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LandedCost
Landed-cost guide

Importing furniture from China to the UK

Everything you need to land furniture profitably — duty rates, VAT, HS codes, typical freight and the hidden costs most importers miss. Last reviewed 15 July 2026.

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Quick answer

The typical duty rate for furniture (HS 9403.60) imported to the UK is 0%, plus 20% import VAT — paid at the border by default, unless postponed via PVA.

Duty rate0%
Import VAT20%
HS code9403.60

Importing furniture at a glance

Primary HS code9403.60
Duty rate (the UK)0%
Import VAT20%
Typical lead time35–45 days door-to-door
Typical freight modeSea (FCL / LCL)
Key complianceFire-safety labelling, UKTR timber due diligence

Rates shown are indicative, not live tariff data — last reviewed 15 July 2026. Always confirm your commodity code and the current rate on the official UK Trade Tariff before shipping.

A worked example: landing furniture

Illustrative order for this category and lane. All figures in USD.

Sample order — 200 unitsLanded cost
Goods (FOB)$18,000
Freight & insurance$2,600
Duty (0%)$0
Import VAT (20%)$4,120
Total landed$24,720
Landed cost / unit$123.60

Import VAT is paid at the border by default — unless postponed via PVA, in which case VAT-registered importers declare and reclaim it on the same VAT return.

Costs to watch when importing furniture

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Fire-safety compliance
Upholstered furniture sold in the UK must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations — permanent labels and match/cigarette test evidence. Non-compliant stock can be seized at the border.
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Volumetric freight surprises
Furniture is light but bulky, so sea freight is billed on volume, not weight. A quote per container can double per-unit cost if your cartons cube out early.
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Timber documentation (UKTR)
Wooden furniture falls under the UK Timber Regulation — you need due-diligence records showing legal harvest, especially for solid-wood lines.
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Damage and insurance
Flat-pack survives transit well; assembled pieces do not. Budget 1–2% for transit damage and insure on CIF value plus duty, not FOB.

Importing furniture — FAQ

What is the import duty on furniture from China to the UK?
Most wooden furniture under HS 9403.60 carries a 0% UK MFN duty rate, so the main import cost is 20% import VAT on the customs value plus freight. Rates shown here are indicative and can vary by origin and trade measures — always verify the current rate for your commodity code on the official UK Trade Tariff.
Do I pay VAT when the container arrives?
Import VAT is paid at the border by default — unless postponed via PVA. UK VAT-registered importers can use postponed VAT accounting to declare and reclaim the VAT on the same return with no cash payment at the border.
How long does shipping furniture from China take?
Plan for 35–45 days door-to-door by sea: 7–10 days origin handling, 28–35 days on the water to a UK port, then customs clearance and inland haulage.

Related guides

Importing garden furniture from Vietnam →Importing kitchenware from China →9403.60 duty rate explained →
— Importing furniture

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