Import Furniture: How to Bring Indian Furniture to the USA

If you’re thinking about buying a wooden chair, a carved table, or a set of vintage sofas from India, you’re not alone. Many buyers love the craftsmanship and price advantage, but the process can feel confusing. This guide walks you through the key steps so you can ship furniture without nasty surprises.

Paperwork and Legal Hurdles

The first thing you need is a clear idea of what paperwork the U.S. customs office asks for. At a minimum, you’ll need a commercial invoice that lists every item, its value, country of origin, and material. A packing list helps the carrier know how many boxes are coming and how heavy they are.

Next, check the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code for your furniture. Most wooden pieces fall under chapter 94, but the exact sub‑code decides the duty rate. A typical duty for solid wood furniture is around 2‑5 % of the declared value, but some upholstered items can hit 8 % or more.

Don’t forget about the Federal Agency for Safety on imports. If your furniture has cushions, foam, or metal parts, you may need to provide a material safety data sheet (MSDS) to prove it meets U.S. standards. Ignoring this can cause a hold at the port and extra fees.

Finally, secure an Importer of Record (IOR). If you’re a private buyer, your freight forwarder can act as the IOR, handling the entry paperwork and paying duties on your behalf. This saves you from learning the full customs process yourself.

Shipping Options and Real Costs

How you ship decides both price and timing. For small batches like a single sofa or a few chairs, air freight is fast but pricey – usually $5‑$8 per kilogram, plus fuel surcharges. Most importers choose sea freight for larger orders because a 40‑foot container can hold a whole living‑room set for a fraction of the air cost.

When you book sea freight, ask the carrier about “door‑to‑door” service. This means the container is picked up at the factory, cleared at the port, and delivered to your home. It adds a bit to the price but eliminates the hassle of coordinating multiple movers.

Don’t forget insurance. Furniture can get damaged in transit, especially if it’s packed in crates. A basic all‑risk policy costs about 0.3‑0.5 % of the cargo value and gives you peace of mind.

To estimate total landed cost, add up the freight charge, duty, insurance, and any port handling fees. For a $2,000 sofa shipped by sea, you might pay $300‑$400 in freight, $80 in duty, $10 in insurance, and $50 in handling – roughly $440 total, or 22 % of the purchase price.

One trick to cut cost is to consolidate shipments with other buyers. If a friend is also buying furniture from the same city in India, sharing a container can split the freight and handling fees dramatically.

Once your furniture arrives, you’ll get a notice from the customs broker. They’ll arrange a pickup from the port or a delivery to your door. Inspect every piece right away – note any scratches, dents, or missing parts and file a claim with the carrier before the deadline.

Importing furniture doesn’t have to be a headache. By sorting out the paperwork early, choosing the right shipping method, and budgeting for duties and insurance, you can enjoy Indian craftsmanship in your own home without surprise costs.