lugs or cutters, BO—oxidized leaf or smoking leaf, GL—thin-bodied nondescript, GF—medium-bodied nondescript, LP—lemon (primings side), and FP—orange (primings side), KK-excessively scorched.
[48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, as amended at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
The state of tobacco which results from the method of preparation or from the degree of fermentation. Words used to describe the condition of tobacco are: Undried, air-dried, steam-dried, sweating, sweated, and aged.
A subdegree of maturity. Crude leaves are usually hard and slick as a result of extreme immaturity. A similar condition may result from fire-kill, sunburn, or sunscald. Any leaf which is crude to the extent of 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as crude. (See Rule 20.)
Tobacco dried of its sap by either natural or artificial processes.
The effect of mold, must, rot, black rot, or other fungus or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. Tobacco having the odor of mold, must, or rot is considered damaged. (See Rule 21.)
The state of tobacco containing moderate to excessive amounts of dirt or sand, or tobacco to which additional quantities of dirt or sand have been added. (See Rule 24.)
The flexible, springy nature of the tobacco leaf to recover approximately its original size and shape after it has been stretched.
Elements of quality and the degrees used in the specifications of the Official Standard Grades for Flue-cured, U.S. Types 11-14, and Foreign Type 92 are shown in chart form. Words have been selected to describe the degrees of each element.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977, as amended at 49 FR 16755, Apr. 20, 1984]
As applied to flue-cured tobacco, the combination symbol “KK” when used as the third factor of a grademark denotes that a lot contains over 50 percent of unripe tobacco.
[51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
The reflectance factor in color perception. Finish indicates the sheen or shine of the surface of a tobacco leaf.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Any leaf of which 5 percent or more of its surface has a set green color caused by excessive heat in the curing process. Any lot containing 5 percent or more of such tobacco may be described as fire-killed. (See Rule 23.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Tobacco cured under artificial atmospheric conditions by a process of regulating the heat and ventilation without allowing smoke or fumes from the fuel to come in contact with the tobacco; or tobacco cured by some other process which accomplishes the same results.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Any extraneous substance or material such as straw, strings, rubber bands, grass, weeds, or an excessive amount of dirt or sand. (See Rule 24.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
The stage or preparation of tobacco such as stemmed or unstemmed.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A subdivision of a type according to group, quality, and color.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A grademark normally consists of three symbols which indicate group, quality, and color. A letter is used to indicate group, a number to indicate quality, and a letter or letters to indicate color. For example, B3F means Leaf, good quality, orange color.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A color term applied to immature or crude tobacco. Any leaf which has a green color affecting 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as green. (See Rule 19.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A color term applied to greenish-tinged tobacco. Any leaf which has a greenish tinge or a pale green color affecting 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as greenish. (See Rule 18.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A division of a type covering closely related grades based on certain characteristics which are related to stalk position, body, or the general quality of the tobacco. Groups in Flue-cured, U.S. Types 11-14, and Foreign Type 92 are: Leaf (B), Smoking Leaf (H), Cutters (C), Lugs (X), Primings (P) Mixed (M), Nondescript (N), and Scrap (S).
[52 FR 28533, July 31, 1987]
Hurt or impairment from any cause except the fungus or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state, but which is not serious enough to be classified as waste. (See definitions of Damage and Waste; see also Rule 14.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Whole, unstemmed leaf. Leaf, when applied to tobacco in strip form, shall describe the divided unit of a whole leaf.
[49 FR 16755, Apr. 20, 1984. Redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A byproduct of stemmed and unstemmed tobacco.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 49 FR 16755, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
The cell development of a leaf as indicated by its porosity. (See Elements of Quality Chart.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 49 FR 16755, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Yellow.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 49 FR 16755, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
The linear measurement of cured tobacco leaves from the butt of the midrib to the extreme tip. Length, as an element of quality, does not apply to tobacco in strip form.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16755, Apr. 20, 1984, and further redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A pile, basket, bulk, or more than one bale, case, hogshead, tierce, package, or other definite package unit.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 49 FR 16755, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
The degree of ripeness. (See Elements of Quality Chart.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 49 FR 16755, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Distinctly different colors of the type mingled together. (See Rule 16.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 49 FR 16755, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
This group consists of tobacco from three or more groups or two distinctly different groups which are mixed together in various combinations.
[49 FR 16755, Apr. 20, 1984. Redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Any lot of Types 11-14 tobacco which has been loaded, packed or arranged to conceal tobacco of inferior grade, quality or condition. Nested includes: (a) Any lot of tobacco which contains injured or other inferior tobacco, any of which cannot be readily detected upon inspection because of the way the lot is packed or arranged; (b) Any lot of tobacco which consists of distinctly different grades, qualities or conditions and which is stacked or arranged with the same kinds together so that the tobacco in the lower portions of the lot is distinctly inferior in grade, quality or condition from the tobacco in the top portion of the lot.
[52 FR 28534, July 31, 1987]
A designation applied to a lot of tobacco which is offtype, semicured, fire-killed, smoked, oxidized over 10 percent, or has an odor foreign to the type. (See Rule 23.)
[47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982. Redesignated at 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A designation applied to a lot of tobacco that contains stalks, suckers, or foreign matter. (See Rule 24.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A designation applied to a lot of Types 11-14 tobacco which is classified as nested. (See Rule 27.)
[47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982. Redesignated at 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and further redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A soft, semifluid constituent of tobacco. (See Elements of Quality Chart.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Tobacco of distinctly different characteristics which cannot be classified as Flue-cured, U.S. Types 11-14 or Foreign Type 92. (See Rule 23.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and further redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A reddish yellow.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A yellowish red.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
The state of tobacco with respect to its moisture content.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A term applied to tobacco that has deteriorated and turned black during the curing process. Any leaf of which 10 percent or more of its surface has been blackened during the curing process may be described as oxidized. Oxidized tobacco is also known as barn scald or barn rot. (See Rules 23 and 25.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A hogshead, tierce, case, bale, or other securely enclosed parcel or bundle.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A lot of tobacco consisting of a number of packages submitted as one definite unit for sampling or inspecting. It is represented to contain the same kind of tobacco and has a common identification number or mark on each package.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A term used to describe thin-bodied, oilless tobacco usually associated with whitish-lemon color.
[51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986; 51 FR 28687, Aug. 11, 1986]
A condition of growth and development characteristic of the lower leaves of the tobacco plant. Premature leaves have some appearance of ripeness due to a process of starvation caused by translocation of plant food elements from these leaves to other leaves higher on the stalk.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A division of a group or the second factor of a grade based on the relative degree of one or more elements of quality.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Tobacco as it appears between the time of harvesting and the beginning of the curing process.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A brownish red.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Tobacco in the process of being cured or which is partially but not thoroughly cured. Semicured includes tobacco which contains fat stems, swelled stems, frozen tobacco, frozen stems, or stems that have not been thoroughly dried in the curing process. (See Rule 23.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A certain phase of quality, color, or length as contrasted with some other phase of quality, color, or length; or any peculiar characteristic of tobacco.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A term used to denote tobacco having a close or tight leaf structure. Any leaf of lemon or orange color of which 20 percent or more of its surface is close or tight may be described as slick. (See Rule 17.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Any tobacco affected by smoke or fumes in the curing process. (See Rule 23.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Free of damage.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A symbol or term authorized to be used with specified grades. Tobacco to which a special factor is applied may meet the general specifications but which has a peculiar side or characteristic which tends to modify the grade. (See Rules 10, 21, 22, 26, 28, 29, and 30.)
[60 FR 36027, July 13, 1995, as amended at 65 FR 46086, July 27, 2000]
The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage by means of a redrying machine or other steam-conditioning equipment.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
The midrib or large central vein of a tobacco leaf.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A form of tobacco, including strips or strip scrap, from which the stems or midribs have been removed.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
The sides of a tobacco leaf from which the stem has been removed from a lot of tobacco composed of strips.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
The condition of tobacco which has passed through one or more fermentations natural to tobacco packed with a normal percentage of moisture. This condition sometimes is described as aged.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
The condition of tobacco in the process of fermentation.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
As applied to Flue-cured tobacco the symbol (S) when used (a) as the third factor of a grademark, denotes slick, unripe tobacco in lemon or orange color, and (b) when used preceding a grademark, denotes tobacco in strip form. (See Rules 17 and 28.)
[49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984. Redesignated at 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Tobacco as it appears between the time it is primed and cured, and the time it enters into the different manufacturing processes. The acts of stemming, threshing, sweating, and conditioning are not regarded as manufacturing processes. Tobacco, as used in these standards, does not include manufactured or semi-manufactured products, stems, cuttings, clippings, trimmings, siftings, or dust.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and further redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Manufactured tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A division of a class of tobacco having certain common characteristics and closely related grades. Tobacco which has the same characteristics and corresponding qualities, colors, and lengths is classified as one type, regardless of any factors of historical or geographical nature which cannot be determined by an examination of the tobacco.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
That type of flue-cured tobacco commonly known as Western Flue-cured or Old Belt and Middle Belt Flue-cured, produced principally in the Piedmont sections of Virginia and North Carolina and the district extending eastward to the coastal plains region. That portion of this type known as Old Belt Flue-cured, normally characterized by a heavier body and darker color shade and produced principally in the Piedmont sections of Virginia and North Carolina, may be classified as Type 11a; and that portion of the type known as Middle Belt Flue-cured, normally characterized by a thinner body and lighter color shade and produced principally in a section lying between the Piedmont and coastal plains regions of Virginia and North Carolina, may be classified as Type 11b.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
That type of flue-cured tobacco commonly known as Eastern Flue-cured or Eastern Carolina Flue-cured, produced principally in the coastal plains section of North Carolina, north of the South River.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
That type of flue-cured tobacco commonly known as Southeastern Flue-cured or South Carolina Flue-cured, produced principally in the coastal plains section of South Carolina and the southeastern counties of North Carolina, south of the South River.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
That type of flue-cured tobacco commonly known as Southern Flue-cured, produced principally in the southern section of Georgia, in northern Florida, and to some extent in Alabama.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
That type of flue-cured tobacco commonly known as Foreign-grown Flue-cured, produced in countries other than the United States.
[49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984. Redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
The condition of unfermented tobacco which has not been air-dried or steam-dried.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
An element of quality which describes the consistency of a lot of tobacco as it is prepared for market. Uniformity is expressed as a percentage in grade specifications. (See Rule 13.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Damaged. (See Rule 21.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A form of tobacco, including whole leaf and leaf scrap, from which the stems or midribs have not been removed.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Any tobacco that does not blend with the normal colors of the types; any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its surface is grayish, mottled, bleached, doty-faced, scalded, or sunbaked. (See Rule 15.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A dark brownish-red discoloration which usually results from excessive sunbaking during the growing process or from storing cured tobacco over extended periods of time. Any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its surface is dark brownish-red may be described as variegated dark red.
[48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983. Redesignated at 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A red discoloration which usually results from excessive heat in the curing process. Any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its surface has been reddened in the curing process may be described as variegated red or scorched. (See Rule 16.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
The portion or portions of the web of tobacco leaves which have been lost or rendered less serviceable for use in tobacco products, including:
(a) Portions which have decomposed or largely decomposed by field diseases and field-firing, pole-burning, bulk-burning;
(b) portions which are dead, lifeless, and do not have sufficient strength or stability to hold together in the normal manufacturing process due to excessive injury of any kind.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
Any sound tobacco containing excessive moisture to the extent that it is in unsafe or doubtful-keeping order. Wet applies to any tobacco which is not damaged but which is likely to damage if treated in the customary manner. (See Rule 22.)
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
A whitish-yellow color which usually results during wet growing seasons when rain leaches or washes out the yellow color from the leaf. Any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its leaf surface has whitish-yellow color may be described as whitish-lemon.
[48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983. Redesignated at 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
The relative breadth of a tobacco leaf expressed in relation to its length. Width, as an element of quality, does not apply to tobacco in strip form. (See Elements of Quality Chart.)
| Elements | Degrees | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maturity | Immature | Unripe | Mature | Ripe | Mellow. |
| Leaf structure | Tight | Close | Firm | Open | |
| Body | Heavy | Fleshy | Medium | Thin | |
| Oil | Lean | Oily | Rich | ||
| Color intensity | Pale | Weak | Moderate | Strong | Deep. |
| Width | Stringy | Narrow | Normal | Spready | |
| Length | (1 ) | (1 ) | (1 ) | ||
| Uniformity | (2 ) | (2 ) | (2 ) | ||
| Injury tolerance | (2 ) | (2 ) | (2 ) | ||
| Waste tolerance | (2 ) | (2 ) | (2 ) | ||
| 1 Expressed in inches. | |||||
| 2 Expressed in percentage. | |||||
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984, and further redesignated at 51 FR 25027, July 10, 1986]
These standardized words or terms are used to describe tobacco quality and to assist in interpreting grade specifications. Tobacco attributes or characteristics which constitute quality are designated as elements of quality. The range within each element is expressed by the use of words or terms designated as degrees. These several degrees are arranged to show their relative value, but the actual value of each degree varies with group.
The application of these official standard grades shall be in accordance with the following rules.
Each grade shall be treated as a subdivision of a particular type. When the grade is stated in an inspection certificate, the type also shall be stated.
The determination of a grade shall be based upon a thorough examination of a lot of tobacco or of an official sample of the lot.
In drawing an official sample from a hogshead or other package of tobacco, three or more breaks shall be made at such points and in such manner as the inspector or sampler may find necessary to determine the kinds of tobacco and the percentage of each kind contained in the lot. All breaks shall be made so that the tobacco contained in the center of the package is visible to the sampler, except for baled tobacco that is not opened for inspection (see Rule 30). Tobacco shall be drawn from at least three breaks from which a representative sample shall be selected. The sample shall include tobacco of each different group, quality, color, length, and kind found in the lot in proportion to the quantities of each contained in the lot.
[65 FR 46086, July 27, 2000]
All standard grades must be clean unless otherwise noted by a special factor.
The grade assigned to any lot of tobacco shall be a true representation of the tobacco at the time of inspection and certification. If, at any time, it is found that a lot of tobacco does not comply with the specifications of the grade previously assigned, it shall not thereafter be represented as such grade.
A lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two colors shall be placed in the color with which it best corresponds with respect to body or other associated elements of quality.
Any lot of tobacco which meets the specifications of two grades shall be placed in the higher grade. Any lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two grades shall be placed in the lower grade.
A lot of tobacco meets the specifications of a grade when it is not lower in any degree of any element of quality than the minimum specifications of such grade.
The use of any grade may be restricted by the Director during any marketing season when it is found that the grade is not needed or appears in insufficient volume to justify its use.
Any special factor approved by the Director of the Tobacco Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, may be used to show a peculiar side or characteristic of the tobacco which tends to modify the grade.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977, as amended at 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984]
Interpretations, the use of specifications, and the meaning of terms shall be in accordance with determinations or clarifications made by the Chief of the Marketing Programs Branch and approved by the Director.
In determining the grade of a lot of tobacco, the lot as a whole shall be considered. Minor irregularities which do not affect over one percent of the tobacco shall be overlooked.
Degrees of uniformity shall be expressed in terms of percentages. The percentages shall govern the portion of a lot which must meet the specifications of the grade. (These percentages shall not affect limitations established by other rules.) The minor portion must be closely related, but may be of a different group, quality, and color from the major portion.
The application of injury tolerance as an element of quality shall be expressed in terms of a percentage. The appraisal of injury shall be based upon the percentage of affected leaf surface or the degree of injury. In appraising injury, consideration shall be given to the normal characteristics of the group as related to injury.
Any lot of tobacco containing 20 percent or more of variegated tobacco other than variegated red or scorched shall be described as variegated and designated by the color symbol “K,” “KL,” “KF,” “KD,” or “KV.”
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977, as amended at 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983]
Any lot of ripe tobacco which contains 20 percent or more of variegated red or scorched tobacco shall be designated by the color symbol “KR.” Any lot of unripe tobacco which is under 20 percent greenish or green but which contains 20 percent or more of scorched tobacco, or any lot of tobacco which contains 20 percent or more of a color distinctly different from the major color shall be classified as mixed color and designated by the color symbol “KM”. Any lot of unripe tobacco in the C, or B groups which is under 20 percent greenish or green but which contains 50 percent or more of scorched tobacco shall be classified as excessively scorched and designated by the combination symbol “KK”.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977, as amended at 51 FR 25028, July 10, 1986]
Any lot of lemon, or orange colored tobacco containing over 20 percent of slick tobacco shall be designated by the symbol “S” in the X, C, or B groups.
Any lot of mature tobacco in lemon or orange color containing 20 percent or more of greenish tobacco, or any lot which is not green but which contains 20 percent or more of greenish and green tobacco combined shall be designated by the color symbol “V.”
Any lot of tobacco containing 20 percent or more of green tobacco, or any lot which is not crude but contains 20 percent or more of green and crude combined shall be designated by the color symbols “G,” “GR,” “GK,” “GG,” or the combination symbols “GL,” or “GF.”
Crude tobacco shall not be included in any grade of any color except green, green red, green variegated, gray green, or the combination symbols “GL,” or “GF” in the nondescript group. Any lot containing 20 percent or more of crude tobacco shall be classified as nondescript.
Damaged tobacco which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a special factor grade by placing the special factor “U” after the grademark.
Sound tobacco that is wet or in doubtful-keeping order but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a special factor grade by placing the special factor “W” after the grademark.
Tobacco shall be designated by the grademark “No-G,” when it is offtype, semicured, fire-killed, smoked, oxidized over 10 percent, has an odor foreign to the type, or is packed in bales which are not approximately 42 inches wide × 42 inches high × 40 inches long.
[65 FR 46086, July 27, 2000]
Tobacco shall be designated by the grademark, “No-G-F,” when it contains stalks, suckers, or foreign matter such as straw, strings, rubber bands, grass, weeds, or an excessive amount of dirt or sand.
Any lot of tobacco containing 10 percent or less of oxidized tobacco, except as provided in rule 12, shall be designated by the combination symbols “PO,” “XO,” or “BO.” Crude or green tobacco containing 10 percent or less of oxidized shall be grade “N2.”
Tobacco that contains a moderate amount of dirt or sand, but which otherwise meets the specifications of any Primings grade, including the first quality Nondescript from the Primings group, shall be designated by placing the special factor, “dirt” or “sand” after the grademark.
Tobacco in Types 11-14 shall be designated by the grademark “No-G-Nested” when it is nested.
[47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982, as amended at 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984]
Tobacco in strip form which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a special factor grade by placing the special factor “S” preceding the grademark.
[49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984]
Any lot of tobacco containing 25 percent or more of an adjacent group, which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a special factor grade by placing the special factor “M” preceding the grademark.
[60 FR 36028, July 13, 1995]
Any lot of baled tobacco that is not opened for inspection but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be graded by the exterior only.
[65 FR 46086, July 27, 2000]
This group consists of leaves normally grown at or above the midportion of the stalk. Leaves of the B group have a pointed tip, tend to fold, usually are heavier in body than the other groups, and show little or no ground injury.
Grades, Grade Names, Minimum Specifications, and Tolerances
B1L—Choice Quality Lemon Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, rich in oil, deep color intensity, spready, 20 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 90 percent; injury tolerance, 5 percent.
B2L—Fine Quality Lemon Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, rich in oil, deep color intensity, normal width, 18 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 85 percent; injury tolerance, 10 percent.
B3L—Good Quality Lemon Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, oily, strong color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
B4L—Fair Quality Lemon Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, only, moderate color intensity, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
B5L—Low Quality Lemon Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B6L—Poor Quality Lemon Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
B1F—Choice Quality Orange Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, rich in oil, deep color intensity, spready, 20 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 90 percent; injury tolerance, 5 percent.
B2F—Fine Quality Orange Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, rich in oil, deep color intensity, normal width, 18 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 85 percent; injury tolerance, 10 percent.
B3F—Good Quality Orange Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, strong color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
B4F—Fair Quality Orange Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, moderate color intensity, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
B5F—Low Quality Orange Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, weak color intensity, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B6F—Poor Quality Orange Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, weak color intensity, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
B1FR—Choice Quality Orange Red Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, rich in oil, deep color intensity, spready, 20 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 90 percent; injury tolerance, 5 percent.
