The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board has slashed Zimbabwe’s official tobacco classification grades from 1,320 to 669 with effect from the 2026 Tobacco Marketing Season, in a move aimed at streamlining grading and strengthening competitiveness.
In a notice to stakeholders, TIMB said:
“With effect from the 2026 Tobacco Marketing Season, TIMB has reduced the official tobacco classification grades from 1,320 to 669.”
The regulator said the revision responds to evolving production conditions and global market dynamics.
“This move responds to changing climatic conditions and farming practices, and aims to streamline grading, align with international buyer standards, and protect Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in a period of global oversupply.”
Zimbabwe is one of the world’s largest producers of flue-cured tobacco, and grading systems directly influence pricing, transparency and buyer confidence at auction floors and contract sales.
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TIMB said the rationalisation process was not unilateral but industry-driven.
“The process was led by an industry technical committee representing all tobacco sector stakeholders.”
The Board urged growers and contractors to familiarise themselves with the new grading structure ahead of market opening.
“As we grade and bale, preparing for the market to open, let’s bear this in mind.”
The reduction in grades effectively halves the classification matrix, a shift that simplifies transactions and reduce disputes over leaf quality and also require growers to adjust curing and sorting practices to align with the revised standards.
The new grading framework is expected to take effect when the 2026 tobacco marketing season opens.
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