Genuine British Army surplus almost always carries a sewn-in label showing a 13-digit NATO Stock Number (NSN), usually with "99" in the fifth and sixth digits to indicate UK, plus a NATO size code, contract number, manufacturer and date. Issue boots often have size and date stamps inside. Copies tend to lack an NSN, use vague or fashion sizing, or feel lighter in construction.
- An NSN is 13 digits, written in the pattern 0000-99-000-0000; the "99" block identifies the UK as the country that coded the item.
- Issue clothing uses NATO size codes based on body measurements, not S, M and L alone.
- Labels typically also show a contract number, maker and year of manufacture.
- Some older kit carries the broad arrow, or crow's foot, government ownership mark.
- Grading describes the condition of genuine used kit; it is separate from whether an item is genuine.
What is a NATO Stock Number and how do you read it?
A NATO Stock Number is the 13-digit code NATO member countries use to identify every item in military supply. It is usually printed on the label as four blocks, for example 8415-99-xxx-xxxx. The first four digits are the supply classification group and class, which tells you broadly what type of item it is; clothing, for instance, commonly falls under classes beginning 84. The next two digits are the country code, and "99" means the item was coded by the United Kingdom. The final seven digits identify the specific item and size.
An NSN on its own does not prove an item is genuine, because a determined copier can print one. But a correctly formatted NSN alongside the other label details below is a strong sign you are looking at issue kit. A garment with no NSN at all, sold as "British Army issue", should make you ask questions.
What should a genuine British Army label show?
Issue clothing and equipment labels follow a fairly consistent layout. On a genuine item you would normally expect to find:
- The item description, often in a formal, abbreviated military style.
- The NSN, in the 13-digit format described above.
- A NATO size code, based on measurements such as height and chest or waist in centimetres, rather than simply small, medium or large.
- A contract number and the manufacturer's name.
- A date or year of manufacture.
- Care instructions, and on some items fabric composition.
Labels on older or heavily washed items can be faded or partly cut, which is normal for used surplus. Our NATO sizes explained guide shows how to turn a size code into a fit you can shop by.
How do you tell if British Army boots are genuine?
Issue boots are made by recognised military suppliers such as Altberg, Haix, Iturri, YDS, LOWA and Karrimor SF, and their construction reflects that: heavy leather or suede uppers, substantial soles and solid stitching. Inside, many issue boots carry size and date stamps or printed markings on the lining or tongue. Sizing is in standard UK sizes, often with a Medium or Wide fit shown.
Warning signs include unbranded "army style" boots sold as issue, sizing that does not match UK conventions, and prices that look far too low for a named maker. Since around 2011–2012 most British Army combat boots have been brown, so a "current issue" boot claimed in an unusual colour is worth checking. You can see genuine examples in our combat boots collection, including the Altberg Defender brown and the Iturri Cold Wet Weather boot.
What is the broad arrow or crow's foot mark?
The broad arrow, often called the crow's foot, is a long-standing British government ownership mark. You will find it stamped or printed on some older military kit, from clothing to tools. Its presence is a useful sign of age and origin on vintage items, but it is not found on everything, and much modern issue kit relies on the label and NSN instead. Treat it as one clue among several rather than a test on its own.
What do "army style" and "military style" mean?
These phrases usually mean the item is a civilian copy made to look military. There is nothing wrong with that if you know what you are buying, but it is not surplus. Copies of camouflage clothing are common. Genuine MTP and DPM items should have issue-style labels, and the pattern and colours should match the correct issue print; our MTP vs DPM camouflage guide explains the differences between the two patterns.
Does grading mean an item is genuine?
No. Grading describes condition; authenticity is a separate question. At Raid Supply we only grade genuine issue surplus, and every item is inspected and graded by hand. Super Grade means unissued or minimal use, with soles barely worn on boots. Grade 1 means good used condition with moderate cosmetic wear and substantial tread left. Grade 2 means heavier wear and more worn tread, but still serviceable, and may include minor professional repairs or replacement laces. Photos show a representative item. The British Army surplus grades guide and our sizing and condition guide set this out in full.
How can you buy genuine surplus with confidence?
Buy from a specialist who can tell you where stock comes from and how it is graded, and who shows real labels and honest condition descriptions. Check reviews from verified buyers rather than star ratings alone. Raid Supply has served more than 20,000 customers and holds a 4.9/5 rating from 11,537 verified reviews; you can read more on our store facts page. If an item is not what you expected, unworn items can be returned within 30 days under our refunds and returns policy. Browse the full range in our British Army surplus collection.
Frequently asked questions
What does 99 mean in a NATO Stock Number?
The fifth and sixth digits of a NATO Stock Number are the country code of the nation that codified the item. "99" is the code for the United Kingdom, so an NSN such as 8415-99-xxx-xxxx indicates an item catalogued by the UK for British forces.
Does every piece of British Army kit have an NSN?
Almost all issued clothing and equipment is given a NATO Stock Number, and it is usually printed on the label. Labels can fade, wash out or be cut away on used items, so a missing label is not proof of a fake, but a new item sold as issue without one deserves caution.
How do I read a NATO size on a label?
NATO sizes are based on body measurements in centimetres, such as height and chest for jackets or waist and leg for trousers, written as a code on the label. Match those numbers to your own measurements rather than your usual high-street size to find the right fit.
Are British Army boots stamped inside?
Many issue boots carry size and date stamps or printed markings inside, on the lining or tongue. These can wear with use. Genuine boots also come from recognised military makers such as Altberg, Haix, Iturri and YDS, in standard UK sizes, often with Medium or Wide fits.
Is army surplus the same as army style?
No. Army surplus is genuine kit made for and issued to, or held by, the armed forces and later released for sale. Army style describes civilian clothing designed to look military. Style items are usually cheaper to make and do not carry NSNs or issue labels.
Is used surplus kit clean and safe to wear?
Reputable sellers inspect every item and describe its condition honestly. At Raid Supply each item is graded by hand, from Super Grade to Grade 2, with photos of a representative item, so you know what level of wear to expect before you buy.
Written by the Raid Supply team, who grade every item by hand in Buckinghamshire.