B2FR—Fine Quality Orange Red Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, rich in oil, deep color intensity, normal width, 18 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 85 percent; injury tolerance, 10 percent.
B3FR—Good Quality Orange Red Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, strong color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
B4FR—Fair Quality Orange Red Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, moderate color intensity, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
B5FR—Low Quality Orange Red Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, weak color intensity, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B6FR—Poor Quality Orange Red Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, weak color intensity, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
B5R—Low Quality Red Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, heavy, lean in oil, weak color intensity, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B3K—Good Quality Variegated Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
B4K—Fair Quality Variegated Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
B5K—Low Quality Variegated Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B6K—Poor Quality Variegated Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
B3KR—Good Quality Variegated Red or Scorched Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance 15 percent.
B4KR—Fair Quality Variegated Red or Scorched Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
B5KR—Low Quality Variegated Red or Scorched Leaf
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B3V—Good Quality Greenish Leaf
Mature, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance 15 percent.
B4V—Fair Quality Greenish Leaf
Mature, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
B5V—Low Quality Greenish Leaf
Mature, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B3KL—Good Quality Variegated Lemon Leaf
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
B4KL—Fair Quality Variegated Lemon Leaf
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
B5KL—Low Quality Variegated Lemon Leaf
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B6KL—Poor Quality Variegated Lemon Leaf
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
B3KF—Good Quality Variegated Orange Leaf
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
B4KF—Fair Quality Variegated Orange Leaf
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
B5KF—Low Quality Variegated Orange Leaf
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B6KF—Poor Quality Variegated Orange Leaf
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
B3KD—Good Quality Variegated Dark Red Leaf
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width, 16 inches (40.6 cm) or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
B4KD—Quality Variegated Dark Red Leaf
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
B5KD—Low Quality Variegated Dark Red Leaf
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B6KD—Poor Quality Variegated Dark Red Leaf
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
B3KM—Good Quality Variegated Mixed Leaf
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
B4KM—Fair Quality Variegated Mixed Leaf
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
B5KM—Low Quality Variegated Mixed Leaf
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B6KM—Poor Quality Variegated Mixed Leaf
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
B3KK Good Quality Excessively Scorched Leaf
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width, 16 inches (40.6 cm) or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
B4KK Fair Quality Excessively Scorched Leaf
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
B5KK Low Quality Excessively Scorched Leaf
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B6KK Poor Quality Excessively Scorched Leaf
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
B4KV—Fair Quality Variegated Greenish Leaf
Unripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 25 percent waste.
B5KV—Low Quality Variegated Greenish Leaf
Unripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
B6KV—Poor Quality Variegated Greenish Leaf
Unripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 40 percent waste.
B3S—Good Quality Slick Leaf
Unripe, close leaf structure, fleshy, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
B4S—Fair Quality Slick Leaf
Unripe, close leaf structure, fleshy, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance, 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
B5S—Low Quality Slick Leaf
Unripe, tight leaf structure, fleshy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B4G—Fair Quality Green Leaf
Immature, close leaf structure, fleshy, oily, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
B5G—Low Quality Green Leaf
Immature, tight leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B6G—Poor Quality Green Leaf
Immature, tight leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
B5GR—Low Quality Green Red Leaf
Immature, tight leaf structure, heavy, lean in oil, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B4GK—Fair Quality Green Variegated Leaf
Immature, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
B5GK—Low Quality Green Variegated Leaf
Immature, tight leaf structure, heavy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
B6GK—Poor Quality Green Variegated Leaf
Immature, tight leaf structure, heavy, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
B5GG—Low Quality Gray Green Leaf
Immature, tight leaf structure, heavy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977, as amended at 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983; 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984; 51 FR 25028, July 10, 1986]
This group consists of leaves normally grown at or above the midportion of the stalk. Leaves of the H group show a high degree of maturity, more open leaf structure in relation to the B Group, and a material amount of injury characteristic of very ripe leaf tobacco.
Grades, Grade Names, Minimum Specifications, and Tolerances
H3F—Good Quality Orange Smoking Leaf
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, strong color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
H4F—Fair Quality Orange Smoking Leaf
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, moderate color intensity, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
H5F—Low Quality Orange Smoking Leaf
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
H6F—Poor Quality Orange Smoking Leaf
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
H4FR—Fair Quality Orange Red Smoking Leaf
Mellow, open leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, moderate color intensity, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
H5FR—Low Quality Orange Red Smoking Leaf
Mellow, open leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, weak color intensity, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
H6FR—Poor Quality Orange Red Smoking Leaf
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
H4K—Fair Quality Variegated Smoking Leaf
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, moderate color intensity, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
H5K—Low Quality Variegated Smoking Leaf
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
H6K—Poor Quality Variegated Smoking Leaf
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977, as amended at 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983; 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984; 51 FR 25028, July 10, 1986]
This group consists of leaves normally grown at or just below the midportion of the stalk. Leaves of the C group have a tendency to roll concealing the stem or midrib. Cutters usually have a rounded tip, are thin to medium in body, and show some ground injury.
Grades, Grade Names, Minimum Specifications, and Tolerances
C1L—Choice Quality Lemon Cutters
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, oily, deep color intensity, spready, 20 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 90 percent, injury tolerance, 5 percent.
C2L—Fine Quality Lemon Cutters
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, oily, deep color intensity, spready, 20 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 85 percent; injury tolerance, 10 percent.
C3L—Good Quality Lemon Cutters
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, oily, strong color intensity, spready, 18 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
C4L—Fair Quality Lemon Cutters
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, moderate color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
C5L—Low Quality Lemon Cutters
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, weak color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
C4LL—Fair Quality Whitish-Lemon Cutters
Unripe, firm leaf structure, thin (papery), lean in oil, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
C5LL Low Quality Whitish-Lemon Cutters
Unripe, firm leaf structure, thin (papery), lean in oil, normal width, 16 inches (40.6 cm) or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
C5LP—Low Quality Lemon Cutters (Primings Side)
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, pale color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
C1F—Choice Quality Orange Cutters
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, oily, deep color intensity, spready, 20 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 90 percent; injury tolerance, 5 percent.
C2F—Fine Quality Orange Cutters
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, oily, deep color intensity, spready, 20 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 85 percent; injury tolerance, 10 percent.
C3F—Good Quality Orange Cutters
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, oily, strong color intensity, spready, 18 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
C4F—Fair Quality Orange Cutters
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, moderate color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
C5F—Low Quality Orange Cutters
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
C5FP—Low Quality Orange Cutters (Primings Side)
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, pale color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, or which not over 10 percent may be waste.
C4KR—Fair Quality Variegated Red or Scorched Cutters
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, moderate color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
C4V—Fair Quality Greenish Cutters
Mature, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
C4KL—Fair Quality Variegated Lemon Cutters
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
C4KF—Fair Quality Variegated Orange Cutters
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
C4KM—Fair Quality Variegated Mixed Cutters
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
C4KK Fair Quality Excessively Scorched Cutters
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body, normal width, 16 inches (40.6 cm) or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance, 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
C4S—Fair Quality Slick Cutters
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
C4G—Fair Quality Green Cutters
Immature, close leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
C4GK—Fair Quality Green Variegated Cutters
Immature, close leaf structure, medium body, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977, as amended at 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983; 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984; 51 FR 25028, July 10, 1986]
This group consists of leaves normally grown near the bottom of the stalk. Leaves of the X group usually have a blunt tip and open face; they show some ground injury characteristic of the group.
Grades, Grade Names, Minimum Specifications, and Tolerances
X1L—Choice Quality Lemon Lugs
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, oily, strong color intensity. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
X2L—Fine Quality Lemon Lugs
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, oily, strong color intensity. Uniformity, 75 percent; injury tolerance 25 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
X3L—Good Quality Lemon Lugs
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, moderate color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
X4L—Fair Quality Lemon Lugs
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, weak color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
X5L—Low Quality Lemon Lugs
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, pale color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 40 percent waste.
X3LL Good Quality Whitish-Lemon Lugs
Unripe, firm leaf structure, thin (papery), lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
X4LL—Fair Quality Whitish-Lemon Lugs
Unripe, firm leaf structure, thin (papery), lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
X1F—Choice Quality Orange Lugs
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, oily, strong color intensity. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
X2F—Fine Quality Orange Lugs
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, oily, strong color intensity. Uniformity, 75 percent; injury tolerance 25 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
X3F—Good Quality Orange Lugs
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, moderate color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
X4F—Fair Quality Orange Lugs
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
X5F—Low Quality Orange Lugs
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, pale color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 40 percent waste.
X3KR—Good Quality Variegated Red or Scorched Lugs
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, moderate color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent, injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
X4KR—Fair Quality Variegated Red or Scorched Lugs
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
X3V—Good Quality Greenish Lugs
Mature, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
X4V—Fair Quality Greenish Lugs
Mature, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
X4KL—Fair Quality Variegated Lemon Lugs
Unripe, close leaf structure, thin. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
X4KF—Fair Quality Variegated Orange Lugs
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
X4KV—Fair Quality Variegated Greenish Lugs
Unripe, firm leaf structure, medium body. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
X3KM—Good Quality Variegated Mixed Lugs
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
X4KM—Fair Quality Variegated Mixed Lugs
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
X3S—Good Quality Slick Lugs
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
X4S—Fair Quality Slick Lugs
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
X4G—Fair Quality Green Lugs
Immature, firm leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
X5G—Low Quality Green Lugs
Immature, firm leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 40 percent waste.
X4GK—Fair Quality Green Variegated Lugs
Immature, close leaf structure, medium body. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977, as amended at 48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983; 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984; 51 FR 25028, July 10, 1986]
This group consists of round-tipped leaves from the lowest portion of the stalk. Leaves of the P group ripen prematurely as a result of starvation and show a material amount of injury characteristic of leaves grown close to the ground.
Grades, Grade Names, Minimum Specifications, and Tolerances
P2L—Fine Quality Lemon Primings
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, thin, oily, moderate color intensity. Uniformity, 75 percent; injury tolerance 25 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
P3L—Good Quality Lemon Primings
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, weak color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
P4L—Fair Quality Lemon Primings
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, pale color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
P5L—Low Quality Lemon Primings
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, pale color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 40 percent waste.
P2F—Fine Quality Orange Primings
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, oily, moderate color intensity. Uniformity, 75 percent; injury tolerance 25 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
P3F—Good Quality Orange Primings
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
P4F—Fair Quality Orange Primings
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, pale color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
P5F—Low Quality Orange Primings
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, pale color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 40 percent waste.
P4G—Fair Quality Green Primings
Immature, firm leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
P5G—Low Quality Green Primings
Immature, firm leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 40 percent waste.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977, as amended at 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984]
This group consists of tobacco from three or more groups or two distinctly different groups which are mixed together in various combinations.
Grades, Grade Names, Minimum Specifications, and Tolerances
M4F—Fair Quality Mixed Groups
Ripe, firm leaf structure, heavy, lean in oil. Injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
M5F—Low Quality Mixed Groups
Ripe, firm leaf structure, heavy, lean in oil. Injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
M4KR—Fair Quality Variegated Red or Scorched Mixed Groups
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil. Injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
M4KM—Fair Quality Variegated Mixed Groups
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy. Injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
M5KM—Low Quality Variegated Mixed Groups
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy. Injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
M4GK—Fair Quality Green Variegated Mixed Groups
Immature, close leaf structure, heavy. Injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
M5GK—Low Quality Green Variegated Mixed Groups
Immature, tight leaf structure, heavy. Injury tolerance, 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
[49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984]
Extremely common tobacco which does not meet the minimum specifications or which exceeds the tolerance of the lowest grade of any other group except Scrap.
Grades, Grade Names, Minimum Specifications, and Tolerances
N1L—
Best Nondescript from the P Group
Tolerance: 50 percent waste.
N1XL—
Best Nondescript from the X Group
Tolerance: 50 percent waste.
N1K—
Best Nondescript from the B or H Groups
Tolerance: 50 percent injury or waste.
N1R—
Best, Heavy, Dark-colored Nondescript from the B Group
Tolerance: 50 percent injury or waste.
N1KV—
Best, Variegated, Medium-bodied Greenish Nondescript from the B Group
Tolerance: 50 percent waste.
N1GL—
Best, Thin, Crude Green Nondescript from the P or X Groups
Tolerance: 50 percent crude or waste.
N1GF—
Best, Fleshy, Medium-colored, Crude Green Nondescript from the B Group
Tolerance: 50 percent crude, injury or waste.
N1GR—
Best, Heavy, Dark-colored, Crude Green Nondescript from the B Group
Tolerance: 50 percent crude, injury or waste.
N1GG—
Best, Crude, Gray Green Nondescript from the B Group
Tolerance: 50 percent crude, injury or waste.
N1PO—
Oxidized Tobacco from the P Group
Tolerance: 50 percent waste.
N1XO—
Oxidized Tobacco from the X or C Groups
Tolerance: 50 percent waste.
N1BO—
Oxidized Tobacco from the B or H Groups
Tolerance: 50 percent injury or waste.
N2—
Poorest Nondescript of any Group or Color
Tolerance: Over 50 percent crude, injury or waste.
Pursuant to Rule 25, this grade also includes crude or green tobacco containing 10 percent or less of oxidized.
[54 FR 7926, Feb. 24, 1989]
A byproduct of stemmed and unstemmed tobacco. Scrap accumulates from handling tobacco in farm buildings, warehouses, packing and conditioning plants, and stemmeries.
Grade, Grade Name and Specifications
S—Scrap. Loose, whole, or broken unstemmed leaves; or the web portion of tobacco leaves reduced to scrap by any process.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977, as amended at 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984]
| B1L | B1F | B1FR | ||
| B2L | B2F | B2FR | ||
| B3L | B3F | B3FR | B3K | |
| B4L | B4F | B4FR | B4K | |
| B5L | B5F | B5FR | B5R | B5K |
| B6L | B6F | B6FR | B6K |
| H3F | |||
| H4F | H4FR | H4K | |
| H5F | H5FR | H5K | |
| H6F | H6FR | H6K |
| C1L | C1F |
| C2L | C2F |
| C3L | C3F |
| C4L | C4F |
| C5L | C5F |
| X1L | X1F |
| X2L | X2F |
| X3L | X3F |
| X4L | X4F |
| X5L | X5F |
| P2L | P2F |
| P3L | P3F |
| P4L | P4F |
| P5L | P5F |
| B3V | X3V | |
| B4V | C4V | X4V |
| B5V |
| B3KL | B3KF | B3KD | ||||||
| B4KL | B4KF | B4KD | B4KV | C4KL | C4KF | X4KL | X4KF | X4KV |
| B5KL | B5KF | B5KD | B5KV | |||||
| B6KL | B6KF | B6KD | B6KV |
| M4F | M4KR | M4KM | M4GK |
| M5F | M5KM | M5GK |
| B4G | B4GK | C4G | C4GK | X4G | X4GK | P4G | ||
| B5G | B5GR | B5GK | B5GG | X5G | P5G | |||
| B6G | B6GK |
| B3KM | X3KM | |
| B4KM | C4KM | X4KM |
| B5KM | ||
| B6KM |
| B3KR | X3KR | |
| B4KR | C4KR | X4KR |
| B5KR |
| B3KK | |
| B4KK | |
| B5KK | |
| B6KK | |
| C4KK |
| B3S | X3S | |
| B4S | C4S | X4S |
| B5S |
| X3LL | C4LL |
| X4LL | C5LL |
| C5LP | C5FP |
| N1L | N1KV | N1GG |
| N1XL | N1GL | N1PO |
| N1K | N1GF | N1XO |
| N1R | N1GR | N1BO |
| N2 |
| S |
Special factors “U” (unsound), “W” (doubtful-keeping order), “S” (strip), and “M” (mixed) may be applied to all grades. The special factors “dirt” or “sand” may be applied to any grade in the Primings group, including first quality Nondescript from the Primings group. Tobacco not covered by the standard grades is designated “No-G,” “No-G-F,” or “No-G-Nested.”
[48 FR 29671, June 28, 1983, as amended at 49 FR 16756, Apr. 20, 1984; 51 FR 25028, July 10, 1986; 52 FR 28534, July 31, 1987; 60 FR 36028, July 13, 1995]
B—Leaf. H—Smoking Leaf. C—Cutters. X—Lugs. P—Primings. M—Mixed Group. N—Nondescript. S—Scrap.
1—Choice. 2—Fine. 3—Good. 4—Fair. 5—Low. 6—Poor.
L—Lemon. LL—Whitish-lemon. F—Orange. FR—Orange red. R—Red. K—Variegated. KR—Variegated red or scorched. G—Green. V—Greenish. GR—Green red. GK—Green variegated. GG—Gray green. KL—Variegated lemon. KF—Variegated orange. KV—Variegated greenish. KM—Variegated mixed. KD—Variegated dark red. LL—Whitish-lemon.
XL—Lug side. PO—Oxidized primings, XO—Oxidized lugs or cutters. BO—Oxidized leaf or smoking leaf. GL—Thin-bodied nondescript. GF—Medium-bodied nondescript. LP—Lemon (primings side). FP—Orange (primings side). KK—Excessively scorched.
S—Slick.
[42 FR 21092, Apr. 25, 1977, as amended at 48 FR 29672, June 28, 1983; 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984; 51 FR 25028, July 10, 1986; 52 FR 28534, July 31, 1987]
Sections 29.2251 to 29.2481, issued under 7 U.S.C. 511m and 511r.
Sections 29.2251 through 29.2481 appear at 37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972, unless otherwise noted.
As used in these standards, the words and phrases hereinafter defined shall have the indicated meanings so assigned.
The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage under natural atmospheric conditions.
The thickness and density of a leaf or the weight per unit of surface. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
A group of colors ranging from a reddish brown to yellowish brown. These colors vary from low to medium saturation and from very low to medium brilliance. As used in these standards, the range is expressed as light brown (L), medium brown (F), and dark brown (D).
A major division of tobacco based on method of cure or principal usage.
Tobacco is described as clean when it contains only a normal amount of sand or soil particles. Leaves grown on the lower portion of the stalk normally contain more dirt or sand than those from higher stalk positions. (See Rule 4, § 29.2395.)
The third factor of a grade based on the relative hues, saturation or chroma, and color values common to the type.
The varying degree of saturation or chroma. Color intensity as applied to tobacco describes the strength or weakness of a specific color or hue. It is applicable to brown colors. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
As applied to this type, color symbols are: L—light brown, F—medium brown, D—dark brown, M—mixed or variegated, G—green, GL—light green, and GD—dark green.
[45 FR 47115, July 14, 1980]
The state of tobacco which results from the method of preparation or from the degree of fermentation. Words used to describe the condition of tobacco are undried, air-dried, steam-dried, sweating, sweated, and aged.
A subdegree of maturity. Crude leaves are usually hard and slick as a result of extreme immaturity. A similar condition may result from fire-kill, sunburn, or sunscald. Any leaf which is crude to the extent of 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as crude. (See Rule 19, § 29.2410.)
Tobacco dried of its sap by either natural or artificial processes.
The effect of mold, must, rot, black rot, or other fungous or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. Tobacco having the odor of mold, must, or rot is considered damaged. (See Rule 20, § 29.2411.)
The state of tobacco containing an abnormal amount of dirt or sand, or tobacco to which additional quantities of dirt or sand have been added. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
The flexible, springy nature of the tobacco leaf to recover approximately its original size and shape after it has been stretched. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
Physical characteristics used to determine the quality of tobacco. Words selected to describe degrees within each element are shown in the chart in § 29.2351.
The term applied to the veins in a tobacco leaf. The large central vein is called the midrib or stem. The smaller lateral and cross veins are considered from the standpoint of size and color.
The reflectance factor in color perception. Finish indicates the sheen or shine of the surface of a tobacco leaf. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
Tobacco cured under artificial atmospheric conditions by the use of open fires from which the smoke and fumes of burning wood are partly absorbed by the tobacco.
Any extraneous substance or material such as stalks, suckers, straw, strings, rubber bands, and abnormal amounts of dirt or sand. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
The stage of preparation of tobacco such as unstemmed or stemmed.
