Introduction

The importation of furniture to the United States has been steadily increasing over the years, reaching new heights in recent times. According to the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, global furniture imports to the United States hit an all-time high of $283.3 billion in June 2021, a significant increase from $67.1 billion in 2018. This surge in demand presents both opportunities and challenges for importers, particularly those dealing with wood furniture.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the intricacies of importing wood furniture to the USA, covering essential aspects such as:

• Export regulations from major furniture-exporting countries
• Import documents required by US Customs
• Specific regulations for wood furniture imports
• Import fees and costs
• Shipping methods and packaging options
• Logistics considerations

Whether you’re a seasoned importer or new to the furniture import business, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you navigate the complex process of bringing wood furniture into the United States.

Export Regulations from Major Furniture-Exporting Countries

Before wood furniture can reach US shores, it must comply with the export regulations of its country of origin. Let’s examine the export requirements for some major furniture-exporting countries:

China

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) categorizes goods into three groups:

• Permitted goods: These can be freely exported.
• Restricted goods: These require licensed approval or are subject to annual quotas.
• Prohibited goods: These cannot be exported under any circumstances.

All foreign trade companies (FTCs) in China need an export license issued by MOFCOM. This license includes details about the exporter, buyer, cargo, value, and mode of transportation. Additionally, each product requires a Harmonized System (HS) code for tracking and classification purposes.

India

Indian exports are governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act of 1999 (FEMA), the Director-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). Exporters must submit an Export Declaration Form (EDF) to the Commissioner of Customs, which includes:

• Shipping documents
• Copy of the invoice
• Payment details
• Company name and address
• Type and quantity of the product to be exported

Italy

Italian companies need to obtain a license for all goods they wish to export. They must submit a declaration containing:

• Type and quantity of products to be exported
• Product price
• Destination country
• Storage information
• Exporting company details

As a European Union member, Italian exporters must also obtain an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number for all import and export activities within Europe.

Mexico

Exporting from Mexico involves extensive documentation and can be a complex process. Companies or individuals exporting to the United States must register their products with the Registry of Exporters. Required documents include:

• Copy of Power of Attorney
• Proof of address
• Mexican representatives’ identification
• Original signed Customs Broker Power of Attorney
• Tax ID registration
• Electronic tax signature certificate
• Photos of the company’s registered office

Some sectors may require additional authorization for certain export materials.

Import Documents Required by US Customs

To successfully import wood furniture into the United States, you must provide several crucial documents to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These documents are essential for the import process, and any errors or omissions can lead to delays or rejections. Let’s explore the six key documents required:

1. Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice is a critical document that provides detailed information about the imported goods. It must be in English and include:

• Detailed item description
• Quantity of items being imported
• Value of the product in both domestic and foreign currency
• Country of origin
• Name and location of the seller
• Name and address of the buyer
• US address where the items are being shipped

This document is crucial for determining the acceptability of the imported products and calculating tariffs.

2. Packing List

The packing list, provided by the shipper or freight forwarder, should include information from the commercial invoice. For wood furniture imports, it must also specify:

• Dimensions of each piece
• Net weight of each item
• Gross weight of the shipment

CBP may use the packing list to authenticate the cargo during the clearance process.

3. Bill of Lading

The Bill of Lading (BOL) acts as a receipt for the shipped goods. It’s issued by the carrier and signed by the vessel owner, captain, or agent. The BOL includes:

• Confirmation that the products have been received
• Agreement to deliver the merchandise to the designated port of entry
• Conditions of transportation

This document is crucial for ensuring that exporters receive payment and importers receive their products.

4. Arrival Notice

The arrival notice is a written communication from the carrier or agent informing the recipient that the shipment has arrived. It typically includes:

• Description of items accepted at the port of entry
• Number of cargo units that have entered the US
• Charges to be paid at pickup

This notice facilitates a quicker unloading process and allows the recipient to claim the items as soon as they clear customs.

5. Customs Bond

A Customs Bond is a written agreement between the Importer of Record, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the bond company issuer. It’s required when:

• Imported goods are for commercial use
• Federal regulation of the product is required
• The value of imported merchandise exceeds $2,500

The bond amount is typically a minimum of 10% of the total duties and fees paid to CBP.

6. CBP Declaration Form (5106)

The CBP Form 5106, also known as the Importer Identity Form or Declaration Form, must be submitted before importing commercial goods into the US. This form:

• Verifies the importer’s identity
• Tracks import history
• Ensures compliance with US import rules and regulations

Once submitted, the importer becomes known as the Importer of Record (IOR).

Specific Regulations for Wood Furniture Imports

Importing wood furniture to the United States involves several specific regulations and requirements. These are designed to protect against invasive species, prevent illegal logging, and ensure product safety. Here are the key regulations to be aware of:

USDA Wood Import Requirements

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) imposes strict regulations on wood imports:

• All raw, softwood lumber must be handled by a facility with a valid compliance agreement with Plant Protection and Quarantine.
• Lumber and wood products must be heat treated within 30 days of release from the first port of entry.
• Only Monterey Pine and Douglas Fir softwood logs are allowed entry into the US.
• Plywood and other composite woods may have additional requirements.

