How to Import Furniture from Germany to the US
Importing Furniture, Home Goods & Wood Products from Germany
Importing furniture from Germany into the United States carries low compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 0%–3.7% MFN; no additional surcharges. A Section 232 Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) arrangement applies: steel and aluminum products within quota limits may enter at reduced or zero Section 232 duty, while above-quota imports face the full 25% surcharge.
Furniture imported from Germany to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.
Germany exports premium office furniture (Vitra, Wilkhahn), industrial shelving, and high-design residential furniture. Very low to zero MFN rates. Excellent TSCA/CARB compliance culture. No Section 301 or additional duties.
Get an Exact Duty Estimate
Enter your product value and origin country to get the exact duty stack including MFN, Section 301, Section 232, and applicable FTA rates.
Estimated Landed Cost: Furniture from Germany
Based on a representative $50,000 CIF shipment value. Actual costs vary by HTS code, entry type, and port of entry.
| Cost Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Value (CIF) | $50,000.00 | Reference shipment value |
| MFN Base Duty (0.0%) | $0.00 | ITA or preferential rate |
| Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%) | $173.20 | Min $31.67 / max $614.35 |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%) | $62.50 | Ocean freight only |
| Total Duties & Fees | $235.70 | Effective rate: 0.5% |
| Estimated Landed Cost | $50,235.70 | Cargo + all US duties/fees |
⚠ Section 232 tariffs (25% steel / 10% aluminum) may apply to furniture sub-categories with significant steel or aluminum content. Not included above — verify by specific HTS code.
✓ ITA or preferential rates apply — base duty is 0%. MPF and HMF still apply on all entries.
Excludes freight, insurance, broker fees, warehousing, and AD/CVD duties. Use the Duty Calculator for a precise estimate on your specific shipment.
HTS Codes for Furniture Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to furniture imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.
| HTS Code | Product Description | MFN Base Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 9401 | Seats — Chairs, Sofas, Office Seating | 0%–3.7% MFN |
| 9403 | Other Furniture — Tables, Desks, Storage | 0% MFN (most wood/metal furniture) |
| 9404 | Mattresses & Bedroom Textiles | 3%–6% MFN |
| 4418 | Engineered Wood (flooring, panels, doors) | 3.2%–8% MFN |
| 9403.10–9403.20 | Office & Metal Furniture | 0% MFN |
MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.
Total Tariff Cost for Germany-Origin Furniture
| Duty Layer | Rate / Status | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| MFN Base Rate | Varies by HTS code | All Germany-origin goods (baseline) |
| Section 301 | Not applicable | Germany-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 |
| Section 232 TRQ | 0% within quota; 25%/10% above | Steel/aluminum within agreed quota volumes |
Get Your Exact Total Duty Rate
Our calculator handles all duty layers — MFN + Section 301 + Section 232 + FTA rates — for any HTS code from any origin country.
US Compliance Requirements for Furniture Imports
Regardless of origin country, furniture imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- TSCA Title VI (40 CFR Part 770): formaldehyde emission limits for composite wood products (particleboard, MDF, plywood) — EPA TPC certification required
- Lacey Act: Plant and Plant Product Declaration (USDA PPQ Form 505) required for all wood-containing furniture — must list wood species and country of harvest
- CPSC furniture safety standards including ASTM F2057 for clothing storage furniture (tip-over prevention) and CPSC bunk bed regulations
- California CARB Phase 2 formaldehyde standards required for furniture sold in California markets
Run an automated compliance check for your furniture import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs Germany.
Run Compliance Check →Documentation Checklist for Furniture from Germany
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs Germany. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
Generate Your Document Checklist
Get a customized document checklist based on your specific HTS code, origin country, and product category.
Import Timeline — Furniture from Germany
25–45 days (ocean from Asia); 5–14 days (truck from Mexico/Canada)
FAQs — Importing Furniture from Germany
Free Tools for Furniture Importers
Run these tools before your next shipment from Germany — all free, no account required.
Ready to Calculate Your Exact Import Costs?
Get precise duty calculations, landed cost estimates, and compliance flags for your furniture shipment from Germany.
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Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-05-16 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.