A subdivision of a type according to group, quality, and color.
A grademark normally consists of three symbols which indicate group, quality, and color. A letter is used to indicate group, a number to indicate quality, and a letter or letters to indicate color. For example, B3D means Heavy Leaf, good quality, and dark-brown color.
A term applied to green-colored tobacco. Any leaf which has a green color affecting 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as green. (See Rule 18, § 29.2409.)
A division of a type covering closely related grades based on certain characteristics which are usually related to stalk position, body, or the general quality of the tobacco. Groups in this type are Wrappers (A), Heavy Leaf (B), Thin Leaf (C), Lugs (X), Nondescript (N), and Scrap (S).
Hurt or impairment from any cause except the fungous or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. (See Rule 16, § 29.2407.)
A byproduct of unstemmed tobacco. Leaf scrap results from handling unstemmed tobacco and consists of tangled whole or broken leaves.
The cell development of a leaf as indicated by its porosity. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
The linear measurement of cured tobacco leaves from the butt of the midrib to the extreme tip.
A pile, basket, bulk, or more than one bale, case, hogshead, tierce, package, or other definite package unit.
The degree of ripeness. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
Distinctly different colors of the type mingled together, or any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its surface is off brown, grayish, mottled, or bleached and does not blend with the normal colors of the type or group. (See Rule 17, § 29.2408.)
Any tobacco which has been loaded, packed, or arranged to conceal foreign matter or tobacco of inferior grade, quality, or condition. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
A designation applied to a lot of tobacco classified as nested, offtype, rework, semicured, or premature primings; tobacco that is damaged 20 percent or more, abnormally dirty, extremely wet or watered, contains foreign matter, or has an odor foreign to the type. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
Tobacco of distinctly different characteristics which cannot be classified as Fire-cured, U.S. Type 21. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
A soft, semifluid constituent of tobacco. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
The state of tobacco with respect to its moisture content.
A hogshead, tierce, case, bale, or other securely enclosed parcel or bundle.
A lot of tobacco consisting of a number of packages submitted as one definite unit for sampling or inspection. It is represented to contain the same kind of tobacco and has a common identification number or mark on each package.
Ground leaves harvested before reaching complete growth and development. These leaves lack body and strength. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
A division of a group or the second factor of a grade based on the relative degree of one or more elements of quality.
The condition of tobacco which has passed through a second fermentation under abnormally high temperatures or refermented with a relatively high percentage of moisture. Resweated includes tobacco which has been dipped or reconditioned after its first fermentation and put through a forced or artificial sweat.
Any lot of tobacco which needs to be resorted or otherwise reworked to prepare it properly for market, including: (a) Tobacco which is so mixed that it cannot be classified properly in any grade of the type, because the lot contains a substantial quantity of two or more distinctly different grades which should be separated by sorting; (b) tobacco which contains an abnormally large quantity of foreign matter or an unusual number of muddy or extremely dirty leaves which should be removed; and (c) tobacco not packed straight or otherwise not properly prepared for market. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
Tobacco in the process of being cured or which is partially but not thoroughly cured. Semicured includes tobacco which contains fat stems, wet butts, swelled stems, or stems that have not been thoroughly dried in the curing process. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
Tobacco that is partially or lightly smoked or has not received the amount of smoke that is characteristic of fire-cured tobacco.
[51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
A certain phase of quality, color, or length as contrasted with some other phase of quality, color, or length; or any peculiar characteristics of tobacco.
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The length of tobacco leaves. (See chart, § 29.2371.)
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Free of damage.
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
A symbol or term authorized to be used with specified grades. Tobacco to which a special factor is applied may meet the general specifications but has a peculiar side or characteristic which tends to modify the grade. (See Rule 10, § 29.2401.)
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage by means of a redrying machine or other steam-conditioning equipment.
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The midrib or large central vein of a tobacco leaf.
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
A form of tobacco, including strips and strip scrap, from which the stems or midribs have been removed.
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The stress a tobacco leaf can bear without tearing. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The sides of a tobacco leaf from which the stem has been removed or a lot of tobacco composed of strips.
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Any grade modified by a special factor symbol.
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The condition of tobacco which has passed through one or more fermentations natural to tobacco packed with a normal percentage of moisture. This condition is sometimes described as aged.
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The condition of tobacco in the process of fermentation.
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Tobacco as it appears between the time it is cured and stripped from the stalk, or primed and cured, and the time it enters into the different manufacturing processes. The acts of stemming, sweating, and conditioning are not regarded as manufacturing processes. Tobacco, as used in these standards, does not include manufactured or semimanufactured products, stems, cuttings, clippings, trimmings, siftings, or dust.
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Manufactured tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff.
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
A division of a class of tobacco having certain common characteristics and closely related grades. Tobacco which has the same characteristics and corresponding qualities, colors, and lengths is classified as one type, regardless of any factors of historical or geographical nature which cannot be determined by an examination of the tobacco.
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
That type of fire-cured tobacco, known as Virginia Fire-cured or Dark-fired, produced principally in the Piedmont and mountain sections of Virginia.
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The condition of unfermented tobacco which has not been air-dried or steam-dried.
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
An element of quality which describes the consistency of a lot of tobacco as it is prepared for market. Uniformity is expressed as a percentage in grade specifications. (See Rule 15, § 29.2406.)
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Damaged under 20 percent. (See Rule 20, § 29.2411.)
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
A form of tobacco, including whole leaf and leaf scrap, from which the stems or midribs have not been removed.
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Any sound tobacco containing excessive moisture to the extent that it is in unsafe or doubtful-keeping order. Wet applies to any tobacco which is not damaged but which is likely to damage if treated in the customary manner. (See Rule 21, § 29.2412.) (For extremely wet or watered tobacco, see Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The relative breadth of a tobacco leaf expressed in relation to its length. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
[37 FR 13521, July 11, 1972. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Tobacco attributes or characteristics which constitute quality are designated as elements of quality. The range within each element is expressed by words or terms designated as degrees. These degrees are arranged to show their relative value and are used in determining the quality of tobacco. The actual value of each degree varies with group.
| Elements | Degrees | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Body | Thin | Medium | Heavy. |
| Maturity | Immature | Mature | Ripe. |
| Leaf structure | Close | Firm | Open. |
| Oil | Lean | Oily | Rich. |
| Elasticity | Inelastic | Semielastic | Elastic. |
| Strength | Weak | Normal | Strong. |
| Finish | Dull | Clear | Bright. |
| Color Intensity | Pale | Moderate | Deep. |
| Width | Narrow | Normal | Spready Broad. |
| Uniformity. Expressed in percentages. | |||
| Injury tolerance. Expressed in percentages. | |||
| Inches | Size |
|---|---|
| 12-20 | 1 |
| 20-28 | 2 |
| Over 28 | 3 |
| 1 The application of sizes is governed by the major portion of the lot or package. | |
[51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The application of these official standard grades shall be in accordance with the following rules.
Each grade shall be treated as a subdivision of a particular type. When the grade is stated in an inspection certificate, the type also shall be stated.
The determination of a grade shall be based upon a thorough examination of a lot of tobacco or of an official sample of the lot.
In drawing an official sample from a hogshead or other package of tobacco, two or more breaks shall be made at such points and in such manner as the inspector or sampler may find necessary to determine the kinds of tobacco and the percentage of each kind contained in the lot. All breaks shall be made so that the tobacco contained in the center of the package is visible to the sampler. Tobacco shall be drawn from at least two breaks from which a representative sample shall be selected.
All standard grades must be clean.
The grade assigned to any lot of tobacco shall be a true representation of the tobacco at the time of inspection and certification. If, at any time, it is found that a lot of tobacco does not comply with the specifications of the grade previously assigned it shall not thereafter be represented as such grade.
A lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two colors shall be placed in the color with which it best corresponds with respect to body or other associated elements of quality.
Any lot of tobacco which meets the specifications of two grades shall be placed in the higher grade. Any lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two grades shall be placed in the lower grade.
A lot of tobacco meets the specifications of a grade when it is not lower in any degree of any element of quality than the minimum specifications of such grade.
In determining the grade of a lot of tobacco, the lot as a whole shall be considered. Minor irregularities which do not affect over 1 percent of the tobacco shall be overlooked.
Any special factor symbol approved by the Director of the Tobacco Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, may be used after a grademark to show a peculiar side or characteristic of the tobacco which tends to modify the grade.
Interpretations, the use of specifications, and the meaning of terms shall be in accordance with determinations or clarifications made by the Chief of the Standards and Testing Branch and approved by the Director.
The use of any grade may be restricted by the Director during any marketing season, when it is found that the grade is not needed or appears in insufficient volume to justify its use.
Length shall be stated in connection with each grade of the A, B and C groups and may be stated in connection with the grades of other groups. The standard tobacco sizes shall be used.
[51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The standard tobacco size 2 shall be used to designate X group tobacco of M or G color when such tobacco is 20 inches or over in length.
[51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Uniformity shall be expressed in percentages. These percentages shall govern the portion of a lot which must meet each specification of the grade. The minor portion must be closely related but may be of a different group, quality, and color from the major portion. Specified percentages of uniformity shall not affect limitations established by other rules.
Injury tolerance shall be expressed in percentages. The appraisal of injury shall be based upon the percentage of affected leaf surface or the degree of injury. In appraising injury, consideration shall be given to the normal characteristics of the group.
Any lot of tobacco of the B, C, or X groups containing over 30 percent of mixed color or variegated leaves or over 30 percent of mixed color and variegated leaves combined shall be classified as “mixed” and designated by the color symbol “M.”
Any lot of tobacco containing 20 percent or more of green leaves or any lot which is not crude but contains 20 percent or more of green and crude combined shall be designated by the color symbols “G”, “GL”, or “GD”.
[45 FR 47115, July 14, 1980]
Crude leaves shall not be included in any grade of any color except green, light green, or dark green. Any lot containing 20 percent or more of crude leaves shall be designated nondescript.
[45 FR 47115, July 14, 1980]
Tobacco damaged under 20 percent but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “U” after the grademark. Tobacco damaged 20 percent or more shall be designated “No-G.”
Sound tobacco that is wet or in doubtful-keeping order but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “W” after the grademark. This special factor does not apply to tobacco designated “No-G.”
Tobacco shall be designated No Grade, using the grademark “No-G,” when it is classified as dirty, nested, offtype, semicured, premature primings, damaged 20 percent or more, extremely wet or watered or when it needs to be reworked, contains foreign matter, or has an odor foreign to type.
Tobacco that is semifired but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “SF” after the grademark. This factor does not apply to tobacco designated “No-G”.
[51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
This group consists of leaves usually grown at or above the center portion of the stalk. Cured leaves of the A group show a low percentage of injury affecting wrapper yield. Wrappers are high in oil, very elastic, and have a smooth leaf surface.
| U.S. grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| A1F | Choice Medium-brown Wrappers. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, broad, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| A2F | Fine Medium-brown Wrappers. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| A1D | Choice Dark-brown Wrappers. |
| Heavy, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, broad, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| A2D | Fine Dark-brown Wrappers. |
| Heavy, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. |
This group consists of leaves usually grown at or above the center portion of the stalk. These leaves have a pointed tip, tend to fold, are heavier in body than those of the X or C groups, and show no ground injury. Choice- and fine-quality leaves of this group have a distinctive, smooth leaf surface.
| U.S. grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| B1F | Choice Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, oily, semi-elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, broad, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2F | Fine Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, oily, semi-elastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3F | Good Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4F | Fair Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull-finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5F | Low Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B1D | Choice Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Heavy, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, spready, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2D | Fine Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Heavy, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3D | Good Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Heavy, mature, firm, oily, semi-elastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4D | Fair Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Heavy, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5D | Low Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Heavy, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3M | Good Mixed Color Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength and width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4M | Fair Mixed Color Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5M | Low Mixed Color Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3G | Good Green Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4G | Fair Green Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5G | Low Green Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
This group consists of leaves usually grown at the center portion of the stalk. These leaves normally have a rounded tip, are thinner in body than those of the B group, and show little or no ground injury. Choice- and fine-quality tobacco of this group has a distinctive, smooth leaf surface.
| U.S. grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| C1L | Choice Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, broad, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| Fine Light-brown Thin Leaf. | |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| Good Light-brown Thin Leaf. | |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4L | Fair Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| Low Light-brown Thin Leaf. | |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| Choice Medium-brown Thin Leaf. | |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, broad, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C2F | Fine Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3F | Good Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4F | Fair Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5F | Low Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C2D | Fine Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3D | Good Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, lean in oil, inelastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4D | Fair Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5D | Low Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3M | Good Mixed Color Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength and width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4M | Fair Mixed Color Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5M | Low Mixed Color Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3G | Good Green Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4G | Fair Green Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5G | Low Green Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
This group consists of leaves that normally grow near the bottom of the stalk. These leaves usually have a blunt tip, tend to roll, and show ground injury.
| U.S. grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| X1L | Choice Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, ripe, firm to open, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2L | Fine Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, ripe, firm to open, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3L | Good Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, ripe, open, lean in oil, normal strength, dull finish, pale color intensity, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4L | Fair Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5L | Low Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X1F | Choice Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm to open, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2F | Fine Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm to open, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3F | Good Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Medium body, ripe, open, lean in oil, normal strength, dull finish, pale color intensity, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4F | Fair Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5F | Low Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X1D | Choice Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm to open, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2D | Fine Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm to open, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3D | Good Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, open, lean in oil, normal strength, dull finish, pale color intensity, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4D | Fair Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5D | Low Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3M | Good Mixed Color Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, open, lean in oil, normal strength, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4M | Fair Mixed Color Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5M | Low Mixed Color Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3G | Good Green Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, firm, lean in oil, normal strength, dull finish, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4G | Fair Green Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, immature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5G | Low Green Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, immature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
Extremely common tobacco which does not meet the minimum specifications or which exceeds the tolerance of the lowest grade of any other group except scrap.
| U.S. grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| N1L | First quality light colored nondescript, thin to medium body and 50 percent injury tolerance. |
| N1D | First quality dark colored nondescript, medium to heavy body and 50 percent injury tolerance. |
| N1GL | First quality light colored crude green nondescript, thin to medium body and 50 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. |
| N1GD | First quality dark colored crude green nondescript, medium to heavy body and 50 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. |
| N2 | Substandard Nondescript—Nondescript of any group or color, over 50 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. |
[45 FR 47115, July 14, 1980]
A byproduct of unstemmed and stemmed tobacco. Scrap accumulates from handling tobacco in farm buildings, warehouses, packing and conditioning plants, and stemmeries.
| U.S. grade | Grade name and specifications |
|---|---|
| S | Scrap. Tangled, whole, or broken unstemmed leaves, or the web portions of tobacco leaves reduced to scrap by any process. |
| 4 Grades of wrappers | ||||
| A1F | A2F | A1D | A2D | |
| 20 Grades of thin leaf | ||||
| C1L | C1F | |||
| C2L | C2F | C2D | ||
| C3L | C3F | C3D | C3M | C3G |
| C4L | C4F | C4D | C4M | C4G |
| C5L | C5F | C5D | C5M | C5G |
| 5 Grades of nondescript | ||||
| N1L | N1D | N1GL | N1GD | |
| N2 | ||||
| 16 Grades of heavy leaf | ||||
| B1F | B1D | |||
| B2F | B2D | |||
| B3F | B3D | B3M | B3G | |
| B4F | B4D | B4M | B4G | |
| B5F | B5D | B5M | B5G | |
| 21 Grades of lugs | ||||
| X1L | X1F | X1D | ||
| X2L | X2F | X2D | ||
| X3L | X3F | X3D | X3M | X3G |
| X4L | X4F | X4D | X4M | X4G |
| X5L | X5F | X5D | X5M | X5G |
| 1 Grade of scrap | ||||
| S | ||||
Special factors “U”, “W” and “SF” may be applied to all grades. Tobacco not covered by the standard grades is designated “No-G.”
Standard sizes applicable.
| A1, A2 | 2, 3 |
| B1 | 2, 3 |
| B2, B3, B4, B5 | 1, 2, 3 |
| C1 | 2, 3 |
| C2, C3, C4, C5 | 1, 2, 3 |
| X3, X4, X5, M and G 1 | 2 |
| 1 No size is applied to these grades if tobacco is under size 2. | |
[45 FR 44293, July 1, 1980, as amended at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
A—Wrappers.
B—Heavy Leaf.
C—Thin Leaf.
X—Lugs.
N—Nondescript.
S—Scrap.
1—Choice.
2—Fine.
3—Good.
4—Fair.
5—Low.
L—Light brown.
F—Medium brown.
D—Dark brown.
M—Mixed or variegated.
G—Green.
GL—Light green.
GD—Dark green.
[45 FR 44293, July 1, 1980]
Sections 29.2501 through 29.2696 appear at 37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972, unless otherwise noted.
As used in these standards, the words and phrases hereinafter defined shall have the indicated meanings so assigned.
The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage under natural atmospheric conditions.
The thickness and density of a leaf or the weight per unit of surface. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
A group of colors ranging from a reddish brown to yellowish brown. These colors vary from low to medium saturation and from very low to medium brilliance. As used in these standards, the range is expressed as light brown (L), medium brown (F), and dark brown (D).
A major division of tobacco based on method of cure or principal usage.
Tobacco is described as clean when it contains only a normal amount of sand or soil particles. Leaves grown on the lower portion of the stalk normally contain more dirt or sand than those from higher stalk positions. (See Rule 4, § 29.2620.)
The third factor of a grade based on the relative hues, saturation or chroma, and color values common to the type.
The varying degree of saturation or chroma. Color intensity as applied to tobacco describes the strength or weakness of a specific color or hue. It is applicable to brown colors. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
As applied to these types, color symbols are L—light brown, F—medium brown, D—dark brown, M—mixed or variegated VF—greenish medium brown, and G—green.
The state of tobacco which results from the method of preparation or from the degree of fermentation. Words used to describe the condition of tobacco are undried, air-dried, steam-dried, sweating, sweated, and aged.
A subdegree of maturity. Crude leaves are usually hard and slick as a result of extreme immaturity. A similar condition may result from firekill, sunburn, or sunscald. Any leaf which is crude to the extent of 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as crude. (See Rule 19, § 29.2635.)
Tobacco dried of its sap by either natural or artificial processes.
The effect of mold, must, rot, black rot, or other fungus or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. Tobacco having the odor of mold, must, or rot is considered damaged. (See Rule 20, § 29.2636.)
The state of tobacco containing an abnormal amount of dirt or sand, or tobacco to which additional quantities of dirt or sand have been added. (See Rule 22, § 29.2638.)
The flexible, springy nature of the tobacco leaf to recover approximately its original size and shape after it has been stretched. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
Physical characteristics used to determine the quality of tobacco. Words selected to describe degrees within each element are shown in the chart in § 29.2601.
The term applied to the veins in a tobacco leaf. The large central vein is called the midrib or stem. The smaller lateral and cross veins are considered from the standpoint of size and color.
The reflectance factor in color perception. Finish indicates the sheen or shine of the surface of a tobacco leaf. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
Tobacco cured under artificial atmospheric conditions by the use of open fires from which the smoke and fumes of burning wood are partly absorbed by the tobacco.
Any extraneous substance or material such as stalks, suckers, straw, strings, rubber bands, and abnormal amounts of dirt or sand. (See Rule 22, § 29.2638.)
The stage of preparation of tobacco such as unstemmed or stemmed.
A subdivision of a type according to group, quality, and color.
A grademark normally consists of three symbols which indicate group, quality, and color. A letter is used to indicate group, a number to indicate quality, and a letter or letters to indicate color. For example, B3D means Heavy Leaf, good quality, and dark-brown color.
A term applied to green-colored tobacco. Any leaf which has a green color affecting 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as green. (See Rule 18, § 29.2634.)
A term applied to greenish-tinged tobacco. Any leaf which has a greenish tinge or a pale green color affecting 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as greenish. (See Rule 17, § 29.2633.)
A division of a type covering closely related grades based on certain characteristics which are usually related to stalk position, body, or the general quality of the tobacco. Groups in these types are Wrappers (A), Heavy Leaf (B), Thin Leaf (C), Lugs (X), Nondescript (N), and Scrap (S).
