Wood Frame Seats (Excluding Heading 9401)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9401612031 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9401694011 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πͺ Wooden Frame Seats (Excluding Heading 9402) & Parts
π¦ HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know "Wooden Seats"?
Wooden frame seats refer to furniture items primarily constructed with wooden frames, designed for sitting, and explicitly excluding medical, dental, veterinary, or barber chairs (which fall under Heading 9402). These products are categorized based on their upholstery status, frame material, and the specific origin/source of the timber.
In international trade, precise classification is critical because Teak Wood (especially from plantations) triggers specific tariff nuances compared to other woods.
β οΈ Key Distinction: - Heading 9401 Seats: General seating with wooden frames (e.g., dining chairs, office chairs, outdoor chairs). - Heading 9402 Seats: Medical/dental/veterinary/barber chairs. (Excluded from this guide) - Material Matters: The distinction between "Other Seats" and specific sub-categories like "Teak" significantly impacts duty rates and compliance requirements.
π II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, the relevant HS codes for Wooden Frame Seats (specifically focusing on Teak variants as per the dataset) are detailed below.
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Characteristics | Target Audience/Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
9401.61.20.31 |
Other seats, with wooden frames: Other seats, with wooden frames: Upholstered: Chairs: Of teak: Other: Of plantation-harvested teak | Upholstered chairs, wooden frame, made from plantation-harvested teak. | Household dining chairs, restaurant seating, decorative furniture. |
9401.69.40.11 |
Other seats, with wooden frames: Other: Other: Chairs: Of teak: Household: Of plantation-harvested teak | Other upholstered/semi-upholstered chairs, wooden frame, made from plantation-harvested teak, specifically for household use. | Home furniture, living room chairs, bedroom seating. |
π Important Note on Data Scope: - The provided data only covers Teak seats (specifically plantation-harvested teak). - Non-teak wooden seats (e.g., oak, pine, walnut) are not included in the provided
<DATA>and therefore cannot be analyzed here. - Both HS codes above share the same tax structure.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Jurisdiction: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Inferred from the 25% additional tariff context common in US-China trade data)
β Effective Time: Current (Post-2024 Trade Policy)
π― 1. HS Code 9401.61.20.31 β Upholstered Teak Chairs (Plantation-Harvested)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | +25.0% (Section 301 / Trade War Tariffs) |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| Legal Basis | USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) 9401.61.20.31 + Section 301 Footnotes |
π Explanation:
- Although the base MFN (Most Favored Nation) tariff for these upholstered wooden seats is 0%, the 25% additional tariff applies due to U.S. trade measures against Chinese-origin goods in this category. - The specification "Plantation-Harvested Teak" does not exempt the product from this additional tariff.
π― 2. HS Code 9401.69.40.11 β Other Teak Chairs (Household, Plantation-Harvested)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | +25.0% (Section 301 / Trade War Tariffs) |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| Legal Basis | USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) 9401.69.40.11 + Section 301 Footnotes |
π Explanation:
- Similar to the previous code, the base rate is 0%, but the 25% additional tariff is fully applicable. - This code captures "Other" wooden frame chairs that may differ slightly in upholstery style or specific design but remain within the household and plantation teak parameters.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Essential Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state "Wooden Frame," "Upholstered," "Teak," and "Plantation-Harvested." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detailed breakdown of items, weights, and dimensions. |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must confirm the wood type (Teak) and source (Plantation-Harvested). |
| β Proof of Origin | βοΈ | Critical to determine if Section 301 tariffs apply. If not Chinese origin, additional tariffs may not apply. |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state "Plantation-Harvested Teak" to avoid misclassification as "Wild Teak" or other woods. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ βSpecify Wood, Declare Source, Classify Correctly, Avoid Penalties!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Teak Chairs | 9401.61.20.31 or 9401.69.40.11 |
Misclassifying as generic "Wooden Furniture" (9403.90) β Risk of audit & penalty. |
| Plantation Teak | Explicitly state "Plantation-Harvested" | Omitting "Plantation-Harvested" β Potential misclassification if wild teak is assumed. |
| Non-Chinese Origin | Declare correct country of origin | Assuming 25% tariff applies to Vietnamese/Malaysian origin goods β Overpayment or compliance error. |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Wood Construction | If the frame is teak but parts are other wood, classify based on the essential character (usually the frame material). |
| Semi-Upholstered vs. Fully Upholstered | Ensure the description matches the HS code sub-heading (Upholstered vs. Other). Misdeclaration can lead to delays. |
| Kit/Unassembled Seats | If shipped in knocked-down (KD) form, still classify as finished seats if assembled form meets the description. |
| Exemption Requests | Check for USTR exclusion lists. Although unlikely for standard furniture, verify if any specific HTS codes are currently exempt. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Base Tariff | Additional Tariff | Total Tariff (China Origin) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9401.61.20.31 / 9401.69.40.11 |
0% | +25% | 25% | High cost due to Section 301. |
| π¨π³ China | 9401.61 / 9401.69 | 0-10% | None | 0-10% | Low cost, standard import duties. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9401.61 / 9401.69 | 3.9% | None | 3.9% | No additional tariffs for China. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9401.61 / 9401.69 | 3.9% | None | 3.9% | Post-Brexit standard rates. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9401.61 / 9401.69 | 5% | None | 5% | GST applies on top. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9401.61 / 9401.69 | 7% | None | 7% | Consumption tax applies. |
π Conclusion: - USA is the most challenging market due to the 25% additional tariff. - EU, UK, Australia, and Japan offer significantly lower tariff burdens (3.9%-7%). - Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., manufacturing in Vietnam or Thailand) to mitigate U.S. tariffs, if feasible.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Omitting "Plantation-Harvested" in the description
π Consequence: Customs may suspect illegal logging (wild teak) β Seizure & Heavy Fines.
β Error 2: Misclassifying as "Furniture Parts" (9403.90)
π Consequence: Incorrect duty application β Audits & Penalties.
β Error 3: Assuming 0% Base Tariff Means 0% Total Tax
π Consequence: Ignoring the 25% additional tariff β Unexpected High Costs.
β Error 4: Confusing with Heading 9402 (Medical Chairs)
π Consequence: Wrong HS Code β Clearance Delays & Rejection.
β Correct Practice:
"Upholstered Dining Chairs, Wooden Frame, Plantation-Harvested Teak, Model ABC, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings, Efficient Clearance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Base 0%, Add 25%, Total 25%!"
πΉ "Specify 'Plantation-Harvested Teak' to avoid legal risks!"
πΉ "Check Origin! Non-China Origin = Lower Tariffs!"
π Tips: - If your wooden frame seats are originating from Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, you may avoid the 25% additional tariff. Ensure proper Proof of Origin (Form D, CoO, etc.) is provided. - Consider applying for a Pre-Ruling from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to confirm the exact HS code classification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide Product Photos + Verify Origin Country
π Let your wooden seats clear customs smoothly, control costs, and maximize profits!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with precise classification!
πΌ Every dollar of duty is worth being calculated accurately!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.