Thonet No. 14 Bentwood Chair from China

The iconic Thonet No. 14 chair is a classic office seating piece crafted from steam-bent beech wood, featuring a curved backrest and woven cane seat. It falls under HTS 9403.30.40.00 as bent-wood furniture specifically designed for office use, with its continuous bent wood frame distinguishing it from straight wooden furniture.

Duty Rate — China → United States

35%

Rate breakdown

9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)

Import Tips

Verify the wood is genuinely steam-bent, not laminated, as Customs may require proof like manufacturing specs to confirm classification

Include office-use documentation, such as catalogs showing desk-side application, to avoid reclassification to household furniture

Ensure CITES compliance if using restricted beech species; obtain certificates for sustainable sourcing