Hurt or impairment from any cause except the fungous or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. (See Rule 15, § 29.2631.)
Whole, unstemmed leaf. Leaf, when applied to tobacco in strip form, shall describe the divided unit of a whole leaf.
[49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A byproduct of unstemmed tobacco. Leaf scrap results from handling unstemmed tobacco and consists of loose and tangled whole or broken leaves.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
The cell development of a leaf as indicated by its porosity. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
The linear measurement of cured tobacco leaves from the butt of the midrib to the extreme tip.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A pile, basket, bulk, or more than one bale, case, hogshead, tierce, package, or other definite package unit.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
The degree of ripeness. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Distinctly different colors of the type mingled together, or any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its surface is off brown, grayish, mottled, or bleached and does not blend with the normal colors of the type or group. (See Rule 16, § 29.2632.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Any lots of Types 22 and 23 tobacco which has been loaded, packed, or arranged to conceal foreign matter or tobacco of inferior grade, quality, or condition. (See Rule 22, § 29.2638.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A designation applied to a lot of tobacco classified as nested, offtype, rework, or semicured; tobacco that is damaged 20 percent or more, abnormally dirty, extremely wet or watered, contains foreign matter, or has an odor foreign to the type. (See Rule 22, § 29.2638.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Tobacco of distinctly different characteristics which cannot be classified as Fire-cured, U.S. Types 22, 23, or Foreign Type 96. (See Rule 22, § 29.2638.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A soft, semifluid constituent of tobacco. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
The state of tobacco with respect to its moisture content.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A hogshead, tierce, case, bale, or other securely enclosed parcel or bundle.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A lot of tobacco consisting of a number of packages submitted as one definite unit for sampling or inspection. It is represented to contain the same kind of tobacco and has a common identification number or mark on each package.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A division of a group or the second factor of a grade based on the relative degree of one or more elements of quality.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Freshly harvested tobacco or tobacco as it appears between the time of harvesting and the beginning of the curing process.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
The condition of tobacco which has passed through a second fermentation under abnormally high temperatures or refermented with a relatively high percentage of moisture. Resweated includes tobacco which has been dipped or reconditioned after its first fermentation and put through a forced or artificial sweat.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Any lot of Types 22 and 23 tobacco which needs to be resorted or otherwise reworked to prepare it properly for market, including: (a) Tobacco which is so mixed that it cannot be classified properly in any grade of the type, because the lot contains a substantial quantity of two or more distinctly different grades which should be separated by sorting; (b) tobacco which contains an abnormally large quantity of foreign matter or an unusual number of muddy or extremely dirty leaves which should be removed; and (c) tobacco not packed straight or otherwise not properly prepared for market. (See Rule 22, § 29.2638.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Tobacco in the process of being cured or which is partially but not thoroughly cured. (See Rule 22, § 29.2638.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Tobacco that is partially or lightly smoked or has not received the amount of smoke that is characteristic of fire-cured tobacco.
[51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
A certain phase of quality, color, or length as contrasted with some other phase of quality, color, or length; or any peculiar characteristic of tobacco.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The length of tobacco leaves. Size does not apply to tobacco in strip form. (See chart, § 29.2606.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and further redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Free of damage.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
A symbol or term authorized to be used with specified grades. Tobacco to which a special factor is applied may meet the general specifications but has a peculiar side or characteristic which tends to modify the grade. (See Rule 10, § 29.2626.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage by means of a redrying machine or other steam-conditioning equipment.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The midrib or large central vein of a tobacco leaf.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
A form of tobacco, including strips and strip scrap, from which the stems or midribs have been removed.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The stress a tobacco leaf can bear without tearing. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The sides of a tobacco leaf from which the stem has been removed or a lot of tobacco composed of strips.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Any grade modified by a special factor symbol.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The condition of tobacco, which has passed through one or more fermentations natural to tobacco packed with a normal percentage of moisture. This condition is sometimes described as aged.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The condition of tobacco in the process of fermentation.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Tobacco as it appears between the time it is cured and stripped from the stalk, or primed and cured, and the time it enters into the different manufacturing processes. The acts of stemming, threshing, sweating, and conditioning are not regarded as manufacturing processes. Tobacco, as used in these standards, does not include manufactured or semimanufactured products, stems, cutting, clippings, trimmings, siftings, or dust.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984, and further redesignated 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Manufactured tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
A division of a class of tobacco having certain common characteristics and closely related grades. Tobacco which has the same characteristics and corresponding qualities, colors, and lengths is classified as one type, regardless of any factors of historical or geographical nature which cannot be determined by an examination of the tobacco.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
That type of Fire-cured tobacco, known as Eastern District Fire-cured, produced principally in a section east of the Tennessee River in southern Kentucky and northern Tennessee.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
That type of Fire-cured tobacco, known as Western District Fire-cured or Dark-fired, produced principally in a section west of the Tennessee River in Kentucky and extending into Tennessee.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
That type of fire-cured tobacco known as Foreign-grown Fire-cured produced in countries other than the United States.
[49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984. Redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The condition of unfermented tobacco which has not been air-dried or steam-dried.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
An element of quality which describes the consistency of a lot of tobacco as it is prepared for market. Uniformity is expressed as a percentage in grade specifications. (See Rule 14, § 29.2630.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Damaged under 20 percent. (See Rule 20, § 29.2636.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
A form of tobacco, including whole leaf and leaf scrap, from which the stems or midribs have not been removed.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Any sound tobacco containing excessive moisture to the extent that it is in unsafe or doubtful-keeping order. Wet applies to any tobacco which is not damaged but which is likely to damage if treated in the customary manner. (See Rule 21, § 29.2637.) (For extremely wet or watered tobacco, see rule 22, § 29.2638.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The relative breadth of a tobacco leaf expressed in relation to its length. Width, as an element of quality, does not apply to tobacco in strip form. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984 and further redesignated at 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Tobacco attributes or characteristics which constitute quality are designated as elements of quality. The range within each element is expressed by words or terms designated as degrees. These degrees are arranged to show their relative value and are used in determining the quality of tobacco. The actual value of each degree varies with group.
| Elements | Degrees | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Body | Thin | Medium | Heavy. |
| Maturity | Immature | Mature | Ripe. |
| Leaf structure | Close | Firm | Open. |
| Oil | Lean | Oily | Rich. |
| Elasticity | Inelastic | Semielastic | Elastic. |
| Strength | Weak | Normal | Strong. |
| Finish | Dull | Clear | Bright. |
| Color intensity | Pale | Moderate | Deep. |
| Width | Narrow | Normal | Spready. |
| Uniformity......Expressed in percentages. | |||
| Injury tolerance...Expressed in percentages. | |||
| Inches | Size |
|---|---|
| 12-20 | 1 |
| 20-28 | 2 |
| Over 28 | 3 |
| 1 The application of sizes is governed by the major portion of the lot or package. | |
[51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
The application of these official standard grades shall be in accordance with §§ 29.2617 through 29.2639.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972, as amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Each grade shall be treated as a subdivision of a particular type. When the grade is stated in an inspection certificate, the type also shall be stated.
The determination of a grade shall be based upon a thorough examination of a lot of tobacco or of an official sample of the lot.
In drawing an official sample from a hogshead or other package of tobacco, two or more breaks shall be made at such points and in such manner as the inspector or sampler may find necessary to determine the kinds of tobacco and the percentage of each kind contained in the lot. All breaks shall be made so that the tobacco contained in the center of the package is visible to the sampler. Tobacco shall be drawn from at least two breaks from which a representative sample shall be selected.
All standard grades must be clean.
The grade assigned to any lot of tobacco shall be a true representation of the tobacco at the time of inspection and certification. If, at any time, it is found that a lot of tobacco does not comply with the specifications of the grade previously assigned it shall not thereafter be represented as such grade.
A lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two colors shall be placed in the color with which it best corresponds with respect to body or other associated elements of quality.
Any lot of tobacco which meets the specifications of two grades shall be placed in the higher grade. Any lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two grades shall be placed in the lower grade.
A lot of tobacco meets the specifications of a grade when it is not lower in any degree of any element of quality than the minimum specifications of such grade.
In determining the grade of a lot of tobacco, the lot as a whole shall be considered. Minor irregularities which do not affect over one percent of the tobacco shall be overlooked.
Any special factor approved by the Director of the Tobacco Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, may be used to show a peculiar side or characteristic of the tobacco which tends to modify the grade.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972, as amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Interpretations, the use of specifications, and the meaning of terms shall be in accordance with determinations or clarifications made by the Chief of the Standards and Testing Branch and approved by the Director.
The use of any grade may be restricted by the Director during any marketing season, when it is found that the grade is not needed or appears in insufficient volume to justify its use.
Length shall be stated in connection with each grade of the A, B, and C groups, except strip grades, and may be stated in connection with the grades of other groups. The standard tobacco sizes shall be used.
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972, as amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984; 51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
Uniformity shall be expressed in percentages. These percentages shall govern the portion of a lot which must meet each specification of the grade. The minor portion must be closely related but may be of a different group, quality, and color from the major portion. Specified percentages of uniformity shall not affect limitations established by other rules.
Injury tolerance shall be expressed in percentages. The appraisal of injury shall be based upon the percentage of affected leaf surface or the degree of injury. In appraising injury, consideration shall be given to the normal characteristics of the group.
Any lot of tobacco of the B, C, or X groups containing over 30 percent of mixed color or variegated leaves or over 30 percent of mixed color and variegated leaves combined shall be classified as “mixed” and designated by the color symbol “M.”
Any lot of tobacco containing 20 percent or more of greenish leaves or any lot which contains 20 percent of greenish and green leaves combined shall be designated by the color symbol “VF.”
Any lot of tobacco containing 20 percent or more of green leaves or any lot which is not crude but contains 20 percent or more of green and crude combined shall be designated by the color symbol “G.”
In the B, C, and X groups crude leaves shall be restricted to the fourth and fifth qualities of green grades. Any lot containing 20 percent or more of crude leaves shall be classified as Nondescript.
Tobacco damaged under 20 percent but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “U” after the grademark. Tobacco damaged 20 percent or more shall be designated “No-G.”
Sound tobacco that is wet or in doubtful-keeping order but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “W” after the grademark. This special factor does not apply to tobacco designated “No-G.”
Tobacco shall be designated No Grade, using the grademark “No-G,” when it is dirty, nested, offtype, semicured, damaged 20 percent or more, extremely wet or watered, or when it needs to be reworked, contains foreign matter, or has an odor foreign to type.
Tobacco in strip form which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “S” preceding the grademark.
[49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Tobacco that is semifired but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “SF” after the grademark. This factor does not apply to tobacco designated “No-G”.
[51 FR 40406, Nov. 7, 1986]
This group consists of leaves usually grown at or above the center portion of the stalk. Cured leaves of this group are elastic and show a low percentage of injury affecting wrapper yield.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| A1F | Choice Medium-brown Wrappers. |
| Thin to medium body, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent of leaves not lower than B1 or C1. | |
| A2F | Fine Medium-brown Wrappers. |
| Thin to medium body, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, spready, 75 percent uniform, and 25 percent of leaves not lower than B2 or C2. | |
| A3F | Good Medium-brown Wrappers. |
| Thin to medium body, ripe, firm oily, elastic, strong, clear finish, moderate color intensity, spready, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent of leaves not lower than B3 or C3. | |
| A1D | Choice Dark-brown Wrappers. |
| Thin to heavy body, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent of leaves not lower than B1 or C1. | |
| A2D | Fine Dark-brown Wrappers. |
| Thin to heavy body, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, spready, 75 percent uniform, and 25 percent of leaves not lower than B2 or C2. | |
| A3D | Good Dark-brown Wrappers. |
| Thin to heavy body, ripe, firm, oily, elastic, strong, clear finish, moderate color intensity, spready, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent of leaves not lower than B3 or C3. |
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972, as amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
This group consists of leaves which are medium to heavy in body.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| B1F | Choice Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, oily, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2F | Fine Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, oily, elastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3F | Good Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4F | Fair Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5F | Low Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B1D | Choice Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm, oily, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 95 percent uniform and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2D | Fine Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm, oily, elastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3D | Good Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4D | Fair Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5D | Low Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3M | Good Mixed Color or Variegated Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4M | Fair Mixed Color or Variegated Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5M | Low Mixed Color or Variegated Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3VF | Good Greenish Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4VF | Fair Greenish Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5VF | Low Greenish Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3G | Good Green Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, firm, oily, semi- elastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4G | Fair Green Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5G | Low Green Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972; 37 FR 15501, Aug. 3, 1972, as amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984; 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
This group consists of leaves that are thin in body.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| C1L | Choice Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, bright finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C2L | Fine Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3L | Good Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, inelastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4L | Fair Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5L | Low Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C1F | Choice Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, bright finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C2F | Fine Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3F | Good Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, inelastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4F | Fair Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5F | Low Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C1D | Choice Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, bright finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C2D | Fine Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3D | Good Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, inelastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4D | Fair Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5D | Low Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3M | Good Mixed Color or Variegated Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, inelastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal, width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4M | Fair Mixed Color or Variegated Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5M | Low Mixed Color or Variegated Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3VF | Good Greenish Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, firm, oily, inelastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4VF | Fair Greenish Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5VF | Low Greenish Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3G | Good Green Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, firm, oily, inelastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4G | Fair Green Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5G | Low Green Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972, as amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
This group consists of leaves that normally grow near the bottom of the stalk. Leaves of the X group usually have a high degree of maturity and show ground injury.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| X1L | Choice Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2L | Fine Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3L | Good Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, normal dull finish, pale color intensity, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4L | Fair Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5L | Low Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X1F | Choice Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2F | Fine Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3F | Good Medium-brown Lugs. Medium body, ripe, firm, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. |
| X4F | Fair Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5F | Low Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X1D | Choice Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2D | Fine Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3D | Good Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4D | Fair Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5D | Low Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to heavy, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3M | Good Mixed Color or Variegated Lugs. |
| Thin to heavy, ripe, firm, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4M | Fair Mixed Color or Variegated Lugs. |
| Thin to heavy, mature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5M | Low Mixed Color or Variegated Lugs. |
| Thin to heavy, mature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3VF | Good Greenish Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Medium body, mature, firm, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4VF | Fair Greenish Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5VF | Low Greenish Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3G | Good Green Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, firm, weak, lean in oil, dull finish, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4G | Fair Green Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, immature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5G | Low Green Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, immature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972, as amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984; 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
Extremely common tobacco which does not meet the minimum specifications or which exceeds the tolerance of the lowest grade of any other group except Scrap.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| N1L | First Quality Light Colored Nondescript. |
| Thin to medium body and 60 percent injury tolerance. | |
| N1D | First Quality Dark Colored Nondescript. |
| Medium to heavy body and 60 percent injury tolerance. | |
| N1GL | First Quality Crude Green Nondescript from the C or B Groups 60 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. |
| N1GX | First Quality Crude Green Nondescript from the X Group 60 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. |
| N2 | Substandard Nondescript. |
| Nondescript of any group or color; over 60 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. |
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972, as amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984; 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
A byproduct of unstemmed and stemmed tobacco. Scrap accumulates from handling tobacco in farm buildings, warehouses, packing and conditioning plants, and stemmeries.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| S | Scrap. |
| Tangled, whole, or broken unstemmed leaves, or the web portions of tobacco leaves reduced to scrap by any process. |
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972, as amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
| 6 Grades of Wrappers | |||
| A1F | A3F | A2D | A3D |
| A2F | A1D | ||
| 19 Grades of Heavy Leaf | |||
| B1F | B1D | B3M | B5VF |
| B2F | B2D | B4M | B3G |
| B3F | B3D | B5M | B4G |
| B4F | B4D | B3VF | B5G |
| B5F | B5D | B4VF | |
| 24 Grades of Thin Leaf | |||
| C1L | C2F | C3D | C3VF |
| C2L | C3F | C4D | C4VF |
| C3L | C4F | C5D | C5VF |
| C4L | C5F | C3M | C3G |
| C5L | C1D | C4M | C4G |
| C1F | C2D | C5M | C5G |
| 24 Grades of Lugs | |||
| X1L | X2F | X3D | X3VF |
| X2L | X3F | X4D | X4VF |
| X3L | X4F | X5D | X5VF |
| X4L | X5F | X3M | X3G |
| X5L | X1D | X4M | X4G |
| X1F | X2D | X5M | X5G |
| 5 Grades of Nondescript | ||||
| N1L | N1D | N1GL | N1GX | N2 |
| 1 Grade of Scrap | ||||
| S | ||||
Special factors “U”, “W”, “S” and “SF” may be applied to all grades. Tobacco not covered by the standard grades is designated “No-G.”
| A1, A2, A3 | 2, 3 |
| B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 | 1, 2, 3 |
| C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 | 1, 2, 3 |
[37 FR 13626, July 12, 1972, as amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984; 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
A—Wrappers.
B—Heavy Leaf.
C—Thin Leaf.
X—Lugs.
N—Nondescript.
S—Scrap.
1—Choice.
2—Fine.
3—Good.
4—Fair.
5—Low.
L—Light brown.
F—Medium brown.
D—Dark brown.
M—Mixed or variegates.
VF—Greenish medium brown.
G—Green.
Sections 29.3001 through 29.3182 appear at 24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959, unless otherwise noted.
As used in these standards, the words and phrases hereinafter defined shall have the indicated meanings so assigned.
Tobacco cured under natural atmospheric conditions. Artificial heat is sometimes used to control excess humidity during the curing period to prevent house-burn and barn-burn in damp weather. Air-cured tobacco should not carry the odor of smoke or fumes resulting from the application of artificial heat.
The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage under natural atmospheric conditions.
The thickness and density of a leaf or the weight per unit of surface. (See Elements of quality.)
That type of air-cured tobacco, commonly known as Burley, produced principally in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and Missouri.
That type of air-cured tobacco commonly known as Foreign-grown Burley, produced in countries other than the United States.
[49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A light yellow slightly shaded toward red.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959; 24 FR 9121, Nov. 10, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A major division of tobacco based on method of cure or principal usage.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Tobacco is described as clean when it contains only a normal amount of sand or soil particles. Leaves grown on the lower portion of the stalk normally contain more dirt or sand than those from higher stalk positions. (See Rule 20.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
The third factor of a grade, based on the relative hues, saturations or chroma, and color values common to the type.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
The varying degree of saturation or chroma. Color intensity as applied to tobacco describes the strength or weakness of a specific color or hue. It is applicable to all colors except variegated. Color intensity is reversed in its application to grades of greenish and green tobaccos and is omitted from these grade specifications. (See Elements of quality.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
As applied to Burley, single color symbols are as follows: L—buff, F—tan, R—red, D—dark red, K—variegated, M—mixed color, V—greenish, and G—green.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959, as amended at 35 FR 10490, June 27, 1970. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
As applied to Burley, combination color symbols are as follows: FL—tannish buff, FR—tannish red, VF—greenish tan, VR—greenish red, GF—green tan, and GR—green red. (See rules 17 and 18.)
