Two methods for the analysis of basic components, carbonyl compounds and total carbonyls in burley tobacco were investigated. To obtain basic components, burley tobacco was extracted by simultaneous distillation and extraction (SDE) . The basic fraction was separated from the extract, and analyzed by GC with a nitrogen phosphorous detector (NPD) and GC/MS. A total of 43 basic components was identified and 17 important basic aroma components were quantitatively determined. To obtain the carbonyl compounds, the burley tobacco was extracted by supersonic shaking, the extract was reacted with sodium hydrosulfite and the mixture was filtered. The filter cake was distilled (SDE) while sodium carbonate was added. The carbonyl compounds in dichloromethane were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. A total of 47 carbonyl compounds was identified and 27 important carbonyl compounds were quantitatively determined. The repeatability and recoveries of two methods were also evaluated. Three burley tobacco samples from Brazil, Sichuan and Hubei province in China were analyzed and compared. The results showed that the total amount of basic components in Brazil burley was higher than that in Sichuan and Hubei burley, but the total amount of carbonyls in Hubei burley was higher than that in Brazil and Sichuan burley.