US government stops checking imported tobacco for pesticides

The US Department of Agriculture is removing rules that required mandatory inspection and pesticide testing for imported tobacco. This means tobacco companies can import tobacco without these specific federal checks.

For two decades, the US government has not actually checked imported tobacco for pesticides, even though the rules said they had to. This change simply makes the rules match reality. It removes a legal requirement that was already ignored, making it easier for tobacco companies to operate without the risk of a surprise enforcement action.