[51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
The state of tobacco which results from the method of preparation or from the degree of fermentation. Words used to describe the condition of tobacco are as follows: Undried, air-dried, steam-dried, sweating, sweated, and aged. Burley is air-dried or steam-dried for storage and aging.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A subdegree of maturity. Crude leaves are usually hard and slick as a result of extreme immaturity. A similar condition may result from sunburn or sunscald. Any leaf which is crude to the extent of 20 percent of its leaf surface may be described as crude. (See Rule 19.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959; 24 FR 9121, Nov. 10, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Tobacco dried of its sap by either natural or artificial processes.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
The effect of mold, must, rot, black rot, or other fungous or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. Tobacco having the odor of mold, must, or rot is considered damaged. (See Rule 23.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A dark reddish brown.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
The state of tobacco containing an abnormal amount of dirt or sand, or tobacco to which additional quantities of dirt or sand have been added. (See Rule 23.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Elements of quality and the degrees used in the specifications of the official standard grades of Burley, Types 31 and 93, are shown in § 29.3101. Words have been selected to describe the degrees of each element. Some of the words are almost synonymous in their meaning, yet, they are sufficiently different to represent steps within the range of the elements of quality to which they are applied.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
The term applied to the veins in a tobacco leaf. The large central vein is called the midrib or stem. The smaller lateral and cross veins are considered from the standpoint of size and color and in some types are treated as elements of quality. In Burley, fiber size and color are not of great importance, except where a fine distinction must be made between several lots of high quality or between sides of the same lot.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
The reflectance factor in color perception. Finish indicates the sheen or shine of the surface of a tobacco leaf. Descriptive terms range from bright to dingy. (See Elements of quality.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Any extraneous substance or material such as stalks, suckers, straw, strings, rubber bands, et cetera. Abnormal amounts of dirt or sand also are included. (See Rule 23.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
The stage of preparation of tobacco such as unstemmed or stemmed.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
The color of tobacco considered in relation to the type as a whole. General color is distinguished from the restricted use of the term “color” within a group. It is basically related to body and other overall characteristics of the type.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
The quality of tobacco considered in relation to the type as a whole. General quality is distinguished from the restricted use of the term “quality” within a group.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A subdivision of a type according to group, quality, and color.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A grademark normally consists of three symbols which indicate group, quality, and color. A letter is used to indicate group, a number to indicate quality, and a letter or letters to indicate color. For example, C2F means Lugs, second quality, and tan color.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A color term applied to immature or crude tobacco. Any leaf which has a green color affecting 20 percent or more of its leaf surface may be described as green. (See Rule 18.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A color term applied to greenish-tinged tobacco. Any leaf which has a greenish tinge or a pale green color affecting 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as greenish. (See Rule 17.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
A division of a type covering closely related grades based on certain characteristics which are related to stalk position or the general quality of the tobacco. Groups in Burley, Types 31 and 93, are as follows: Flyings (X), Lugs or Cutters (C), Leaf (B), Tips (T), Mixed (M), Nondescript (N), and Scrap (S).
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Hurt or impairment from any cause except the fungous or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. (See definition of Damage.) Injury to tobacco may be caused by field diseases, insects, or weather conditions; insecticides, fungicides, or cell growth inhibitors; nutritional deficiencies or excesses; or improper fertilizing, harvesting, curing, or handling. Injured tobacco includes dead, burnt, hail-cut, torn, broken, frostbitten, sunburned, sunscalded, scorched, fire-killed, bulk-burnt, steam-burnt, barn-burnt, house-burnt, bleached, bruised, discolored, or deformed leaves; or tobacco affected by wildfire, rust, frog- eye, mosaic, root rot, wilt, black shank, or other diseases. (See Elements of quality and Rule 14.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16757, Apr. 20, 1984]
Whole, unstemmed leaf. Leaf, when applied to tobacco in strip form, shall describe the divided unit of a whole leaf.
[49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A by-product of unstemmed tobacco. Leaf scrap results from handling unstemmed tobacco and consists of loose and tangled whole or broken leaves.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
The cell development of a leaf as indicated by its porosity or solidity. (See Elements of quality.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
The smoothness or roughness of the web or lamina of a tobacco leaf. Leaf surface is affected to some extent by the size and shrinkage of the veins or fibers. (See Elements of quality.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
The linear measurement of cured tobacco leaves from the butt of the midrib to the extreme tip. Length, as an element of quality, does not apply to tobacco in strip form. (See Elements of quality.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16757, 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A pile, basket, bulk, bale or bales, sheet, case hogshead, tierce, package, or other definite package unit.
[48 FR 40366, Sept. 7, 1983. Redesignated at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
The degree of ripeness. Tobacco is mature when it reaches its prime state of development. The extremes are expressed as immature and mellow. (See Elements of quality.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959; 24 FR 9121, Nov. 10, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
Distinctly different colors of the type mingled together. (See Rule 16.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
Any lot of Type 31 tobacco which as has been loaded, packed or arranged to conceal foreign matter or tobacco of inferior grade, quality, or condition. Nested includes:
(a) Any lot of tobacco which contains foreign matter, is damaged, injured, or tangled, or contains other inferior tobacco, any of which cannot be readily detected upon inspection because of the way the lot is packed or arranged;
(b) Any lot of tobacco which consists of distinctly different grades, qualities or conditions and which is stacked or arranged with the same kinds together so that the tobacco in the lower portions of the lot is distinctly inferior in grade, quality or condition from the tobacco in the top portion of the lot.
[47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16757, 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A designation applied to a lot of tobacco which is classified as offtype, rework, semicured, damaged 20 percent or more, abnormally dirty, contains foreign matter, and/or having an odor foreign to the type.
[47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982. Redesignated at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A designation applied to a lot of Type 31 tobacco which is classified as nested.
[47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16757, 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
Tobacco of distinctly different characteristics which cannot be classified as Burley, Type 31 or 93. (See Rule 23.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51721, Nov. 17, 1982. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16757, 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
The state of tobacco with respect to its moisture content.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A term applied to Type 31 untied tobacco which denotes the arrangement of leaves in a straight and orderly manner. Oriented includes:
(a) Any lot of baled tobacco in which the leaves are packed parallel to the length of the bale with the butts to the outside and the tips of the leaves overlapping sufficiently to make a level, solid and uniform package;
(b) Any lot of sheeted tobacco in which the leaves are arranged in a circular pattern with the butts to the outside.
[48 FR 40366, Sept. 7, 1983. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A hogshead, tierce, case, bale, or other securely enclosed parcel or bundle.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A lot of tobacco consisting of a number of packages submitted as one definite unit for sampling or inspection. It is represented to contain the same kind of tobacco and has a common identification number or mark on each package.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A color term applied to pink or pinkish tobacco. Any leaf which has a pink or pinkish color affecting 20 percent or more of its leaf surface is considered as mixed color. (See Rule 16.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A division of a group or the second factor of a grade, based on the relative degree of one or more elements of quality in tobacco.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
Freshly harvested tobacco or tobacco as it appears between the time of harvesting and the beginning of the curing process.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A brownish red.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
Any lot of Type 31 tobacco which needs to be restored or otherwise rearranged to prepare it properly for market, including:
(a) Tobacco which contains an abnormally large quantity of foreign matter or an unusual number of muddy or extremely dirty leaves which should be removed;
(b) Tobacco not properly tied in hands, not packed in bales approximately 1 × 2 × 3 feet, not oriented, not packed straight, bales not opened for inspection when chosen by a grader, or otherwise not properly prepared for market.
[47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984; 60 FR 7429, Feb. 8, 1995; 62 FR 60156, Nov. 7, 1997]
Tobacco in the process of being cured or which is partially but not thoroughly cured. Semicured includes tobacco which contains fat stems, wet butts, swell stems, frozen tobacco, and tobacco having frozen stems or stems that have not been thoroughly dried in the curing process. (See Rule 23.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A certain phase of quality, color, or length as contrasted with some other phase of quality, color, or length; or any peculiar characteristic of tobacco.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
Free of damage.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A symbol or term authorized to be used with specified grades. Tobacco to which a special factor is applied may meet the general specifications but has a peculiar side or characteristic which tends to modify the grade. (See Rule 9.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage by means of a redrying machine or other steam-conditioning equipment.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
The midrib or large central vein of a tobacco leaf.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A form of tobacco, including strips and strip scrap, from which the stems or midribs have been removed.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
The stress a tobacco leaf can bear without tearing. Tensile strength is not an important element of quality in Burley tobacco.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
The sides of a tobacco leaf from which the stem has been removed; or a lot of tobacco composed of strips.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
Any grade modified by a special factor symbol.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
The condition of tobacco which has passed through one or more fermentations natural to tobacco packed with a normal percentage of moisture. This condition is sometimes described as aged.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
The condition of tobacco in the process of fermentation.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A light red-yellow.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, and at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A light red shaded toward tan.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984 and 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
Tobacco as it appears between the time it is cured and stripped from the stalk, or primed and cured, and the time it enters into the different manufacturing processes. The acts of stemming, threshing and sweating, and conditioning are not regarded as manufacturing processes. Tobacco, as used in these standards, does not include manufactured or semimanufactured products, stems, cuttings, clippings, trimmings, siftings, or dust.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984, and further redesignated at 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
Manufactured tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff, which is subject to Internal Revenue tax.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
A division of a class of tobacco having certain common characteristics and closely related grades. Tobacco which has the same characteristics and corresponding qualities, colors, and lengths is classified as one type, regardless of any factors of historical or geographical nature which cannot be determined by an examination of the tobacco.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
The condition of unfermented tobacco which has not been air-dried or steam-dried.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
An element of quality which describes the consistency of a lot of tobacco as it is prepared for market. Uniformity is expressed in grade specifications as a percentage. The percentage is applicable to group, quality, and color. (See Rule 13.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
Damaged under 20 percent. (See Rule 21.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
A form of tobacco, including whole leaf and leaf scrap, from which the stems or midribs have not been removed.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
Any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its surface is yellow, grayish, mottled, or bleached, and does not blend with the normal colors of the type or group and is generally characterized by a lower degree of leaf structure and maturity than tobacco of the corresponding group and quality. (See Rule 15.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
Any sound tobacco containing excessive moisture to the extent that it is in an unsafe or doubtful-keeping order. Wet applies to any tobacco which is not damaged but which is likely to damage if treated in the customary manner. (See Rule 22.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984, and 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
The relative breadth of a tobacco leaf expressed in relation to its length. Width as an element of quality, does not apply to tobacco in strip form. (See Elements of quality.)
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984, and further redesignated at 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
These standardized words or terms are used to describe tobacco quality and to assist in interpreting grade specifications. Tobacco attributes or characteristics which constitute quality are designated as elements of quality. The range within each element is expressed by the use of words or terms designated as degrees. These several degrees are arranged to show their relative value, but the actual value of each degree varies with type, group, and grade. In each case the first and last degrees represent the full range for the element, and the intermediate degrees show gradual steps between them.
| Elements | Degrees | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Body | Tissuey | Thin | Medium | Fleshy | Heavy. |
| 2 Maturity | Mellow | Ripe | Mature | Underripe | Immature. |
| 3 Leaf structure (porosity and solidity). | Porous | Open | Firm | Close | Solid. |
| 4 Leaf surface (smoothness) | Smooth | Even | Wavy | Wrinkly | Rough. |
| 5 Finish | Bright | Clear | Moderate | Dull | Dingy. |
| 6 Color intensity | Deep | Strong | do | Weak | Pale. |
| 7 Width | Broad | Spready | Normal | Narrow | Stringy. |
| 8 Length | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| 9 Uniformity | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) |
| 10 Injury tolerance | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) |
| 1 Expressed in inches. | |||||
| 2 Expressed in percentage. | |||||
The application of these official standard grades shall be in accordance with the following rules.
Each grade shall be treated as a subdivision of a particular type. When the grade is stated in an inspection certificate, the type also shall be stated.
The determination of a grade shall be based upon a thorough examination of a lot of tobacco or of an official sample of the lot.
In drawing an official sample from a hogshead or other package of tobacco, three or more breaks shall be made at such points and in such manner as the inspector or sampler may find necessary to determine the kinds of tobacco and the percentage of each kind contained in the lot. One break shall be made not more than six inches from the top of the package and one not more than six inches from the bottom. All breaks shall be made so that the tobacco contained in the center of the package is visible to the sampler. Tobacco shall be drawn from at least three breaks from which a representative sample shall be selected. The sample shall include tobacco of each different group, quality, color, length, and kind found in the lot in proportion to the quantities of each contained in the lot.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959, as amended at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
The grade assigned to any lot of tobacco shall be a true representation of the tobacco at the time of inspection and certification. If, at any time, it is found that a lot of tobacco does not comply with the specifications of the grade previously assigned, it shall not thereafter be represented as such grade.
A lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two colors shall be placed in the color with which it best corresponds with respect to body or other associated elements of quality.
Any lot of tobacco which meets the specifications of two grades shall be placed in the higher grade. Any lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two grades shall be placed in the lower grade.
A lot of tobacco meets the specifications of a grade when it is not lower in any degree of any element of quality than the minimum specifications of such grade.
In determining the grade of a lot of tobacco, the lot as a whole shall be considered. Minor irregularities which do not affect over one percent of the tobacco shall be overlooked.
Any special factor symbol, approved by the Director of the Tobacco Division of the Agricultural Marketing Service, may be used to show a peculiar side or characteristic of the tobacco which tends to modify the grade.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959, as amended at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
Interpretations, the use of specifications, and the meaning of terms shall be in accordance with determinations or clarifications made by the Chief of the Standards Branch and approved by the Director.
The use of any grade may be restricted by the Director during any marketing season, when it is found that the grade is not needed or appears in insufficient volume to justify its use.
Any lot, except strip form, of Leaf (B Group) tobacco in which 20 percent or more of its leaves are under 16 inches in length shall be designated as Tips (T Group).
[49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
Degrees of uniformity shall be expressed in terms of percentages. The percentages shall govern the portion of a lot which must meet the specifications of the grade. The minor portion must be closely related but may be of a different group, quality, and color from the major portion. These percentages shall not affect limitations established by other rules.
The application of injury as an element of quality shall be expressed in terms of a percentage of tolerance. The appraisal of injury shall be based upon the percentage of affected leaf surface or the degree of injury. In appraising injury, consideration shall be given to the normal characteristics of the group as related to injury.
Any lot of tobacco containing over 20 percent of variegated leaves shall be described as “variegated” and designated by the color symbol “K.”
[51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
Any lot of tobacco of B, C, or X groups which contains 30 percent or more of pink or pinkish leaves or contains 30 percent or more of a color distinctly different from the major color shall be classified as “mixed” and designated by the color symbol “M.”
Any lot of tobacco containing 20 percent or more of greenish leaves, or any lot which contains 20 percent of greenish and green leaves combined, shall be designated by the color symbol “V” in the C group and the combination color symbols “VF” or “VR” in the B and T groups.
Any lot of tobacco containing 20 percent or more of green leaves, or any lot which is not crude but contains 20 percent or more of green and crude combined, shall be designated by the color symbol “G” in the X, C, and M groups and the combination color symbol “GF” and “GR” in the B and T groups.
[55 FR 40645, Oct. 4, 1990]
Crude leaves shall not be included in any grade of any color except green, green tan, and green red. Any lot containing 20 percent or more of crude leaves shall be designated as Nondescript.
All standard grades must be clean.
Tobacco damaged under 20 percent but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “U” after the grademark. Tobacco damaged 20 percent or more shall be designated as “No-G.”
Sound tobacco that is wet or is doubtful-keeping order but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “W” after the grademark. This special factor does not apply to tobacco designated as “No-G.”
Tobacco shall be designated as No Grade, using the grademark, “No-G,” when it is dirty, offtype, semicured, needs to be reworked, damaged 20 percent or more, contains foreign matter, or has an odor foreign to the type.
[47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982]
Tobacco in Type 31 shall be designated by the grademark “No-G-Nested” when it is nested.
[47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982, as amended at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
Tobacco in strip form which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “S” preceding the grademark.
[49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
This group consists of leaves normally grown at the bottom of the stalk. These leaves are flat and open-faced and have a blunt or oblate tip. Compared with other groups on the stalk, Flyings consist of relatively thin to tissuey leaves which show the highest degree of maturity and the most open leaf structure. Flyings show a material amount of injury characteristic of leaves grown near the ground. (See Rule 14.)
