HS Code for Tents
Tents are provided for in chapter 63 of the HTSUS under heading 6306, which covers tarpaulins, awnings, tents, sails and camping goods. Two factors usually drive the subheading: the textile material the tent is made of, and (for synthetic-fiber tents) whether it is a backpacking tent. Synthetic-fiber tents point toward subheading 6306.22, which splits between backpacking tents and other tents, while tents of cotton or other textile materials point toward 6306.29. Those splits also change the estimated duty: a synthetic backpacking tent carries a general rate of Free, other synthetic tents around 8.8%, and cotton or other-textile tents around 8%. Identifying the fiber first, then whether a synthetic tent is a backpacking model, is the first step in exploring the most appropriate line.
HTS Codes for Tents
| HTS Code | Description | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 6306.22.10.00 | Backpacking tents of synthetic fibers Backpacking tents made of synthetic fibers (a distinct duty-free line for lightweight backpacking tents) | Free |
| 6306.22.90.30 | Other tents of synthetic fibers Synthetic-fiber tents other than backpacking tents (family, dome, canopy and event tents) | 8.80% |
| 6306.29.11.00 | Tents of cotton or other textile materials Tents of cotton or of textile materials other than synthetic fibers (canvas and cotton tents) | 8% |
How to Approach Classification for Tents
Tents sit in chapter 63 of the HTSUS under heading 6306, the provision for tarpaulins, awnings and sunblinds, tents, sails for boats, and camping goods. A camping, family, event or backpacking tent points toward this heading rather than toward furniture or toy provisions, so heading 6306 is the starting point.
The first branch is the textile material of the tent. Tents made of synthetic fibers (the great majority of modern nylon and polyester tents) point toward subheading 6306.22, while tents of cotton or of other textile materials, such as traditional canvas, point toward subheading 6306.29. Establishing the predominant fabric is therefore the key first question, because it selects the subheading and sets the general path for the duty estimate.
Within the synthetic-fiber branch there is a second, narrower split. Backpacking tents (the lightweight, portable tents designed to be carried on the person) point toward a distinct line at 6306.22.10, while all other synthetic-fiber tents, including larger family, dome, canopy and event tents, point toward 6306.22.90. That backpacking-versus-other distinction matters, because it changes the estimated duty even though both are synthetic tents.
A practical approach is to identify the predominant textile first, then, if the tent is synthetic, determine whether it qualifies as a backpacking tent, and only then settle on a line. It is generally better to stay within heading 6306 than to reach for the broad made-up textile provisions elsewhere in chapter 63, or for chapter 94 furniture or chapter 95 play-tent and toy provisions; a children's pop-up play tent, in particular, can point toward the toy headings rather than 6306, so the intended use is worth confirming.
Duty Rate Overview
Duty estimates for tents depend on the fiber and, for synthetic tents, on whether the tent is a backpacking model. A synthetic-fiber backpacking tent at 6306.22.10 carries a general rate of Free, while other synthetic-fiber tents at 6306.22.90 are estimated around 8.8%. Tents of cotton or other textile materials at 6306.29 are estimated around 8%. Because the backpacking line enters Free while the other synthetic line is dutiable, confirming whether a synthetic tent is a backpacking tent has a real effect on the estimate. Preferential rates under free trade agreements may reduce or eliminate these duties for qualifying origins. These figures are estimates for general planning purposes only.