Thonet No. 14 Bentwood Chair from Japan
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 — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
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