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| X1L | Choice Buff Flyings. |
| Tissuey, mellow, open to porous, even, clear finish, strong color intensity, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2L | Fine Buff Flyings. |
| Tissuey, mellow, open to porous, even, moderate finish and color intensity, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3L | Good Buff Flyings. |
| Tissuey, ripe to mellow, open to porous, wavy, dull finish, weak color intensity, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4L | Fair Buff Flyings. |
| Tissuey, mature to ripe, open to porous, wrinkly to wavy, dingy finish, pale color intensity, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5L | Low Buff Flyings. |
| Tissuey, mature to ripe, open to porous, wrinkly, dingy finish, pale color intensity, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X1F | Choice Tan Flyings. |
| Thin, mellow, open to porous, even, clear finish, strong color intensity, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2F | Fine Tan Flyings. |
| Thin, mellow, open to porous, even, moderate finish and color intensity, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3F | Good Tan Flyings. |
| Thin, ripe to mellow, open to porous, wavy, dull finish, weak color intensity, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4F | Fair Tan Flyings. |
| Thin, mature to ripe, open to porous, wrinkly to wavy, dingy finish, pale color intensity, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5F | Low Tan Flyings. |
| Thin, mature to ripe, open to porous, wrinkly, dingy finish, pale color intensity, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4M | Fair Mixed Color Flyings. |
| Medium to tissuey body, mature to ripe, firm to porous, wrinkly to wavy, dingy finish, pale color intensity, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5M | Low Mixed Color Flyings. |
| Medium to tissuey body, mature to ripe, firm to porous, wrinkly, dingy finish, pale color intensity, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4G | Fair Green Flyings. |
| Medium to tissuey body, immature, firm, wrinkly to wavy, dingy finish, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5G | Low Green Flyings. |
| Medium to tissuey body, immature, firm, wrinkly, dingy finish, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959, as amended at 35 FR 10490, June 27, 1970; 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
This group consists of leaves normally grown at the midportion of the stalk. Cured leaves from this stalk position have a tendency to roll, concealing the stem or midrib. Lugs or Cutters have an oblate to rounded tip and are usually thin to medium in body. The leaves are spready in relation to their length and show little or no ground injury.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| C1L | Choice Buff Lugs. |
| Thin, ripe, open, smooth, bright finish, deep color intensity, broad, 20″ or over in length, 95 percent uniform and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C2L | Fine Buff Lugs. |
| Thin, ripe, open, smooth, bright finish, strong color intensity, spready, 20″ or over in length, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3L | Good Buff Lugs. |
| Thin, ripe, open, even, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 18″ or over in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4L | Fair Buff Lugs. |
| Thin, mature to ripe, firm to open, wavy to even, moderate finish, weak color intensity, narrow to normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5L | Low Buff Lugs. |
| Thin, mature, firm to open, wavy dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C1F | Choice Tan Lugs. |
| Medium to thin body, ripe, open, smooth, bright finish, deep color intensity, broad, 20″ or over in length, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C2F | Fine Tan Lugs. |
| Medium to thin body, ripe, open, smooth, bright finish, strong color intensity, spready, 20″ or over in length, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3F | Good Tan Lugs. |
| Medium to thin body, ripe, open, even, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 18″ or over in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4F | Fair Tan Lugs. |
| Medium to thin body, mature to ripe, firm to open, wavy to even, moderate finish, weak color intensity, narrow to normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5F | Low Tan Lugs. |
| Medium to thin body, mature, firm to open, wavy, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3K | Good Variegated Lugs. |
| Medium body, ripe, open, even, normal width, 18″ or over in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4K | Fair Variegated Lugs. |
| Medium body, mature to ripe, firm to open, wavy to even, narrow to normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5K | Low Variegated Lugs. |
| Medium body, mature, close to firm, wavy, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3M | Good Mixed Color Lugs. |
| Medium to tissuey body, mature to ripe, firm to open, even, moderate finish and color intensity, normal width, 18″ or over in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4M | Fair Mixed Color Lugs. |
| Medium to tissuey body, mature to ripe, firm to open, wavy to even, dull finish, weak color intensity, narrow to normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5M | Low Mixed Color Lugs. |
| Medium to tissuey body, mature to ripe, firm to open, wavy, dingy finish pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3V | Good Greenish Lugs. |
| Medium to thin body, underripe open, even, clear finish, normal width 18″ or over in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4V | Fair Greenish Lugs. |
| Medium to thin body, underripe, firm to open, wavy to even, moderate finish, narrow to normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5V | Low Greenish Lugs. |
| Medium to thin body, underripe firm to open, wavy, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4G | Fair Green Lugs. |
| Medium body, immature, close to firm, wavy to even, moderate finish, narrow to normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5G | Low Green Lugs. |
| Medium body, immature, close to firm, wavy, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. |
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959, as amended at 35 FR 10490, June 27, 1970; 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
This group consists of leaves normally grown above the midpoint of the stalk. Cured leaves from the upper stalk position have a tendency to fold, concealing the face of the leaf and exposing the stem or midrib. These leaves have a pointed tip and generally are medium to heavy in body. They are narrower in relation to their length than corresponding qualities of the C Group.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| B1F | Choice Tan Leaf. |
| Medium body, ripe, open, smooth, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 20″ or over in length, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2F | Fine Tan Leaf. |
| Medium body ripe, open, even, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 20″ or over in length, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3F | Good Tan Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature to ripe, firm to open, wavy to even, moderate finish and color intensity, narrow to normal width, 18″ or over in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4F | Fair Tan Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, firm, wavy, dull finish, weak color intensity, narrow, 16″ or over in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5F | Low Tan Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, firm, wrinkly, dingy finish, pale color intensity, stringy, 16″ or over in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2FL | Fine Tannish-buff Leaf. |
| Medium body, ripe, open, even, clear finish, strong color intensity, spready, 20” or over in length, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3FL | Good Tannish-buff Leaf |
| Medium body, mature to ripe, firm to open, wavy to even, moderate finish and color intensity, narrow to normal width, 18” or over in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4FL | Fair Tannish-buff Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, firm, wavy, dull finish, weak color intensity, narrow, 16” or over in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B1FR | Choice Tannish-red Leaf. |
| Fleshy to medium body, ripe, open, smooth, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 20″ or over in length, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2FR | Fine Tannish-red Leaf. |
| Fleshy to medium body, ripe, open, even, clear finish, strong color intensity, spready, 20″ or over in length, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3FR | Good Tannish-red Leaf. |
| Fleshy to medium body, mature to ripe, firm to open, wavy to even, moderate finish and color intensity, narrow to normal width, 18″ or over in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4FR | Fair Tannish-red Leaf. |
| Fleshy to medium body, mature firm, wavy, dull finish, weak color intensity, narrow, 16″ or over in length 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5FR | Low Tannish-red Leaf. |
| Fleshy to medium body, mature, firm, wrinkly, dingy finish, pale color intensity, stringy, 16″ or over in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B1R | Choice Red Leaf. |
| Heavy to fleshy, ripe, firm to open, even, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 20″ or over in length 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2R | Fine Red Leaf. |
| Heavy to fleshy, ripe, firm to open wavy, clear finish, strong color intensity, spready, 20″ or over in length 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3R | Good Red Leaf. |
| Heavy to fleshy, mature to ripe, firm, wrinkly to wavy, moderate finish and color intensity, narrow to normal width, 18″ or over in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4R | Fair Red Leaf. |
| Heavy to fleshy, mature, close to firm, wrinkly, dull finish, weak color intensity, narrow, 16″ or over in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5R | Low red Leaf. |
| Heavy to fleshy, mature, close, rough, dingy finish, pale color intensity, stringy, 16″ or over in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4D | Fair Dark-red Leaf. |
| Heavy to fleshy, mature, close, wrinkly, dull finish, weak color intensity, narrow, 16″ or over in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5D | Low Dark-red Leaf. |
| Heavy to fleshy, underripe to mature, solid, rough, dingy finish, pale color intensity, stringy, 16″ or over in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3K | Good Variegated Leaf. |
| Fleshy to medium body, mature to ripe, firm to open, wrinkly to wavy, narrow to normal width, 18″ or over in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4K | Fair Variegated Leaf. |
| Fleshy, mature, close to firm, wrinkly, narrow, 16″ or over in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5K | Low Variegated Leaf. |
| Heavy to fleshy, underripe to mature, solid to close, rough, stringy, 16″ or over in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2M | Fine Mixed Color Leaf. |
| Fleshy to medium body, ripe, open, even, clear finish, strong color intensity, 20” or over in length, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3M | Good Mixed Color Leaf. |
| Fleshy to medium body, mature to ripe, firm to open, wavy to even, moderate finish and color intensity, narrow to normal width, 18″ or over in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4M | Fair Mixed Color Leaf. |
| Fleshy to medium body, mature to ripe, firm to open, wavy, dull finish, weak color intensity, narrow, 16″ or over in length, 80 percent uniform and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5M | Low Mixed Color Leaf. |
| Fleshy to medium body, underripe to mature, firm to open, wrinkly, dingy finish, pale color intensity stringy, 16″ or over in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3VF | Good Greenish-tan Leaf. |
| Medium body, underripe, firm to open, wavy to even, moderate finish, narrow to normal width, 18″ or over in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4VF | Fair Greenish-tan Leaf. |
| Medium body, underripe, close to firm, wavy, dull finish, narrow, 16″ or over in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5VF | Low Greenish-tan Leaf. |
| Medium body, underripe, close, wrinkly, dingy finish, stringy, 16″ or over in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3VR | Good Greenish-red Leaf. |
| Heavy to fleshy, underripe, firm, wrinkly to wavy, moderate finish, narrow to normal width, 18″ or over in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4VR | Fair Greenish-red Leaf. |
| Heavy to fleshy, underripe, close to firm, wrinkly, dull finish, narrow, 16″ or over in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5VR | Low Greenish-red Leaf. |
| Heavy to fleshy, underripe, close, rough, dingy finish, stringy, 16″ or over in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3GF | Good Green-tan Leaf. |
| Fleshy to medium body, immature, firm to open, wrinkly to wavy, moderate finish, narrow to normal width, 18″ or over in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4GF | Fair Green-tan Leaf. |
| Fleshy to medium body, immature, close to firm, wrinkly, dull finish, narrow, 16″ or over in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5GF | Low Green-tan Leaf. |
| Fleshy to medium body, immature, close, rough, dingy finish, stringy, 16″ or over in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3GR | Good Green-red Leaf. |
| Heavy to fleshy, immature, close to firm, wrinkly to wavy, moderate finish, narrow to formal width, 18″ or over in length, 85 percent uniform and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4GR | Fair Green-red Leaf. |
| Heavy to fleshy, immature, solid to close, wrinkly, dull finish, narrow width, 16″ or over in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5GR | Low Green-red Leaf. |
| Heavy to fleshy, immature, solid, rough, dingy finish, stringy, 16″ or over in length, 70 percent uniform and 30 percent injury tolerance. |
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959, as amended at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984; 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
This group consists of leaves usually grown at the top of the stalk. These relatively narrow and sharp-pointed leaves have the general characteristics of B-Group tobacco. Tips have a slightly lower degree of maturity and leaf structure than other leaves on the stalk. (See Rule 12.)
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| T3F | Good Tan Tips. |
| Medium body, mature to ripe, firm to open, wavy to even, moderate finish and color intensity, narrow to normal width, under 16″ in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T4F | Fair Tan Tips. |
| Medium body, mature, firm, wavy dull finish, weak color intensity, narrow, under 16″ in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T5F | Low Tan Tips. |
| Medium body, mature, firm, wrinkly, dingy finish, pale color intensity, stringy, under 16″ in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T3FR | Good Tannish-red Tips. |
| Fleshy to medium body, mature to ripe, firm to open, wavy to even, moderate finish and color intensity, narrow to normal width, under 16″ in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T4FR | Fair Tannish-red Tips. |
| Fleshy to medium body, mature, firm, wavy, dull finish, weak color intensity, narrow, under 16″ in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T5FR | Low Tannish-red Tips. |
| Fleshy to medium body, mature, firm, wrinkly, dingy finish, pale color intensity, stringy, under 16″ in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T3R | Good Red Tips. |
| Heavy to fleshy, mature to ripe, firm, wrinkly to wavy, moderate finish and color intensity, narrow to normal width, under 16″ in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T4R | Fair Red Tips. |
| Heavy to fleshy, mature, close to firm, wrinkly, dull finish, weak color intensity, narrow, under 16″ in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T5R | Low Red Tips. |
| Heavy to fleshy, mature, close, rough, dingy finish, pale color intensity, stringy, under 16″ in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T4D | Fair Dark-red Tips. |
| Heavy to fleshy, mature, close, wrinkly, dull finish, weak color intensity, narrow, under 16″ in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T5D | Low Dark-red Tips. |
| Heavy to fleshy, underripe to mature, solid, rough, dingy finish, pale color intensity, stringy, under 16″ in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T4K | Fair Variegated Tips. |
| Fleshy, mature, close to firm, wrinkly, narrow, under 16″ in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T5K | Low Variegated Tips. |
| Heavy to fleshy, underripe to mature, solid to close, rough, stringy, under 16″ in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T4VF | Fair Greenish-tan Tips. |
| Medium body, underripe, close to firm, wavy, dull finish, narrow, under 16″ in length, 80 percent uniform and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T5VF | Low Greenish-tan Tips. |
| Medium body, underripe, close, wrinkly, dingy finish, stringy, under 16″ in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T4VR | Fair Greenish-red Tips. |
| Heavy to fleshy, underripe, close to firm, wrinkly, dull finish, narrow, under 16″ in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T5VR | Low Greenish-red Tips. |
| Heavy to fleshy, underripe, close, rough, dingy finish, stringy, under 16″ in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T4GF | Fair Green-tan Tips. |
| Fleshy to medium body, immature, close to firm, wrinkly, dull finish, narrow, under 16″ in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T5GF | Low Green-tan Tips. |
| Fleshy to medium body, immature, close, rough, dingy finish, stringy, under 16″ in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T4GR | Fair Green-red Tips. |
| Heavy to fleshy, immature, solid to close, wrinkly, dull finish, narrow, under 16″ in length, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| T5GR | Low Green-red Tips. |
| Heavy to fleshy, immature, solid, rough, dingy finish, stringy, under 16″ in length, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. |
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959, as amended at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
This group consists of tobacco of distinctly different groups which are mixed together in various combinations.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| M3F | Good Light Mixed. |
| General quality of X3, C3, B3, T3, medium to tissuey body, light general color, under 20 percent greenish, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| M4F | Fair Light Mixed. |
| General quality of X4, C4, B4, T4, medium to tissuey body, light general color under 20 percent greenish, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| M5F | Low Light Mixed. |
| General quality of X5, C5, B5, T5, medium to tissuey body, light general color, under 20 percent greenish, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| M3FR | Good Dark Mixed. |
| General quality of X3, C3, B3, T3, heavy to medium body, dark general color, under 20 percent greenish, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| M4FR | Fair Dark Mixed. |
| General quality of X4, C4, B4, T4, heavy to medium body, dark general color, under 20 percent greenish, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| M5FR | Low Dark Mixed. |
| General quality of X5, C5, B5, T5, heavy to medium body, dark general color, under 20 percent greenish, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| M4K | Fair Variegated Mixed. |
| General quality of X4, C4, B4, T4, fleshy to thin body, under 20 percent greenish, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| M5K | Low Variegated Mixed. |
| General quality of X5, C5, B5, T5, fleshy to thin body, under 20 percent greenish, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| M4G | Fair Green Mixed. General quality of X4, C4, B4, and T4, heavy to tissuey body, immature, and 20 percent injury tolerance. |
| M5G | Low Green Mixed. General quality of X5, C5, B5, and T5, heavy to tissuey body, immature, and 30 percent injury tolerance. |
[35 FR 10490, June 27, 1970, as amended at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984; 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986; 55 FR 40645, Oct. 4, 1990]
Extremely common tobacco which does not meet the minimum specifications or which exceeds the tolerance of the lowest grade of any other group.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| N1L | First Quality Light Colored Nondescript |
| Thin to tissuey body and 60 percent injury tolerance. | |
| N1F | First Quality Medium Colored Nondescript |
| Fleshy to medium body and 60 percent injury tolerance. | |
| N1R | First Quality Dark Colored Nondescript |
| Heavy to fleshy body and 60 percent injury tolerance. | |
| N1G | First Quality Crude Green Nondescript |
| 60 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. | |
| N2L | Second Quality Light to Medium Colored Nondescript |
| Medium to tissuey body and over 60 percent injury tolerance. | |
| N2R | Second Quality Medium to Dark Colored Nondescript |
| Heavy to medium body and over 60 percent injury tolerance. | |
| N2G | Second Quality Crude Green Nondescript |
| Over 60 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. |
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959, as amended at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
A by-product of unstemmed and stemmed tobacco. Scrap accumulates from handling tobacco in farm buildings, warehouses, packing and conditioning plants, and stemmeries.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| S | Scrap. |
| Loose, tangled, whole, or broken unstemmed leaves, or web portions of tobacco leaves reduced to scrap by any process. |
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959, as amended at 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984]
| X1L | X5L | X4F | X4G |
| X2L | X1F | X5F | X5G |
| X3L | X2F | X4M | |
| X4L | X3F | X5M |
| C1L | C2F | C5K | C5V |
| C2L | C3F | C3M | C4G |
| C3L | C4F | C4M | C5G |
| C4L | C5F | C5M | |
| C5L | C3K | C3V | |
| C1F | C4K | C4V |
| B1F | B3FR | B3K | B3VR |
| B2F | B4FR | B4K | B4VR |
| B3F | B5FR | B5K | B5VR |
| B4F | B1R | B2M | B3GF |
| B5F | B2R | B3M | B4GF |
| B2FL | B3R | B4M | B5GF |
| B3FL | B4R | B5M | B3GR |
| B4FL | B5R | B3VF | B4GR |
| B1FR | B4D | B4VF | B5GR |
| B2FR | B5D | B5VF |
| T3F | T3R | T5K | T5GF |
| T4F | T4R | T4VF | T4GR |
| T5F | T5R | T5VF | T5GR |
| T3FR | T4D | T4VR | |
| T4FR | T5D | T5VR | |
| T5FR | T4K | T4GF |
| M3F | M5F | M4FR | M4K |
| M4F | M3FR | M5FR | M5K |
| N1L | N1R | N2L | N2G |
| N1F | N1G | N2R |
| S |
Special factors “U”, “W” and “S” may be applied to all grades. Tobacco not covered by the standard grades is designated by No-G or No-G-Nested.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959, as amended at 35 FR 10490, June 27, 1970; 47 FR 51722, Nov. 17, 1982; 49 FR 16758, Apr. 20, 1984; 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
X—Flyings.
C—Lugs or Cutters
B—Leaf.
T—Tips.
M—Mixed.
N—Nondescript.
S—Scrap.
1—Choice.
2—Fine.
3—Good.
4—Fair.
5—Low.
L—Buff.
F—Tan.
FL—Tannish buff.
FR—Tannish red.
R—Red.
D—Dark red.
K—Variegated.
M—Mixed.
V—Greenish.
VF—Greenish tan.
VR—Greenish red.
G—Green.
GF—Green tan.
GR—Green red.
[24 FR 8771, Oct. 29, 1959, as amended at 51 FR 40407, Nov. 7, 1986]
Sections 29.3501 to 29.3686 issued under 7 U.S.C. 511m and 511r.
Sections 29.3501 through 29.3686 appear at 30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965, unless otherwise noted.
As used in §§ 29.3501 to 29.3686, the words and phrases hereinafter defined shall have the indicated meanings so assigned.
Tobacco cured under natural atmospheric conditions without the use of fire, except for the purpose of preventing pole-burn in damp weather.
The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage under natural atmospheric conditions.
The thickness and density of a leaf or the weight per unit of surface. (See Elements of Quality, § 29.3586.)
A group of colors ranging from a light brown to a dark brown. These colors vary from medium to low saturation and from medium to very low brillance. As used in these standards, the colors are expressed as light brown (L), medium brown (F), reddish brown (R), and dark brown (D).
A major division of tobacco based on method of cure or principal usage.
Tobacco is described as clean when it contains only a normal amount of sand or soil particles. Leaves grown on the lower portion of the stalk normally contain more dirt or sand than those from higher stalk positions. (See Rule 4, § 29.3605.)
The third factor of a grade based on the relative hues, saturations or chromas, and color values common to the type.
The varying degree of saturation or chroma. Color intensity as applied to tobacco describes the strength or weakness of a specific color or hue. It is applicable to all colors except green. (See Elements of Quality, § 29.3586.)
As applied to Dark Air-cured tobacco, color symbols are L—light brown, F—medium brown, R—reddish brown, D—dark brown, M—mixed, and G—green.
The state of tobacco which results from the method of preparation or from the degree of fermentation. Words used to describe the condition of tobacco are: Undried, air-dried, steam-dried, sweating, sweated, and aged.
A subdegree of maturity. Crude leaves are usually hard and slick as a result of extreme immaturity. A similar condition may result from firekill, sunburn, or sunscald. Any leaf which is crude to the extent of 20 percent or more of its leaf surface may be described as crude. (See Rule 20, § 29.3621.)
Tobacco dried of its sap by either natural or artificial processes.
The effect of mold, must, rot, black rot, or other fungus or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. Tobacco having the odor of mold, must, or rot is considered damaged. (See Rule 24, § 29.3625.)
The state of tobacco containing an abnormal amount of dirt or sand, or tobacco to which additional quantities of dirt or sand have been added. (See Rule 24, § 29.3625.)
The flexible, springy nature of the tobacco leaf to recover approximately its original size and shape after it has been stretched. (See Elements of Quality, § 29.3586.)
The reflectance factor in color perception. Finish indicates the sheen or shine of the surface of a tobacco leaf. (See Elements of Quality, § 29.3586.)
Any extraneous substance or material such as stalks, suckers, straw, strings, and rubber bands. Abnormal amounts of dirt or sand are also included. (See Rule 24, § 29.3625.)
The stage of preparation of tobacco such as unstemmed or stemmed.
A subdivision of a type according to group, quality, and color.
A grademark normally consists of three symbols which indicate group, quality, and color. A letter is used to indicate group, a number to indicate quality, and a letter or letters to indicate color. For example, B3D means Heavy Leaf, third quality, and dark-brown color.
A term applied to green-colored, immature, or crude tobacco. Any leaf which has a green color affecting 20 percent or more of its leaf surface may be described as green. (See Rule 19, § 29.3620.)
A division of a type covering closely related grades based on certain characteristics which are related to stalk position, body, or the general quality of the tobacco. Groups in Dark Air-cured types are: Wrappers (A), Heavy Leaf (B), Thin Leaf (C), Lugs (X), Nondescript (N), and Scrap (S).
[51 FR 40408, Nov. 7, 1986]
Hurt or impairment from any cause except the fungus or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. (See definition of Damage, § 29.3514.) Injury to tobacco may be caused by field diseases, insects, or weather conditions; insecticides, fungicides, or cell growth inhibitors; nutritional deficiencies or cesses; or improper fertilizing, harvesting, curing, or handling. Injured tobacco includes dead, burned, hail-cut torn, broken, frostbitten, sunburned, sunscalded, scorched, fire-killed, bulk-burnt, steam-burnt, house-burnt bleached, bruised, discolored, or deformed leaves; or tobacco affected by wildfire rust, frogeye, mosaic, root rot, wilt, black shank, or other diseases. (See Rule 15, § 29.3616.)
Whole, unstemmed leaf. Leaf, when applied to tobacco in strip form, shall describe the divided unit of a whole leaf.
[49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
A byproduct of unstemmed tobacco Leaf scrap results from handling unstemmed tobacco and consists of loose and tangled whole or broken leaves.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
The cell development of a leaf as indicated by its porosity. (See Elements of Quality, § 29.3586.)
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
The roughness or smoothness of the web or lamina of a tobacco leaf. Leaf surface is affected to some extent by the size and shrinkage of the veins or fibers (See Elements of Quality, § 29.3586.)
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
The linear measurement of cured tobacco leaves from the butt of the midrib to the extreme tip. (See Standard Tobacco Sizes, § 29.3591.)
[51 FR 40408, Nov. 7, 1986]
A pile, basket, bulk, or more than one bale, case, hogshead, tierce, package, or other definite package unit.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
The degree of ripeness. (See Elements of Quality, § 29.3586, and Rule 16, § 29.3617.)
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
Variegated or distinctly different colors of the type mingled together. (See Rules 17, § 29.3618; 18, § 29.3619.)
