Customs Rules for Furniture in the USA

If you want to ship a sofa, a table, or a set of chairs to the United States, you need to follow a few clear steps. The customs process might look complicated, but breaking it down into simple actions makes it doable. Below you’ll find the most important points you need to know before your furniture leaves the dock.

Key Documentation You Can’t Miss

The first thing customs officials ask for is paperwork. Without the right documents, your shipment will sit at the port and you’ll lose time and money. Here’s the short list:

• Commercial Invoice – Shows the seller, buyer, value, and description of each item.
• Packing List – Details how many boxes, their dimensions, and what’s inside each box.
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill – The carrier’s receipt that proves the freight is on its way.
• Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501) – The customs form that declares the goods to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• Certificate of Origin (if required) – Proves where the furniture was made, useful for any trade agreements.

Make sure every description matches the HS (Harmonized System) code for furniture. Most wooden furniture falls under 9403, while metal or plastic pieces may use 9401. Getting the right code helps CBP calculate the correct duty.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced importers trip up on a few things. Spot the mistakes early and you’ll keep your shipment moving.

• Wrong duty rate – If you use an incorrect HS code, you could pay too much or get a penalty. Double‑check the description against the tariff schedule.
• Missing safety labels – Some furniture, especially children’s items, needs to meet CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) labeling rules. No label, no clearance.
• Undervaluing the goods – Declaring a lower price to reduce duty is illegal and can lead to fines or seizure.
• Ignoring state regulations – Some states have extra rules for wood treatment (like the USDA’s ISPM 15). Check if the destination state requires a phytosanitary certificate.
• Delays in payment – Duties, taxes, and broker fees must be settled before CBP releases the cargo. Have a reliable payment method ready.

Working with a customs broker can smooth these steps. A broker knows the exact forms, can file them electronically, and will warn you about any special permits needed for your product.

In practice, a typical furniture import looks like this: you pick the right HS code, prepare the invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, then submit the entry summary through your broker. CBP reviews the info, assesses duty (usually between 0% and 9% for most furniture), and releases the goods once payment is confirmed.

Remember to keep all records for at least five years. CBP can request proof of valuation, origin, or compliance at any time. Good record‑keeping saves headaches during audits.

Finally, stay updated. Trade policies change, and new tariffs can appear overnight. Subscribe to CBP updates or follow a reliable trade news source so you never get caught off guard.

By following these steps, you’ll move furniture across the border with confidence, avoid costly delays, and keep your customers happy. Happy importing!