Import Duty on Furniture from China to UK
The real duty, VAT and compliance on furniture imported from China to UK — with a landed-cost figure worked out for your order.
Get your landed-cost quote
Tell us what you’re importing to UK. We reply on WhatsApp, usually within a working day.
Factory-direct pricing
We buy at the Foshan factory gate — the same piece you see online, without the retail or middleman markup.
Quality checked before it sails
Photos and inspection at the factory and again at our warehouse, so problems are caught in China, not at your door.
Door-to-door to UK
Sea and air freight to Felixstowe, HMRC’s CDS (Customs Declaration Service) clearance and last-mile — handled end to end.
Everything a UK importer needs on import duty on furniture from China to UK: the HS heading, the current rate, the tax on top, and the compliance points specific to this category. Most HS 9403 furniture is 0% under the UK Global Tariff — 20% VAT still applies.
HS classification and duty rate
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Furniture |
| HS heading | 9403 |
| UK duty rate | 0% |
| Tax on top | 20% VAT on customs value + duty + freight to the UK border |
| Charged on | Customs value — goods + freight + insurance to the border |
Seating classifies under 9401, mattresses under 9404. Most HS 9403 furniture is 0% under the UK Global Tariff — 20% VAT still applies.
What decides your furniture landed cost
There is no UK–China trade agreement, so the UK Global Tariff (UKGT) MFN rates apply. The good news for furniture importers: much furniture (HS 9403) is rated 0%, with some categories at 2–4%. The duty is charged on the customs value plus freight to the UK border. Duty is often 0% on furniture, but 20% import VAT applies to the landed value. If you are VAT-registered you can use Postponed VAT Accounting and reclaim it — so the real cost is mainly the duty and freight.
Compliance to plan for
Wood packaging must meet ISPM-15; solid-wood furniture is generally fine, but the packaging is checked.
Freight is the other half of the number
Furniture from China ships to Felixstowe in 28–38 days by sea (4–8 days by air). For bulky categories like this, freight per CBM is often a bigger line than the duty itself — which is exactly why consolidation matters.
Reviewed by verified import specialists
The classification and duty guidance for furniture on this page reflects HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) practice and the applicable tariff schedule as of August 2026. Rates and procedures can change — we re-verify this page each quarter and confirm the rate for your specific HS code before you commit to an order. This is practical guidance, not a customs ruling on your particular goods.
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty on furniture from China to the UK?
Furniture classifies under HS 9403 and attracts 0% in UK. Most HS 9403 furniture is 0% under the UK Global Tariff — 20% VAT still applies. We confirm the exact rate against your specific product before you order.
What is the HS code for furniture?
The heading is 9403. Seating classifies under 9401, mattresses under 9404. The full code depends on the material and article, which we classify at the quotation stage.
What else do I pay besides duty?
20% VAT on customs value + duty + freight to the UK border, plus port, clearance and delivery. VAT-registered importers reclaim import VAT via Postponed VAT Accounting on their return.
Can you handle sourcing and shipping too, not just the duty?
Yes — we source the furniture factory-direct in China, inspect before loading, ship to Felixstowe, clear customs and deliver, quoting one landed cost with the duty already in it.
Get your landed cost before you commit to an order
Send us your product list or a supplier link. We classify the goods, confirm the rate against the HS code, and come back with one landed-cost figure delivered to your door in UK — goods, freight, duty, tax and local charges in a single number.
Related guides
Get your landed cost before you commit to an order
Send your product list or a supplier link. We classify the goods, confirm the duty against the HS code, and come back with one number to your door in UK — goods, freight, duty, tax and local charges.
No obligation · We reply on WhatsApp
Start your quote
One number, no surprises. We usually reply within a working day.