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LandedCost
Landed-cost guide

Importing garden furniture from Vietnam to the UK

Everything you need to land garden 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 garden furniture (HS 9403.20) 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 code9403.20

Importing garden furniture at a glance

Primary HS code9403.20
Duty rate (the UK)0%
Import VAT20%
Typical lead time40–50 days door-to-door
Typical freight modeSea (FCL)
Key complianceTimber/rattan due diligence, weather-resistance test reports

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 garden furniture

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

Sample order — 150 unitsLanded cost
Goods (FOB)$13,500
Freight & insurance$2,900
Duty (0%)$0
Import VAT (20%)$3,280
Total landed$19,680
Landed cost / unit$131.20

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 garden furniture

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Hard seasonality
UK garden-furniture demand peaks April–July. A two-week delay on a spring order can push stock into the clearance season — build buffer into your lead time.
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Preferential origin under UK–Vietnam FTA
Many lines are already 0% MFN, but where duty applies, a valid proof of origin under the UK–Vietnam agreement can remove it. The certificate must exist at the time of import.
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Rattan and timber rules
Natural rattan and hardwood frames need legal-harvest documentation; some species trigger CITES paperwork. Check before the PO, not at the port.
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Container utilisation
Stacking chairs cube out containers fast. Knock-down designs can cut per-unit freight by 30% or more versus fully assembled sets.

Importing garden furniture — FAQ

Is there import duty on garden furniture from Vietnam?
Metal garden furniture under HS 9403.20 is typically 0% UK MFN duty, and the UK–Vietnam trade agreement can zero-rate lines that would otherwise carry duty, with valid proof of origin. Figures here are indicative and can vary by origin and trade measures — verify the current rate for your commodity code on the official UK Trade Tariff before shipping.
How is import VAT handled on a garden-furniture container?
20% import VAT applies to the customs value plus freight and any duty. It is paid at the border by default — unless postponed via PVA, which lets VAT-registered importers account for it on their VAT return instead.
When should I place a spring garden-furniture order?
Work back from an early-April in-stock date: with a 40–50 day lead time plus production, POs typically need to be placed by December–January.

Related guides

Importing furniture from China →Importing textiles from India →9403.20 duty rate explained →
— Importing garden furniture

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