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.

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.

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.

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.

The reflectance factor in color perception. Finish indicates the sheen or shine of the surface of a tobacco leaf.

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.)

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.

Any extraneous substance or material such as straw, strings, rubber bands, grass, weeds, or an excessive amount of dirt or sand. (See Rule 24.)

The stage or preparation of tobacco such as stemmed or unstemmed.

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, B3F means Leaf, good quality, orange color.

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.)

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.)

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).

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.)

Whole, unstemmed leaf. Leaf, when applied to tobacco in strip form, shall describe the divided unit of a whole leaf.

A byproduct of stemmed and unstemmed tobacco.

The cell development of a leaf as indicated by its porosity. (See Elements of Quality Chart.)

Yellow.

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.

A pile, basket, bulk, or more than one bale, case, hogshead, tierce, package, or other definite package unit.

The degree of ripeness. (See Elements of Quality Chart.)

Distinctly different colors of the type mingled together. (See Rule 16.)

This group consists of tobacco from three or more groups or two distinctly different groups which are mixed together in various combinations.

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.

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.)

A designation applied to a lot of tobacco that contains stalks, suckers, or foreign matter. (See Rule 24.)

A designation applied to a lot of Types 11-14 tobacco which is classified as nested. (See Rule 27.)

A soft, semifluid constituent of tobacco. (See Elements of Quality Chart.)

Tobacco of distinctly different characteristics which cannot be classified as Flue-cured, U.S. Types 11-14 or Foreign Type 92. (See Rule 23.)

A reddish yellow.

A yellowish red.

The state of tobacco with respect to its moisture content.

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.)

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 inspecting. It is represented to contain the same kind of tobacco and has a common identification number or mark on each package.

A term used to describe thin-bodied, oilless tobacco usually associated with whitish-lemon color.

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.

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.

A brownish red.

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.)

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.

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.)

Any tobacco affected by smoke or fumes in the curing process. (See Rule 23.)

Free of damage.

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.)

The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage by means of a redrying machine or other steam-conditioning equipment.

The midrib or large central vein of a tobacco leaf.

A form of tobacco, including strips or strip scrap, from which the stems or midribs have been removed.

The sides of a tobacco leaf from which the stem has been removed from 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.

The condition of tobacco in the process of fermentation.

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.)

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.

Manufactured tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

That type of flue-cured tobacco commonly known as Foreign-grown Flue-cured, produced in countries other than the United States.

The condition of unfermented tobacco which has not been air-dried or steam-dried.

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.)

Damaged. (See Rule 21.)

A form of tobacco, including whole leaf and leaf scrap, from which the stems or midribs have not been removed.

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.)

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.

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.)

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.

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.)

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.

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.)

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.

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.”

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This group consists of tobacco from three or more groups or two distinctly different groups which are mixed together in various combinations.

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.

A byproduct of stemmed and unstemmed tobacco. Scrap accumulates from handling tobacco in farm buildings, warehouses, packing and conditioning plants, and stemmeries.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

The length of tobacco leaves. (See chart, § 29.2371.)

Free of damage.

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.)

The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage by means of a redrying machine or other steam-conditioning equipment.

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 stress a tobacco leaf can bear without tearing. (See chart, § 29.2351.)

The sides of a tobacco leaf from which the stem has been removed or a lot of tobacco composed of strips.

Any grade modified by a special factor symbol.

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.

The condition of tobacco in the process of fermentation.

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.

Manufactured tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff.

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 fire-cured tobacco, known as Virginia Fire-cured or Dark-fired, produced principally in the Piedmont and mountain sections of Virginia.

The condition of unfermented tobacco which has not been air-dried or steam-dried.

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.)

Damaged under 20 percent. (See Rule 20, § 29.2411.)

A form of tobacco, including whole leaf and leaf scrap, from which the stems or midribs have not been removed.

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.)

The relative breadth of a tobacco leaf expressed in relation to its length. (See chart, § 29.2351.)

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A byproduct of unstemmed and stemmed tobacco. Scrap accumulates from handling tobacco in farm buildings, warehouses, packing and conditioning plants, and stemmeries.

