Find HS Code and trade information for sleeve badge

Sleeve Badge

A sleeve badge, also known as a crest badge, shoulder badge, or simply a badge, is a typically circular or shield-shaped emblem worn on the sleeve of a uniform, often to denote membership in an organization, achievement of a skill, or position held.

Material

Sleeve badges are manufactured from a variety of materials, chosen for durability, cost, and aesthetic effect. Common materials include:

• Woven fabric: Often polyester or cotton, used for detailed designs and color reproduction. Frequently embroidered.
• Printed fabric: Suitable for simpler designs and large production runs.
• Metal: Brass, nickel, or other alloys are used for badges intended for a more formal or long-lasting appearance. These can be die-struck, etched, or cast.
• Plastic: PVC or other plastics are used for cost-effective and durable badges, often with printed designs.
• Leather or felt: Used for vintage or specialized badges, offering a softer appearance.

Purpose

The primary purposes of sleeve badges are:

• Identification: Quickly identify members of a specific group (e.g., scouts, police, military units).
• Rank/Position: Indicate an individual’s role or level of authority within an organization.
• Achievement/Skill: Represent skills earned, qualifications attained, or milestones reached.
• Unit/Division Affiliation: Show belonging to a particular unit or section.
• Decoration/Prestige: Serve as a symbol of honor or recognition.

Function

Sleeve badges function as a visual communication tool. They allow for:

• Rapid Recognition: Individuals can be identified at a glance.
• Hierarchical Display: Badges clearly show the structure of an organization.
• Symbolic Representation: Designs often incorporate imagery that reflects the values or history of the organization.
• Moral Boosting: Badges can foster a sense of pride and belonging.

Usage Scenarios

Sleeve badges are widely used in:

• Military: Unit insignia, rank badges, qualification badges.
• Police & Security: Department patches, rank insignia, special unit badges.
• Scouting: Achievement badges, patrol patches, rank insignia.
• Youth Organizations: Similar to scouting, denoting skills and leadership.
• School Uniforms: House colors, prefect badges, club affiliations.
• Sports Teams: Team logos, player numbers, captain insignia.
• Work Uniforms: Company logos, job titles, safety certifications.
• Volunteer Organizations: Denoting roles and responsibilities.

Common Types

• Embroidered Badges: Textured and detailed, often used for scouting and youth organizations.
• Woven Badges: Similar to embroidered, offering a softer appearance and wider color range.
• Metal Pin Badges: Durable and formal, often used for police, military, and corporate applications. These are typically affixed with a pin and clutch backing.
• PVC Badges: Cost-effective and versatile, suitable for a variety of applications.
• Bullion Badges: Made with metallic thread, often used for military and ceremonial uniforms.
• Flash Badges: Large, often shaped badges worn on the upper sleeve, commonly used in military units.
• Tab Badges: Rectangular badges worn above pockets or on sleeves, indicating specialized training or qualifications.

Sleeve badges are categorized as “Other made up clothing accessories; parts of garments or of clothing accessories, other than those of heading 6212”. Several HS codes may apply depending on the material and specific characteristics.

Here are the relevant HS codes from the provided reference material:

• 6217909003: This HS code covers “Other made up clothing accessories; parts of garments or of clothing accessories, other than those of heading 6212: Parts: Other Of blouses and shirts: Of cotton (341)”. This applies to sleeve badges used as parts of blouses and shirts, made of cotton. The first two digits (62) indicate the chapter for articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted. The next four digits (1790) specify other made up clothing accessories and parts. The final digits (9003) further define the category as parts of blouses and shirts, made of cotton.
• 6217909075: This HS code covers “Other made up clothing accessories; parts of garments or of clothing accessories, other than those of heading 6212: Parts: Other Other: Of cotton (359)”. This applies to sleeve badges that are other parts of clothing accessories, made of cotton. The first two digits (62) indicate the chapter for articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted. The next four digits (1790) specify other made up clothing accessories and parts. The final digits (909075) further define the category as other parts, made of cotton.
• 6117909080: This HS code covers “Other made up clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted; knitted or crocheted parts of garments or of clothing accessories: Parts: Other Other: Of cotton (359)”. This applies to sleeve badges that are knitted or crocheted parts of clothing accessories, made of cotton. The first two digits (61) indicate the chapter for articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted. The next four digits (1790) specify other made up clothing accessories and parts. The final digits (909080) further define the category as other parts, made of cotton.

Tax Information:

All three HS codes (6217909003, 6217909075, and 6117909080) share the following tax details:

• Basic Tariff: 14.6%
• Additional Tariff: 7.5%
• Tariff after April 2, 2025: Additional Tariff of 30.0%
• Total Tariff: 52.1%

Important Note:

The applicable HS code depends on whether the sleeve badge is knitted or crocheted. If the badge is not knitted or crocheted, HS codes 6217909003 or 6217909075 apply. If it is knitted or crocheted, HS code 6117909080 applies. All three HS codes require verification of the cotton material.