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
Any lot of Types 35, 36 and 37 tobacco which has been loaded, packed, or arranged to conceal foreign matter or tobacco of inferior grade, quality, or condition. Nested includes:
(a) Any lot of tobacco which contains foreign matter or damaged, injured, tangled, or other inferior tobacco, any of which cannot be readily detected upon inspection because of the way the lot is packed or arranged;
(b) any lot of tied tobacco which contains foreign matter in the inner portions of the hands or which contains foreign matter in the heads under the tie leaves;
(c) any lot of tied tobacco in which the leaves on the outside of the hands are placed or arranged to conceal inferior quality leaves on the inside of the hands or which contains wet tobacco or tobacco of lower quality in the heads under the tie leaves; and
(d) any lot of tobacco which consists of distinctly different grades, qualities, or conditions and which is stacked or arranged in layers with the same kinds together so that the tobacco in the lower layer or layers is distinctly inferior in grade, quality, or condition from the tobacco in the top or upper layers. (See Rule 24, § 29.3625.)
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
A designation applied to a lot of tobacco classified as nested, offtype, rework, or semicured; tobacco that is damaged 20 percent or more, abnormally dirty, extremely wet or watered, contains foreign matter, or has an odor foreign to the type. (See Rule 24, § 29.3625.)
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
Tobacco of distinctly different characteristics which cannot be classified as Dark Air-cured, U.S. Type 35, 36, 37, or Foreign Type 95. (See Rule 24, § 29.3625.)
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
The state of tobacco with respect to its moisture content.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
A hogshead, tierce, case, bale, or other securely enclosed parcel or bundle.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
A lot of tobacco consisting of a number of packages submitted as one definite unit for sampling or inspecting. It is represented to contain the same kind of tobacco and has a common identification number or mark on each package.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
A division of a group or the second factor of a grade based on the relative degree of one or more elements of quality in tobacco.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
Freshly harvested tobacco or tobacco as it appears between the time of harvesting and the beginning of the curing process.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
The condition of tobacco which has passed through a second fermentation under abnormally high temperatures or refermented with a relatively high percentage of moisture. Resweated includes tobacco which has been dipped or reconditioned after its first fermentation and put through a forced or artificial sweat.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
Any lot of Types 35, 36, and 37 tobacco which needs to be resorted or otherwise reworked to prepare it properly for market in the manner which is customary in the type area, including:
(a) Tobacco which is so mixed that it cannot be classified properly in any grade of the type, because the lot contains a substantial quantity of two or more distinctly different grades which should be separated by sorting;
(b) Tobacco which contains an abnormally large quantity of foreign matter or an unusual number of muddy or extremely dirty leaves which should be removed; and
(c) Tobacco not tied in hands, not packed straight, not properly tied, or otherwise not properly prepared for market. (See Rule 24, § 29.3625.)
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
Tobacco in the process of being cured or which is partially but not thoroughly cured. Semicured includes tobacco which contains fat stems, wet butts, swelled stems, frozen tobacco, and tobacco having frozen stems or stems that have not been thoroughly dried in the curing process. (See Rule 24, § 29.3625.)
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
A certain phase of quality, color, or length as contrasted with some other phase of quality, color, or length; or any peculiar characteristic of tobacco.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
The length of tobacco leaves. Size does not apply to tobacco in strip form. (See Standard Tobacco Sizes § 29.3591.)
[51 FR 40408, Nov. 7, 1986]
Free of damage.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
A symbol or term authorized to designate a peculiar side or characteristic which tends to modify a grade. (See Rules 21, § 29.3622; 22, § 29.3623; 23, § 29.3624.)
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage by means of a redrying machine or other steam-conditioning equipment.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
The midrib or large central vein of a tobacco leaf.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
A form of tobacco, including strips and strip scrap, from which the stems or midribs have been removed.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
The sides of a tobacco leaf from which the stem has been removed or a lot of tobacco composed of strips.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
Any grade modified by a special factor symbol.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
The condition of tobacco which has passed through one or more fermentations natural to tobacco packed with a normal percentage of moisture. This condition is sometimes described as aged.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
The condition of tobacco in the process of fermentation.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
Tobacco as it appears between the time it is cured and stripped from the stalk, or primed and cured, and the time it enters into the different manufacturing processes. The acts of stemming, threshing, sweating, and conditioning are not regarded as manufacturing processes. Tobacco, as used in these standards, does not include manufactured or semimanufactured products, stems, cuttings, clippings, trimmings, siftings, or dust.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
Manufactured tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff, which is subject to Internal Revenue tax.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
A division of a class of tobacco having certain common characteristics and closely related grades. Tobacco which has the same characteristics and corresponding qualities, colors, and lengths is classified as one type, regardless of any factors of historical or geographical nature which cannot be determined by an examination of the tobacco.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
That type of air-cured tobacco commonly known as One Sucker Air-cured, Kentucky-Tennessee-Indiana One Sucker, or Dark Air-cured One Sucker, including the upper Cumberland District One Sucker, and produced principally in northern Tennessee, south central Kentucky, and southern Indiana.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
That type of air-cured tobacco commonly known as Green River, Green River Air-cured, or Dark Air-cured of the Henderson and Owensboro Districts, and produced principally in the Green River section of Kentucky.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
That type of air-cured or sun-cured tobacco commonly known as Virginia Sun-cured, Virginia Sun and Air-cured, or Dark Air-cured of Virginia, and produced principally in the central section of Virginia north of the James River.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
That type of air-cured tobacco commonly known as Foreign-grown Dark Air-cured produced in countries other than the United States.
[49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
The condition of unfermented tobacco which has not been air-dried or steam-dried.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
An element of quality which describes the consistency of a lot of tobacco as it is prepared for market. Uniformity is expressed in grade specifications as a percentage. The percentage is applicable to group, quality, and color. (See Rule 14, § 29.3615.)
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
Damaged under 20 percent. (See Rule 21, § 29.3622.)
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
A form of tobacco, including whole leaf and leaf scrap, from which the stems or midribs have not been removed.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
Any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its leaf surface is off brown, grayish, mottled, or bleached and does not blend with the normal colors of the type. (See Rules 17, § 29.3618; 18, § 29.3619.)
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
Any sound tobacco containing excessive moisture to the extent that it is in unsafe- or doubtful-keeping order. Wet applies to any tobacco which is not damaged but which is likely to damage if treated in the customary manner. (See Rule 22, § 29.3623.) (For extremely wet or watered tobacco, see rule 24, § 29.3625.)
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
The relative breadth of a tobacco leaf expressed in relation to its length. Width, as an element of quality, does not apply to tobacco in strip form. (See Elements of Quality, § 29.3586.)
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965. Redesignated and amended at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
These standardized words or terms are used to describe tobacco quality and to assist in interpreting grade specifications. Tobacco attributes or characteristics which constitute quality are designated as elements of quality. The range within each element is expressed by the use of words or terms designated as degrees. These several degrees are arranged to show their relative value, but the actual value of each degree varies with type, group, and grade.
| Elements | Degrees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maturity | Immature | Underripe | Mature | Ripe. |
| Body | Thin | Medium | Heavy. | |
| Leaf structure | Close | Firm | Open. | |
| Leaf surface | Rough | Crepy | Smooth. | |
| Oil | Lean | Oily | Rich. | |
| Finish | Dull | Normal | Clear. | |
| Color intensity | Pale | Moderate | Deep. | |
| Elasticity | Inelastic | Semielastic | Elastic. | |
| Width | Narrow | Normal | Spready. | |
| Uniformity | (1) | (1) | (1). | |
| Injury tolerance | (1) | (1) | (1). | |
| 1 Expressed in percentage. | ||||
| Inches | Sizes |
|---|---|
| 12-20 | 1 |
| 20-28 | 2 |
| Over 28 | 3 |
| 1 The application of sizes is governed by the major portion of the lot or package. | |
[51 FR 40408, Nov. 7, 1986]
The application of §§ 29.3501 to 29.3568, § 29.3591, §§ 29.3646 to 29.3648, §§ 29.3650 to 29.3652 and 29.3681 shall be in accordance with the following rules.
[51 FR 40408, Nov. 7, 1986]
Each grade shall be treated as a subdivision of a particular type. When the grade is stated in an inspection certificate, the type also shall be stated.
The determination of a grade shall be based upon a thorough examination of a lot of tobacco or of an official sample of the lot.
In drawing an official sample from a hogshead or other package of tobacco, three or more breaks shall be made at such points and in such manner as the inspector or sampler may find necessary to determine the kinds of tobacco and the percentage of each kind contained in the lot. All breaks shall be made so that the tobacco contained in the center of the package is visible to the sampler. Tobacco shall be drawn from at least three breaks from which a representative sample shall be selected. The sample shall include tobacco of each different group, quality, color, length, and kind found in the lot in proportion to the quantities of each contained in the lot.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965, as amended at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
All standard grades must be clean.
The grade assigned to any lot of tobacco shall be a true representation of the tobacco at the time of inspection and certification. If, at any time, it is found that a lot of tobacco does not comply with the specifications of the grade previously assigned it shall not thereafter be represented as such grade.
A lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two colors shall be placed in the color with which it best corresponds with respect to body or other associated elements of quality.
Any lot of tobacco which meets the specifications of two grades shall be placed in the higher grade. Any lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two grades shall be placed in the lower grade.
A lot of tobacco meets the specifications of a grade when it is not lower in any degree of any element of quality than the minimum specifications of such grade.
In determining the grade of a lot of tobacco, the lot as a whole shall be considered. Minor irregularities which do not affect over one percent of the tobacco shall be overlooked.
Any special factor approved by the Director of the Tobacco Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, may be used to show a peculiar side or characteristic of the tobacco which tends to modify the grade.
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965, as amended at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
Interpretations, the use of specifications, and the meaning of the terms shall be in accordance with determinations or clarifications made by the Chief of the Standards and Testing Branch and approved by the Director.
The use of any grade may be restricted by the Director during any marketing season, when it is found that the grade is not needed or appears in insufficient volume to justify its use.
Length shall be stated in connection with each grade of the A, B, and C groups, except strip grades, and may be stated in connection with grades of other groups. For this purpose, the standard tobacco sizes shall be used. (See Applicable Standard Sizes, § 29.3681.)
[51 FR 40408, Nov. 7, 1986]
Degrees of uniformity shall be expressed in terms of percentages. The percentages shall govern the portion of a lot which must meet the specifications of the grade. The minor portion must be closely related but may be of a different group, quality, and color from the major portion. These percentages shall not affect limitations established by other rules.
The application of injury as an element of quality shall be expressed in terms of a percentage of tolerance. The appraisal of injury shall be based upon the percentage of affected leaf surface or the degree of injury. In appraising injury, consideration shall be given to the normal characteristics of the group as related to injury.
Normal injury associated with ripeness shall be excluded from injury tolerance except when such injury is considered detrimental to the quality of the tobacco.
Any lot of tobacco which is not green but contains over 30 percent of variegated leaves shall be described as “variegated” and designated by the color symbol “M.” Variegated leaves may be included in any group to the following extent: In the third quality, 10 percent; in the fourth quality, 20 percent; and in the fifth quality, 30 percent.
Any lot of tobacco of the B, C, or X groups shall be classified as “mixed” and designated by the color symbol “M” when it is not green but contains (a) over 30 percent of colors distinctly different from the major color or (b) over 30 percent of a combination of variegated and colors distinctly different from the major color mingled together.
[51 FR 40408, Nov. 7, 1986]
Any lot of tobacco containing 20 percent or more of green leaves or any lot which is not crude but contains 20 percent or more of green and crude combined shall be designated by the color symbol “G.”
Crude leaves shall not be included in any grade of any color except the fourth and fifth qualities of the B, C, and X groups in green color. Any lot containing 20 percent or more of crude leaves shall be designated as Nondescript.
[51 FR 40408, Nov. 7, 1986]
Tobacco damaged under 20 percent but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “U” after the grademark. Tobacco damaged 20 percent or more shall be designated “No-G.”
Sound tobacco that is wet or in doubtful-keeping order but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “W” after the grademark. This special factor does not apply to tobacco designated “No-G.”
Special factors “BH” (big heads) and “BL” (broad leaf) shall be used as follows: “BH” in types 35 and 36 to designate tobacco tied in extremely big hands and “BL” in type 35 to designate broad leaf tobacco.
Tobacco shall be designated as No Grade, using the grademark “No-G,” when it is dirty, nested, offtype, semicured, damaged 20 percent or more, extremely wet or watered, or when it needs to be reworked, contains foreign matter, or has an odor foreign to the type.
Tobacco in strip form which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “S” preceding the grademark.
[49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
This group consists of leaves from the Heavy Leaf and the Thin Leaf groups. Cured leaves of the A group are very elastic, have small- to medium-sized and blending fibers, and show a low percentage of injury affecting wrapper yield.
| Grades | Grade names, minimum specifications, and tolerances |
|---|---|
| A1F | Choice Quality Medium-brown Wrappers. |
| Ripe, medium body, open leaf structure, smooth, rich in oil, clear finish, deep color intensity elastic, spready, and 20 percent of leaves not lower than B2 or C2. | |
| A2F | Fine Quality Medium-brown Wrappers |
| Ripe, medium body, open leaf structure, smooth, rich in oil, clear finish, deep color intensity, elastic, spready and 30 percent of leaves not lower than B2 or C2. | |
| A3F | Good Quality Medium-brown Wrappers. |
| Ripe, medium body, open leaf structure, smooth, oily, clear finish, deep color intensity, elastic, normal width, and 40 percent of leaves not lower than B3 or C3. | |
| A1R | Choice Quality Reddish-brown Wrappers. |
| Ripe, medium body, open leaf structure, smooth, rich in oil, clear finish, deep color intensity, elastic, spready, and 20 percent of leaves not lower than B2 or C2. | |
| A2R | Fine Quality Reddish-brown Wrappers. |
| Ripe, medium body, open leaf structure, smooth, rich in oil, clear finish, deep color intensity, elastic, spready and 30 percent of leaves not lower than B2 or C2. | |
| A3R | Good Quality Reddish-brown Wrappers. |
| Ripe, medium body, open leaf structure, smooth, oily, clear finish, deep color intensity, elastic, normal width, and 40 percent of leaves not lower than B3 or C3. |
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965, as amended at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
This group consists of leaves which are medium to heavy in body and show little or no ground injury.
| Grades | Grade names, minimum specifications, and tolerances |
|---|---|
| B1F | Choice Quality Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Ripe medium body, open leaf structure, smooth, rich in oil, clear finish, deep color intensity, semielastic, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2F | Fine Quality Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Ripe, medium body, open leaf structure, smooth, rich in oil, clear finish, deep color intensity, semielastic, spready, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3F | Good Quality Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Mature, medium body, firm leaf structure, crepy, oily, normal finish, moderate color intensity, semielastic, normal width 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury toleance. | |
| B4F | Fair Quality Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Mature, medium body, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5F | Low Quality Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Underripe, medium body, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B1R | Choice Quality Reddish-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Ripe, heavy, open leaf structure, smooth, rich in oil, clear finish, deep color intensity, semielastic, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2R | Fine Quality Reddish-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Ripe, heavy, open leaf structure, smooth, rich in oil, clear finish, deep color intensity, semi-elastic, spready, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3R | Good Quality Reddish-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Mature, heavy, firm leaf structure, crepy, oily, normal finish, moderate color intensity, semielastic, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4R | Fair Quality Reddish-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Mature, heavy, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5R | Low Quality Reddish-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Underripe, heavy, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B1D | Choice Quality Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Ripe, heavy, open leaf structure, smooth, rich in oil, normal finish, deep color intensity, semi-elastic, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2D | Fine Quality Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Ripe, heavy, open leaf structure, smooth, rich in oil, normal finish, deep color intensity, semielastic, spready 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3D | Good Quality Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Mature, heavy, firm leaf structure, crepy, oily, normal finish, moderate color intensity, semielastic, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4D | Fair Quality Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Mature, heavy, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5D | Low Quality Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Underripe, heavy, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3M | Good Quality Mixed Heavy Leaf. |
| Mature, medium body, firm leaf structure, crepy, oily, normal finish, moderate color intensity, semielastic, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4M | Fair Quality Mixed Heavy Leaf. |
| Mature, medium body, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5M | Low Quality Mixed Heavy Leaf. |
| Underripe, medium body, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3G | Good Quality Green Heavy Leaf. |
| Underripe, heavy, firm leaf structure crepy, oily, normal finish, semielastic, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4G | Fair Quality Green Heavy Leaf. |
| Immature, medium body, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5G | Low Quality Green Heavy Leaf. |
| Immature, medium body, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965, as amended at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
This group consists of leaves that are thin to medium in body and show little or no ground injury.
| Grades | Grade names, minimum specifications, and tolerances |
|---|---|
| C1L | Choice Quality Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Ripe, thin, open leaf structure, smooth, oily, clear finish, deep color intensity, semielastic, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C2L | Fine Quality Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Ripe, thin, open leaf structure, smooth, oily, clear finish, deep color intensity, semielastic, spready, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3L | Good Quality Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Mature, thin, firm leaf structure, crepy, oily, normal finish, moderate color intensity, semielastic, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4L | Fair Quality Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Mature, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5L | Low Quality Light-brown Thin Leaf |
| Underripe, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C1F | Choice Quality Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Ripe, thin, open leaf structure, smooth, rich in oil, clear finish, deep color intensity, semi-elastic, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C2F | Fine Quality Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Ripe, thin, open leaf structure, smooth, rich in oil, clear finish, deep color intensity, semi-elastic, spready, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3F | Good Quality Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Mature, thin, firm leaf structure, crepy, oily, normal finish, moderate color intensity, semielastic, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4F | Fair Quality Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Mature, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5F | Low Quality Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Underripe, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C1R | Choice Quality Reddish-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Ripe, thin, open leaf structure, smooth, rich in oil, clear finish, deep color intensity, semi-elastic, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C2R | Fine Quality Reddish-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Ripe, thin, open leaf structure, smooth, rich in oil, clear finish, deep color intensity, semi-elastic, spready, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3R | Good Quality Reddish-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Mature, thin, firm leaf structure, crepy, oily, normal finish, moderate color intensity, semielastic, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4R | Fair Quality Reddish-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Mature, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5R | Low Quality Reddish-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Underripe, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3M | Good Quality Mixed Thin Leaf. |
| Mature, thin, firm leaf structure, crepy, oily, normal finish, moderate color intensity, semielastic, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4M | Fair Quality Mixed Thin Leaf. |
| Mature, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5M | Low Quality Mixed Thin Leaf. |
| Underripe, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3G | Good Quality Green Thin Leaf. |
| Underripe, medium body, firm leaf structure, crepy, oily, normal finish, semielastic, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4G | Fair Quality Green Thin Leaf. |
| Immature, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5G | Low Quality Green Thin Leaf. |
| Immature, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965, as amended at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
This group consists of leaves that normally grow on the lower portions of the stalk. Leaves of the X group usually have a high degree of maturity and show ground and other injury characteristic of the group.
| Grades | Grade names, minimum specifications, and tolerances |
|---|---|
| X1L | Choice Quality Light-brown Lugs. |
| Ripe, thin, open leaf structure, smooth, oily, clear finish, deep color intensity, semielastic, normal width, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2L | Fine Quality Light-brown Lugs. |
| Ripe, thin, open leaf structure, smooth, oily, clear finish, deep color intensity, semielastic, normal width, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3L | Good Quality Light-brown Lugs. |
| Mature, thin, firm leaf structure, crepy, lean in oil, normal finish, moderate color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4L | Fair Quality Light-brown Lugs. |
| Mature, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5L | Low Quality Light-brown Lugs. |
| Underripe, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X1F | Choice Quality Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Ripe, thin, open leaf structure, smooth, oily, clear finish, deep color intensity, semielastic, normal width, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2F | Fine Quality Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Ripe, thin, open leaf structure, smooth, oily, clear finish, deep color intensity, semielastic, normal width, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3F | Good Quality Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Mature, thin, firm leaf structure, crepy, lean in oil, normal finish, moderate color intensity, inelastic, narrow 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4F | Fair Quality Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Mature, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5F | Low Quality Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Underripe, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X1R | Choice Quality Reddish-brown Lugs. |
| Ripe, medium body, open leaf structure, smooth, oily, clear finish, deep color intensity, semielastic, normal width, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2R | Fine Quality Reddish-brown Lugs. |
| Ripe, medium body, open leaf structure, smooth, oily, clear finish, deep color intensity, semielastic, normal width, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3R | Good Quality Reddish-brown Lugs. |
| Mature, medium body, firm leaf structure, crepy, lean in oil, normal finish, moderate color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4R | Fair Quality Reddish-brown Lugs. |
| Mature, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5R | Low Quality Reddish-brown Lugs. |
| Underripe, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3D | Good Quality Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Mature, medium body, firm leaf structure, crepy, lean in oil, normal finish, moderate color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4D | Fair Quality Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Mature, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5D | Low Quality Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Underripe, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3M | Good Quality Mixed Lugs. |
| Mature, thin, firm leaf structure, crepy, lean in oil, normal finish, moderate color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4M | Fair Quality Mixed Lugs. |
| Mature, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5M | Low Quality Mixed Lugs. |
| Underripe, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, pale color intensity, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3G | Good Quality Green Lugs. |
| Underripe, medium body, firm leaf structure, crepy, lean in oil, normal finish, inelastic, narrow, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4G | Fair Quality Green Lugs. |
| Immature, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, inelastic, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5G | Low Quality Green Lugs. |
| Immature, thin, close leaf structure, rough, lean in oil, dull finish, inelastic, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965, as amended at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
Extremely common tobacco which does not meet the minimum specifications or which exceeds the tolerance of the lower grade of any other group except Scrap.