Special factors “U”, “W” and “SF” may be applied to all grades. Tobacco not covered by the standard grades is designated “No-G.”

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.

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. (See chart, § 29.2601.)

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, § 29.2601.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

A soft, semifluid constituent of tobacco. (See chart, § 29.2601.)

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.

A division of a group or the second factor of a grade based on the relative degree of one or more elements of quality.

Freshly harvested tobacco or tobacco as it appears between the time of harvesting and the beginning of the curing process.

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 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.)

Tobacco in the process of being cured or which is partially but not thoroughly cured. (See Rule 22, § 29.2638.)

Tobacco that is partially or lightly smoked or has not received the amount of smoke that is characteristic of fire-cured tobacco.

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.

The length of tobacco leaves. Size does not apply to tobacco in strip form. (See chart, § 29.2606.)

Free of damage.

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.)

The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage by means of a redrying machine or other steam-conditioning equipment.

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 stress a tobacco leaf can bear without tearing. (See chart, § 29.2601.)

The sides of a tobacco leaf from which the stem has been removed or a lot of tobacco composed of strips.

Any grade modified by a special factor symbol.

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.

The condition of tobacco in the process of fermentation.

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.

Manufactured tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff.

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 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.

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.

That type of fire-cured tobacco known as Foreign-grown Fire-cured produced in countries other than the United States.

The condition of unfermented tobacco which has not been air-dried or steam-dried.

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.)

Damaged under 20 percent. (See Rule 20, § 29.2636.)

A form of tobacco, including whole leaf and leaf scrap, from which the stems or midribs have not been removed.

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.)

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.)

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.

The application of these official standard grades shall be in accordance with §§ 29.2617 through 29.2639.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

This group consists of leaves which are medium to heavy in body.

This group consists of leaves that are thin in body.

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.

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.

A byproduct of unstemmed and stemmed tobacco. Scrap accumulates from handling tobacco in farm buildings, warehouses, packing and conditioning plants, and stemmeries.

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.

A light yellow slightly shaded toward red.

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 20.)

The third factor of a grade, based on the relative hues, saturations 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 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.)

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.

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.)

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.

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.)

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 23.)

A dark reddish brown.

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.)

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.

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.

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.)

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.)

The stage of preparation of tobacco such as unstemmed or stemmed.

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.

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, 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, C2F means Lugs, second quality, and tan color.

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.)

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.)

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).

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.)

Whole, unstemmed leaf. Leaf, when applied to tobacco in strip form, shall describe the divided unit of a whole leaf.

A by-product 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 or solidity. (See Elements of quality.)

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.)

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.)

A pile, basket, bulk, bale or bales, sheet, case hogshead, tierce, package, or other definite package unit.

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.)

Distinctly different colors of the type mingled together. (See Rule 16.)

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.

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.

A designation applied to a lot of Type 31 tobacco which is classified as nested.

Tobacco of distinctly different characteristics which cannot be classified as Burley, Type 31 or 93. (See Rule 23.)

The state of tobacco with respect to its moisture content.

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.

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 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.)

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.

Freshly harvested tobacco or tobacco as it appears between the time of harvesting and the beginning of the curing process.

A brownish red.

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.

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.)

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.

Free of damage.

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.)

The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage by means of a redrying machine or other steam-conditioning equipment.

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 stress a tobacco leaf can bear without tearing. Tensile strength is not an important element of quality in Burley tobacco.

The sides of a tobacco leaf from which the stem has been removed; or a lot of tobacco composed of strips.

Any grade modified by a special factor symbol.

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.

The condition of tobacco in the process of fermentation.

A light red-yellow.

A light red-yellow shaded toward buff.

A light red shaded toward tan.

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.

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.

The condition of unfermented tobacco which has not been air-dried or steam-dried.

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.)

Damaged under 20 percent. (See Rule 21.)

A form of tobacco, including whole leaf and leaf scrap, from which the stems or midribs have not been removed.

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.”

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.

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.

Tobacco in Type 31 shall be designated by the grademark “No-G-Nested” when it is nested.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.)

This group consists of tobacco of distinctly different groups which are mixed together in various combinations.