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%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92, articles the product of Japan, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 less than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
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