TSCA Declaration for Composite Woods

Furniture made with composite wood materials (e.g., veneers, particleboard, MDF, certain plywood) must comply with Title VI of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This regulation aims to limit formaldehyde emissions from these products. Importers must ensure that:

• The furniture is manufactured in compliance with TSCA Title VI.
• Proper TSCA Declarations accompany the shipment.
• The manufacturer has tagged the shipment appropriately for import.

CITES Endangered Species Regulations

Furniture made from endangered wood species must have a USDA-issued permit or certificate before being imported into the US. This is in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Importers must ensure:

• The wood was legally harvested in its country of origin.
• The furniture arrives at a US port qualified to handle CITES-listed species.

Examples of endangered woods include Brazilian Rosewood, Burmese Teak, and African Mahogany.

APHIS Sanitation Requirements

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) requires all wooden furniture to be inspected before entering the United States. According to APHIS regulations:

• All imported wood furniture must be sanitized by chemical or heat treatment.
• Heat treatment involves processing the wood in an energy dryer or kiln.
• Chemical treatment requires fumigation of wood with a surface pesticide.

These treatments ensure the elimination of foreign pests and diseases potentially present in the wood.

The Lacey Act

The Lacey Act, one of the oldest wildlife protection laws in the US, protects endangered tropical hardwoods and other species. For furniture imports:

• The Act primarily applies to un-upholstered wood chairs or seats.
• Importers must ensure that the wood used in their furniture is sourced legally and sustainably.
• APHIS and CITES work together to enforce the Lacey Act for wooden furniture imports.

FDA Regulations for Special Purpose Furniture

Special purpose furniture, such as hospital beds, dentist chairs, or veterinary tables, is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Importers of such furniture must ensure:

• The furniture passes FDA safety inspections.
• No harmful chemicals are detected.
• The functionality of the device is in working order.

DOT Vehicle Equipment Declaration

Seats designed for motor vehicles require a Department of Transportation (DOT) Vehicle Equipment Declaration Form. Importers must ensure:

• The seat complies with US DOT regulations.
• The seat is only used in the vehicle it was designed for.
• The seat passes safety inspections and testing for hazardous chemicals.

Anti-Dumping Duty

Anti-dumping duty is a tariff imposed on imported goods priced below the fair market value of similar goods in the domestic market. Importers should:

• Stay informed about anti-dumping duty trends related to their products and countries of origin.
• Be prepared for potential additional charges if their products are subject to anti-dumping duties.

Import Fees and Costs

When importing wood furniture to the USA, there are several fees and costs to consider. Understanding these expenses is crucial for accurate budgeting and pricing. Here are the main fees you’ll encounter:

Tariff Taxes

Tariff taxes are determined by the Harmonized System (HS) codes assigned to your imported furniture. These codes are used universally for the first six digits, with additional digits added by individual countries. For furniture:

• Seats and seat parts fall under HS Code 9401
• Mattress supports and bedding are HS Code 9404

The tax rate depends on the country of export, the specific merchandise, and the current tariff rate. While most household furniture is currently not subject to import duties, rates can be as high as 37.5%, with an average rate of about 5.63%.

Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)

The Harbor Maintenance Fee applies to all imported shipments arriving via sea freight. Key points include:

• The fee is 0.125% of the cargo’s value
• It’s used for conservation and development of US seaports
• No fee is collected for shipments by air or truck
• It applies to shipments entering any of the 197 ports across 32 states defined in the Water Resources Development Act of 1986

Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)

The Merchandise Processing Fee is an additional charge by US Customs and Border Protection. Important details include:

• The fee is 0.3464% of the merchandise value
• As of 2021, the minimum fee for a formal entry is $2.22 USD
• The maximum fee is $538.40 USD
• It applies to commercial imports, not personal use items

Shipping Costs

Shipping costs can vary significantly based on the method chosen. For ocean freight, which is common for furniture imports, there are two main options:

• Full Container Load (FCL): For larger shipment volumes
• Less Than Container Load (LCL): For smaller shipment volumes, sharing container space with other importers

While ocean freight is generally more cost-effective for larger shipments, it’s also the slowest transportation method, potentially taking weeks or months to reach the US entry point.

Storage and Warehousing Costs

Once your furniture arrives in the US, you may need to factor in storage and warehousing costs. These can vary based on:

• Location of the warehouse
• Duration of storage
• Volume of furniture being stored
• Any special handling or climate control requirements

Customs Broker Fees

While not mandatory, many importers choose to work with a customs broker to navigate the complex import process. Customs broker fees typically include:

• Entry preparation fees
• Customs bond fees
• Handling and processing fees

These fees can vary widely depending on the broker and the complexity of your shipment.

By understanding and accounting for these various fees and costs, you can more accurately estimate the total expense of importing wood furniture to the USA. This knowledge will help you price your products competitively while maintaining profitability.