| Grades | Grade names, minimum specifications, and tolerances |
|---|---|
| N1L | First Quality Light-colored Nondescript. |
| Thin to medium body and 60 percent injury tolerance. | |
| N2L | Second Quality Light-colored Nondescript. |
| Thin to medium body and over 60 percent injury tolerance. | |
| N1R | First Quality Dark-colored Nondescript. |
| Thin to heavy body and 60 percent injury tolerance. | |
| N2R | Second Quality Dark-colored Nondescript. |
| Thin to heavy body and over 60 percent injury tolerance. | |
| N1G | First Quality Crude Green Nondescript |
| 60 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. | |
| N2G | Second Quality Crude Green Nondescript. |
| Over 60 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. |
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965, as amended at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
A byproduct of stemmed and unstemmed tobacco. Scrap accumulates from handling tobacco in farm buildings, warehouses, packing and conditioning plants, and stemmeries.
| Grades | Grade name and specifications |
|---|---|
| S | Scrap. |
| Loose, tangled, whole, or broken unstemmed leaves; or the web portions of tobacco leaves reduced to scrap by any process. |
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965, as amended at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984]
| 6 Grades of Wrappers | ||||
| A1F | A1R | |||
| A2F | A2R | |||
| A3F | A3R | |||
| 21 Grades of Heavy Leaf | ||||
| B1F | B1R | B1D | ||
| B2F | B2R | B2D | ||
| B3F | B3R | B3D | B3M | B3G |
| B4F | B4R | B4D | B4M | B4G |
| B5F | B5R | B5D | B5M | B5G |
| 21 Grades of Thin Leaf | ||||
| C1L | C1F | C1R | ||
| C2L | C2F | C2R | ||
| C3L | C3F | C3R | C3M | C3G |
| C4L | C4F | C4R | C4M | C4G |
| C5L | C5F | C5R | C5M | C5G |
| 24 Grades of Lugs | ||||||
| X1L | X1F | X1R | ||||
| X2L | X2F | X2R | ||||
| X3L | X3F | X3R | X3D | X3M | X3G | |
| X4L | X4F | X4R | X4D | X4M | X4G | |
| X5L | X5F | X5R | X5D | X5M | X5G | |
| 6 Grades of Nondescript | ||||
| N1L | N1R | N1G | ||
| N2L | N2R | N2G | ||
| 1 Grade of Scrap | ||||
| S | ||||
Special factors “U”, “W”, and “S” may be applied to all grades in all types, “BH” to grades in types 35 and 36, and “BL” to type 35. Tobacco not covered by the standard grades is designated “No-G.”
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965, as amended at 49 FR 16759, Apr. 20, 1984; 51 FR 40408, Nov. 7, 1986]
| Types 35, 36, 37 and 95 | |
| A1, A2, A3 | 2, 3 |
| B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 | 1, 2, 3 |
| C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 | 1, 2, 3 |
[51 FR 40408, Nov. 7, 1986]
| Group | Qualities | Colors |
|---|---|---|
| A—Wrappers | 1—Choice | L—Light brown |
| B—Heavy Leaf | 2—Fine | F—Medium brown |
| C—Thin Leaf | 3—Good | R—Reddish brown |
| X—Lugs | 4—Fair | D—Dark brown |
| N—Nondescript | 5—Low | M—Mixed |
| S—Scrap | G—Green |
[30 FR 9207, July 23, 1965, as amended at 51 FR 40408, Nov. 7, 1986]
Official Standard Grades for Wisconsin Cigar-Binder Tobacco (U.S. Types 54 and 55)[1]
As used in these standards, the words and phrases hereinafter defined shall have the indicated meanings so assigned.
Tobacco cured under natural atmospheric conditions. Artificial heat sometimes is used to control excess humidity during the curing period to prevent pole-sweat, pole-burn, and shed-burn in damp weather. Air-cured tobacco should not carry the odor of smoke or fumes resulting from the application of artificial heat.
The thickness and density of a leaf or the weight per unit of surface. (See chart.)
The duration of combustion or length of time that a tobacco leaf will hold fire after ignition. (See Rule 18.)
The state of tobacco with respect to its moisture content.
A major division of tobacco based on method of cure or principal usage.
Tobacco is described as clean when it contains only a normal amount of sand or soil particles. Leaves grown on the lower portion of the stalk normally contain more sand or dirt than those from higher stalk positions. (See Rule 4.)
The state of tobacco which results from the method of preparation or from the degree of fermentation. Words used to describe the condition of tobacco are Undried, air-dried, steam-dried, sweating, sweated, and aged.
A subdegree of maturity. (See Rule 15.)
Tobacco dried of its sap by either natural or artificial processes.
The effect of mold, must, rot, black rot or other fungus or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. Tobacco having the odor of mold, must or rot is considered damaged. (See Rule 17.)
The state of tobacco containing an abnormal amount of dirt or sand, or tobacco to which additional quantities of dirt or sand have been added. (See Rule 17.)
The flexible, springy nature of the tobacco leaf to recover approximately its original size and shape after it has been stretched. (See chart.)
Physical characteristics used to determine the quality of tobacco. Words selected to describe degrees within each element are shown in the chart in § 29.6081.
Any extraneous substance or material such as stalks, suckers, straw, strings, and rubber bands. (See Rule 17.)
The stage of preparation of tobacco such as stemmed or unstemmed.
The quality of tobacco considered in relation to the type as a whole. General quality is distinguished from the restricted use of the term “quality” within a group.
A subdivision of a type according to group and quality and to other characteristics when they are of sufficient importance to be treated separately.
In these types a grademark normally consists of a letter to indicate group and a number to indicate quality. For example, B2 means Binder, fair quality.
A type division consisting of one or more grades based on the general quality of tobacco. Groups in these types are: Binder (B), Stripper (C), Straight Stripped (X), Farm Filler (Y), Nondescript (N), and Scrap (S).
Hurt or impairment from any cause except the fungus or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. (See definition of Damage.) Injury to tobacco may be caused by field diseases, insects, or weather conditions; insecticides, fungicides, or cell growth inhibitors; nutritional deficiencies or excesses; or improper fertilization, harvesting, curing, or handling. Injured tobacco includes dead, burnt, hail-cut, torn, broken, frostbitten, frozen (see Rule 16), sunburned, sun-scalded, bulk-burnt, pole-burnt, shed-burnt, pole-sweated, stem-rotted, bleached, bruised, discolored, or deformed leaves; or tobacco affected by wildfire, rust, frogeye, mosaic, root rot, wilt, black shank, or other diseases. (See Rule 13.)
A byproduct of unstemmed tobacco Leaf scrap results from handling unstemmed tobacco and consists of loose and tangled whole or broken leaves.
The cell development of a leaf as indicated by its porosity. The degrees range from close (slick and tight) to open (porous). (See chart.)
The linear measurement of cured tobacco leaves from the butt of the midrib to the extreme tip.
A pile, basket, bulk, package, or other definite unit.
The degree of ripeness. (See chart.)
Any tobacco which has been loaded, packed, or arranged to conceal foreign matter or tobacco of inferior grade, quality, or condition. Nested includes any lot of tobacco which contains foreign matter or damaged, injured, tangled, or other inferior tobacco, any of which cannot be readily detected upon inspection because of the way the lot is packed or arranged. (See Rule 17.)
A designation applied to a lot of tobacco classified as damaged, dirty, nested, offtype, semicured, or wet; tobacco that is improperly packed, contains foreign matter, or has an odor foreign to the type. (See Rules 5 and 17.)
Tobacco of distinctly different characteristics which cannot be classified as Type 53, 54, or 55. (See Rule 17.)
A hogshead, tierce, case, bale, or other securely enclosed parcel or bundle.
A lot of tobacco consisting of a number of packages submitted as one definite unit for sampling or inspection. It is represented to contain the same kind of tobacco and has a common identification number or mark on each package.
A division of a group or the second factor of a grade based on the relative degree of one or more elements of quality.
Tobacco as it appears between the time of harvesting and the beginning of the curing process.
Tobacco in the process of being cured or which is partially but not thoroughly cured. Semicured includes tobacco which contains fat stems, wet butts, swelled stems, and tobacco having frozen stems or stems that have not been thoroughly dried in the curing process. (See definition of No Grade and Rule 17.)
A certain phase of quality as contrasted with some other phase of quality or any peculiar characteristic of tobacco.
Free of damage. (See Rule 4.)
The midrib or large central vein of a tobacco leaf.
A form of tobacco, including strips and strip scrap, from which the stems or midribs have been removed.
The deterioration of an uncured or frozen stem resulting from bacterial action. Although stem rot results from bacterial action, it is inactive in cured tobacco and is treated as a kind of injury in these types. (See Rule 14.)
The stress a tobacco leaf can bear without tearing. (See chart.)
The sides of a tobacco leaf from which the stem has been removed or a lot of tobacco composed of strips.
The condition of tobacco which has passed through one or more fermentations natural to tobacco packed with a normal percentage of moisture. This condition sometimes is described as aged.
Tobacco in its unmanufactured forms as it appears between the time it is cured and stripped from the stalk, or primed and cured, and the time it enters a manufacturing process. Conditioning, sweating, and stemming are not regarded as manufacturing processes.
Manufactured tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff, which is subject to Internal Revenue tax.
A division of a class of tobacco having certain common characteristics and closely related grades. Tobacco which has the same characteristics and corresponding qualities, colors, and lengths is classified as one type, regardless of any factors of historical or geographical nature which cannot be determined by an examination of the tobacco.
That type of cigar-leaf tobacco commonly known as York State or Havana Seed of New York and Pennsylvania, produced principally in the Big Flats and Onondaga sections of New York and extending into Pennsylvania.
That type of cigar-leaf tobacco commonly known as Southern Wisconsin Cigar-leaf or Southern Wisconsin Binder-type, produced principally south and east of the Wisconsin River.
That type of cigar-leaf tobacco commonly known as Northern Wisconsin Cigar-leaf or Northern Wisconsin Binder-type, produced principally north and west of the Wisconsin River and extending into Minnesota.
The condition of unfermented tobacco which has not been air-dried or steam-dried.
A grade requirement designating the percentage of a lot which must meet the specified degree of each element of quality. (See Rule 12.)
A form of tobacco, including whole leaf and leaf scrap, from which the stems or midribs have not been removed.
The condition of cured tobacco which has not been sweated.
Any sound tobacco containing excessive moisture to the extent that it is in unsafe or doubtful-keeping order. Wet applies to any tobacco which is not damaged but which is likely to damage if treated in the customary manner. (See Rule 17.)
The relative breadth of a tobacco leaf expressed in relation to its length. (See chart.)
These standardized words or terms are used to describe tobacco quality and to assist in interpreting grade specifications. Tobacco attributes or characteristics which constitute quality are designated as elements of quality. The range within each element is expressed by the use of words or terms designated as degrees. These degrees are arranged to show their relative value, but the actual value of each degree varies with type and group.
| Elements | Degrees | ||
| Body | Heavy | Medium | Thin. |
| Maturity | Immature | Mature | Ripe. |
| Leaf structure | Close | Firm | Open. |
| Elasticity | Inelastic | Semielastic | Elastic. |
| Strength (tensile) | Weak | Normal | Strong. |
| Width | Narrow | ......do | Spready. |
| Length | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Uniformity | (2) | (2) | (2) |
| Injury tolerance | (2) | (2) | (2) |
| 1 Expressed in inches. | |||
| 2 Expressed in percentages. | |||
The application of these official standard grades shall be in accordance with the following rules.
Each grade shall be treated as a subdivision of a particular type. When the grade is stated in an inspection certificate, the type also shall be stated.
The determination of grade shall be based upon a representative sample or a thorough examination of a packing of tobacco.
The grade of unsorted tobacco shall be based upon a representative sample of the packing. A minimum of 10 percent of the bundles or bales shall be selected at random for sampling; a higher percentage may be sampled at the discretion of the inspector. To obtain the sample, a sufficient amount of tobacco shall be drawn to be representative of each selected bale. In determining the grade, the inspector shall consider the quality of all samples. The grade assigned shall represent the quality of the lot as a whole.
Standard grades shall be assigned to clean and sound tobacco only.
Tobacco leaves shall be placed straight in bundles or bales of normal weight, size, and shape with the butts out and tips overlapping from 6 to 8 inches or sufficiently to make a level, solid, and uniform pack. The sides of the bundles shall be completely covered with paper, or other suitable protective material, and tightly bound with not less than three large twines spaced so that the tobacco will be held securely together. Improperly packed tobacco shall be designated as “No—G.”
The grade assigned to any lot of tobacco shall be a true representation of the tobacco at the time of inspection and certification. If, at any time, it is found that a lot of tobacco does not comply with the specifications of the grade previously assigned, it shall not thereafter be represented as such grade.
Any lot of tobacco which meets the specifications of two grades shall be placed in the higher grade. Any lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two grades shall be placed in the lower grade.
A lot of tobacco meets the specifications of a grade when it is not lower in any degree of any element of quality than the minimum specifications of such grade.
In determining the grade of a lot of tobacco, the lot as a whole shall be considered. Minor irregularities which do not affect over one percent of the tobacco shall be overlooked.
Interpretations, the use of specifications, and the meaning of terms shall be in accordance with determinations or clarifications made by the Chief of the Standardization Branch and approved by the Director of the Tobacco Division, Agricultural Marketing Service.
The use of any grade may be restricted by the Director during any marketing season when it is found that the grade is not needed or appears in insufficient volume to justify its use.
Uniformity shall be expressed in percentages. These percentages shall govern the portion of a lot which must meet each specification of the grade; the remaining portion must be related. Grade specifications state the minimum acceptable degree of each element of quality. Specified percentages of uniformity shall not affect limitations established by other rules.
Injury tolerance shall be expressed in percentages. The appraisal of injury shall be based upon the percentage of affected leaf surface or the degree of injury, and consideration shall be given to the kinds of injury normal to the group or grade.
Stem rot shall not exceed 40 percent of the specified injury tolerance for any grade.
In grade specifications the tolerance of crude shall apply to the entire leaf surface of the lot.
In grade specifications frozen shall be treated as a separate kind of injury and the tolerance shall apply to the entire leaf surface of the lot.
Tobacco shall be designated as No Grade, using the grademark “No—G,” when it is damaged, dirty, nested, offtype, semicured, wet, improperly packed, contains foreign matter, or has an odor foreign to the type.
Burn shall be determined as the average burning time of leaves selected at random from the sample. A minimum of 10 leaves shall be selected as representative regardless of the number of bundles or bales in the lot. All burn tests shall be made in the bindercutting area on the same side of the leaf. The leaf shall be punctured to permit quick ignition when placed over a candle, alcohol lamp, or electrical-lighting device. Good burn shall average 6 seconds or longer; fair burn, 3 to 5 seconds; and poor burn, under 3 seconds. B1 and B2 shall require good burn and B3, fair burn.
Tobacco of this group is of cigar-binder quality from which trash and trashy Farm Fillers have been removed.
| U.S. grades | Grade names, minimum specifications, and tolerances |
|---|---|
| B1 | Fine Quality Binder. Thin, ripe, open, elastic, strong, spready, and 19 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 90 percent; injury tolerance, 10 percent. |
| B2 | Fair Quality Binder. Medium body, ripe, open, semielastic, strong, normal width, and 19 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 20 percent. |
| B3 | Low Quality Binder. Medium, ripe, firm, semielastic, normal strength and width, and 17 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance, 30 percent. |
This group consists of tobacco from which the trash and trashy Farm Fillers have been removed but does not meet the specifications of the Binder group.
| U.S. grades | Grade names, minimum specifications, and tolerances |
|---|---|
| C1 | Fine Quality Stripper. Heavy, ripe, firm, semielastic, normal strength and width, and 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 90 percent; injury tolerance, 10 percent. |
| C2 | Fair Quality Stripper. Heavy, mature, close, inelastic, normal strength, narrow, and 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent. Tolerances: 5 percent crude, 5 percent frozen, and 20 percent injury. |
| C3 | Low Quality Stripper. Heavy, immature, close, inelastic, weak, and narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent. Tolerances: 10 percent crude, 10 percent frozen, and 30 percent injury. |
This group consists of unsorted tobacco from which the trash has been removed.
| U.S. grades | Grade names, minimum specifications, and tolerances |
|---|---|
| X1 | Fine Quality Straight Stripped. Heavy, ripe, firm, semielastic, normal strength and width, and 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 85 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent. |
| X2 | Fair Quality Straight Stripped. Heavy mature, close, inelastic, normal strength, narrow, and 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 75 percent. Tolerances: 5 percent crude, 5 percent frozen, and 25 percent injury. |
| X3 | Low Quality Straight Stripped. Heavy, immature, close, inelastic, weak, and narrow. Uniformity, 60 percent. Tolerances: 10 percent crude, 10 percent frozen, and 40 percent injury. |
This group consists of tobacco from the lower portion of the stalk and may include throw out leaves from the Binder and Stripper groups.
| U.S. grades | Grade names, minimum specifications, and tolerances |
|---|---|
| Y1 | Fine Quality Farm Filler. Thin, ripe, open, semielastic, normal strength and width, and 12 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 85 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent. |
| Y2 | Fair Quality Farm Filler. Thin, ripe, firm, inelastic, normal strength, and narrow. Uniformity, 75 percent. Tolerances: 5 percent crude, 5 percent frozen, and 25 percent injury. |
| Y3 | Low Quality Farm Filler. Thin, mature, close, inelastic, weak, and narrow. Uniformity, 60 percent. Tolerances: 10 percent crude, 10 percent frozen, and 40 percent injury. |
Tobacco which does not meet the minimum specifications or exceeds the tolerance of the lowest grade of any other group.
| U.S. grades | Grade names, minimum specifications, and tolerances |
|---|---|
| N1 | First Quality Nondescript. Tolerances: 20 percent crude, 20 percent frozen, and 60 percent injury. |
| N2 | Second Quality Nondescript. Over 20 percent crude, over 20 percent frozen, or over 60 percent injury. |
A byproduct of unstemmed and stemmed tobacco. Scrap accumulates from handling tobacco in farm buildings, warehouses, packing and conditioning plants, and stemmeries.
| U.S. grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| S | Loose, tangled, whole, or broken unstemmed leaves, or the web portion of tobacco leaves reduced to scrap by any process. |
| Three grades of binder | Three grades of stripper |
|---|---|
| B1 | C1 |
| B2 | C2 |
| B3 | C3 |
| Three grades of straight stripped | Three grades of farm filler |
|---|---|
| X1 | Y1 |
| X2 | Y2 |
| X3 | Y3 |
| Two grades of nondescript | One grades of scrap |
|---|---|
| N1 | S |
| N2 | |
| Tobacco not covered by standard grades is designated as “No-G.” | |
| Groups | Qualities |
|---|---|
| B—Binder | 1—Fine. |
| C—Stripper | 2—Fair. |
| X—Straight Stripped | 3—Low. |
| Y—Farm Filler | |
| N—Nondescript | |
| S—Scrap |