Effective Duty Rate
0%–3.7% MFN; no additional surcharges
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
Low
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
CPSC, USDA/APHIS, EPA/TSCA
Primary oversight bodies
OVERVIEW
Importing Furniture, Home Goods & Wood Products from Germany
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.
⚠ Key Trade Intelligence — Germany Origin
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.
APPLICABLE HTS CODES
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.
DUTY STACK — GERMANY ORIGIN
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 |
COMPLIANCE — CPSC / USDA/APHIS / EPA/TSCA
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
Compliance Check Tool
Run an automated compliance check for your furniture import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs Germany.
Run Compliance Check →
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
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.
4
Lacey Act Plant & Plant Product Declaration (USDA PPQ Form 505) — mandatory for all wood furniture
5
TSCA Title VI Formaldehyde Certification from EPA-accredited Third-Party Certifier
6
CPSC Compliance Certificates and supporting test reports
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Import Timeline — Furniture from Germany
25–45 days (ocean from Asia); 5–14 days (truck from Mexico/Canada)
Supplier Preparation
Allow 1–2 weeks for production documentation, certificates, and packing lists
Transit Time
10–16 days ocean from Europe
CBP Clearance
1–3 days standard; 5–15 days if examination or AD/CVD review required
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs — Importing Furniture from Germany
What is the effective US tariff rate for importing furniture from Germany?
The effective US tariff rate for furniture from Germany is: 0%–3.7% MFN; no additional surcharges. 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.
What compliance agencies regulate furniture imports from Germany?
Furniture imports require compliance with: CPSC, USDA/APHIS, EPA/TSCA. Specific requirements include: TSCA Title VI (40 CFR Part 770): formaldehyde emission limits for composite wood products (particleboard, MDF, plywood) — EPA TPC certification required and 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.
What documents are required to import furniture from Germany?
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice; Packing List; Bill of Lading; Lacey Act Plant & Plant Product Declaration (USDA PPQ Form 505) — mandatory for all wood furniture. Additional: TSCA Title VI Formaldehyde Certification from EPA-accredited Third-Party Certifier; CPSC Compliance Certificates and supporting test reports. Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs Germany.
How long does customs clearance take for furniture from Germany?
Typical timeline: 25–45 days (ocean from Asia); 5–14 days (truck from Mexico/Canada). CBP clearance typically takes 1–3 business days for compliant entries. Complex entries (AD/CVD, formal entry review, or examination) may require 5–15 additional business days.
Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on furniture from Germany?
No Section 301 tariffs apply to Germany-origin goods. Section 232 applies with a TRQ arrangement — steel within quota enters at reduced/zero Section 232; above quota faces 25%.
Ready to Calculate Your Exact Import Costs?
Get precise duty calculations, landed cost estimates, and compliance flags for your furniture shipment from Germany.
RELATED IMPORT GUIDES
Also Importing Furniture From Other Countries?
Other Products from Germany?
Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-04-05 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.