Find HS Code and trade information for mobile tank

Mobile Tank

A mobile tank, broadly defined, refers to a self-propelled armored fighting vehicle designed for offensive operations, typically characterized by direct fire capabilities, heavy armor, and tracked or wheeled locomotion. The term encompasses a wide range of vehicles differing significantly in size, firepower, and intended roles.

Historical Development & Purpose

The concept originated in the early 20th century as a response to the stalemate of trench warfare in World War I. Early tanks were designed to overcome obstacles such as barbed wire and trenches, providing infantry support and breaking defensive lines. Modern mobile tanks serve as a primary offensive weapon in combined arms warfare, focusing on maneuver warfare, direct engagement of enemy forces, and supporting infantry and other armored units.

Function & Capabilities

The core function of a mobile tank is to provide firepower, mobility, and protection on the battlefield.

• Firepower: Tanks are equipped with a large-caliber main gun, capable of engaging a variety of targets, including other armored vehicles, fortifications, and personnel. They often incorporate secondary armament like machine guns. Modern tanks utilize sophisticated fire control systems, including thermal imaging, laser rangefinders, and ballistic computers, to increase accuracy and effectiveness.
• Mobility: Tanks are designed to traverse difficult terrain and maintain a high speed. This is achieved through powerful engines, sophisticated suspension systems, and either tracked or wheeled locomotion. Tracked vehicles offer superior off-road performance, while wheeled vehicles provide greater speed and range on paved surfaces.
• Protection: Tanks employ heavy armor, composed of steel, composite materials, or reactive armor, to withstand enemy fire. Modern tanks often incorporate active protection systems (APS) to intercept incoming projectiles and reduce the impact of anti-tank weapons.

Usage Scenarios

Mobile tanks are deployed in a variety of combat scenarios:

• Offensive Operations: Leading assaults, breaching enemy defenses, and exploiting breakthroughs.
• Defensive Operations: Establishing defensive positions, countering enemy attacks, and providing fire support.
• Reconnaissance: Conducting patrols, gathering intelligence, and identifying enemy positions.
• Urban Warfare: Operating in complex urban environments, providing fire support and clearing buildings.
• Peacekeeping Operations: Providing security and stability in conflict zones.

Common Types

Mobile tanks are categorized based on their size, weight, and intended role.

• Main Battle Tanks (MBT): The primary offensive weapon of modern armies. MBTs are heavily armored, equipped with a large-caliber main gun, and designed for a variety of combat roles. Examples include the M1 Abrams (USA), Leopard 2 (Germany), Challenger 2 (UK), T-90 (Russia), and Type 99 (China).
• Light Tanks: Smaller and lighter than MBTs, light tanks are designed for reconnaissance, scouting, and supporting infantry. They typically have less armor and firepower than MBTs. Examples include the M8 Buford (USA) and PT-76 (Russia).
• Amphibious Tanks: Designed to operate in both land and water environments, amphibious tanks are often used for amphibious assaults and river crossings.
• Tank Destroyers: Specialized vehicles designed to engage and destroy enemy tanks. They typically have a powerful main gun but less armor than MBTs.
• Self-Propelled Anti-Tank Guns (SPATGs): Similar to tank destroyers, SPATGs are designed to engage enemy tanks but often have less mobility and armor.

Mobile Tank Classification and Tariff Information

The declared goods, “mobile tank”, fall under the category of tanks and other armored fighting vehicles, motorized, whether or not fitted with weapons, and parts of such vehicles. Based on the provided information, the following HS codes are applicable:

• 8710000030: This HS code covers tanks and other armored fighting vehicles, motorized, whether or not fitted with weapons, and parts of such vehicles – specifically, Vehicles: Tracked (including half-tracked). This would apply to mobile tanks that utilize a tracked or half-tracked system for movement. The tariff details are: Basic tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 7.5%, and an additional tariff of 30% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 37.5%.
• 8710000060: This HS code also covers tanks and other armored fighting vehicles, motorized, whether or not fitted with weapons, and parts of such vehicles – specifically, Vehicles: Other. This would apply to mobile tanks that do not utilize a tracked or half-tracked system. The tariff details are: Basic tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 7.5%, and an additional tariff of 30% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 37.5%.

Important Note: Both HS codes currently have an additional tariff of 7.5%. This will increase to 30% after April 2, 2025. Therefore, the timing of import will affect the total tariff applied.