Find HS Code and trade information for tactical camouflage

Tactical Camouflage

Tactical camouflage is the use of clothing, equipment, and techniques to render personnel, equipment, and installations difficult to detect visually or through other means, primarily for military purposes, but also employed by law enforcement, hunters, and survivalists. It aims to disrupt an observer's ability to recognize shapes, sizes, and movements, blending the camouflaged subject with the surrounding environment.

Materials

A wide range of materials are utilized, evolving alongside technological advancements:

• Fabrics: Historically, materials like cotton and wool were used. Modern tactical camouflage heavily relies on synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and blends offering durability, water resistance, and breathability. Ripstop construction is common to prevent tearing.
• Dyes and Pigments: Initially, natural dyes were employed. Contemporary camouflage patterns utilize advanced dyes and pigments for colorfastness and spectral control (reducing visibility in infrared). Near-infrared (NIR) dyes are critical for defeating night vision devices.
• Printing Techniques: Screen printing was an early method. Digital camouflage patterns are now produced using specialized inkjet printing techniques allowing for complex, high-resolution designs.
• Other Materials: Ghillie suits incorporate natural vegetation and synthetic fibers. Camouflage netting utilizes a mesh base with attached foliage or printed patterns. Camouflage paint is used on equipment and skin.

Purpose

The primary goals of tactical camouflage are:

• Concealment: Hiding from observation.
• Deception: Disrupting recognition of shapes and movements.
• Disruption: Breaking up the silhouette of an object or person.
• Protection: Reducing the vulnerability to detection and targeting.

Function

Tactical camouflage functions by:

• Pattern Matching: Mimicking the colors, textures, and shapes of the background environment.
• Color Disruption: Breaking up the solid form of an object with contrasting colors and shapes.
• Shape Disruption: Using irregular patterns to obscure the recognizable outline of an object.
• Shadow Elimination: Reducing the contrast between the camouflaged object and its surroundings.
• Spectral Control: Minimizing visibility across the electromagnetic spectrum (visible, infrared, thermal).

Usage Scenarios

• Military Operations: Essential for infantry, special forces, reconnaissance, and sniper teams. Patterns are often tailored to specific operational environments (woodland, desert, urban, snow).
• Law Enforcement: Used by SWAT teams, surveillance units, and border patrol for concealment and tactical advantage.
• Hunting: Popular among hunters to blend with the environment and approach game undetected.
• Survival and Bushcraft: Used for concealment, tracking, and evasion in wilderness environments.
• Airsoft/Paintball: Commonly used for realism and tactical play.

Common Types & Patterns

Camouflage patterns are broadly categorized by the environments they are designed for:

• Woodland Patterns: (e.g., MARPAT Woodland, SS Pattern, Erdenmuster) – Green-dominant patterns for temperate forests.
• Desert Patterns: (e.g., MARPAT Desert, Digital Desert, DPM Desert) – Tan and brown-dominant patterns for arid environments.
• Urban Patterns: (e.g., MARPAT Urban, MultiCam, ATACS iX) – Grey and brown-dominant patterns for built-up areas.
• Snow Patterns: (e.g., SS Snow Pattern, MARPAT Winter) – White-dominant patterns for snowy environments.
• Multi-Terrain Patterns: (e.g., MultiCam, ATACS FG) – Designed to be effective across a wider range of environments.
• Digital Camouflage: (e.g., MARPAT, DPM Digital) – Patterns utilizing pixelated shapes for disruption at various ranges.
• Ghillie Suits: Mimic vegetation to provide extreme concealment, often customized for specific environments.

Tactical camouflage typically refers to clothing or materials designed to conceal individuals or equipment in various environments. Based on the provided reference material, several HS codes may be relevant depending on the specific composition and construction of the camouflage items.

Here are the potentially applicable HS codes:

• 6110.19.0070: This code covers sweaters, pullovers, sweatshirts, waistcoats (vests) and similar articles, knitted or crocheted, of wool or fine animal hair. If the tactical camouflage item is a knitted or crocheted garment made from wool or fine animal hair, this code applies. The total tax rate is 53.5%, comprising a 16.0% base tariff, a 7.5% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025.
• 6110.90.9064: This code applies to sweaters, pullovers, sweatshirts, waistcoats (vests) and similar articles, knitted or crocheted, of other textile materials, specifically vests (other than sweater vests) for men or boys. The total tax rate is 43.5%, consisting of a 6.0% base tariff, a 7.5% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025.
• 6114.90.9045: This code covers other garments, knitted or crocheted, of other textile materials, subject to cotton restraints. If the tactical camouflage item is a knitted or crocheted garment made from other textile materials and is subject to cotton restraints, this code is applicable. The total tax rate is 35.6%, including a 5.6% base tariff, a 0.0% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025.
• 6114.90.9070: This code applies to other garments, knitted or crocheted, of other textile materials, not specifically subject to cotton restraints. If the tactical camouflage item is a knitted or crocheted garment made from other textile materials and is not subject to cotton restraints, this code applies. The total tax rate is 35.6%, consisting of a 5.6% base tariff, a 0.0% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025.
• 3926.20.1010: This code covers articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves, mittens and mitts) made of plastics, specifically seamless surgical and medical items. If the tactical camouflage item is a seamless garment or accessory made of plastics intended for surgical or medical use, this code is applicable. The total tax rate is 30.0%, comprising a 0.0% base tariff, a 0.0% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025.
• 3926.90.9989: This code applies to other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914, specifically other items. If the tactical camouflage item is made of plastics or other materials and does not fall into other specific categories, this code may be applicable. The total tax rate is 42.8%, consisting of a 5.3% base tariff, a 7.5% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025.

It is important to note that the correct HS code will depend on the specific material composition and construction of the tactical camouflage item.