Tobacco Grading and Inspections Services-Rescission of Obsolete Import Grading and Pesticide Testing Provisions

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Department of Agriculture (USDA)

This direct final rule amends regulations that govern the mandatory inspection and pesticide testing for imported tobacco established under The Tobacco Adjustment Act of 1983. The Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004 eliminated mandatory inspection and pesticide testing for imported tobacco. In alignment with Executive Order 14192, AMS is amending and, where appropriate, removing regulations that have expired authorizing statutes or govern non-operational programs.

This direct final rule is effective July 28, 2025, without further action or notice, unless a significant adverse comment is received by June 27, 2025. If a significant adverse comment is received, AMS will publish in the Federal Register a withdrawal of this direct final rule prior to the effective date.

Comments can be submitted electronically at https://www.regulations.gov searching by the docket number listed above. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning this direct final rule. Comments may also be submitted by mail or hand delivery to USDA AMS Cotton and Tobacco Program, 3275 Appling Road, Memphis, TN 38133. All comments should reference the docket number and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register . All comments submitted in response to this direct final rule will be included in the record and will be made available to the public at: https://www.regulations.gov. Public comments are posted without change. Any identifying information submitted with these comments will also be publicly available.