Product classification
HS code for Bar stool (upholstered metal): 9401.71
Seats, with metal frames, upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture).
Classification of bar stool (upholstered metal) under HS 9401.71
An upholstered bar stool with a metal frame is classified under HS code 940171. This classification is derived from the General Rules of Interpretation, specifically GRI 1, which directs products to the heading that most specifically describes them. Heading 9401 covers seats, and the sub-heading 940171 specifically identifies seats with metal frames that are upholstered. The term "upholstered" implies that the seat or backrest is fitted with padding, springs, or stuffing and covered with fabric, leather, or synthetic material. The "metal frame" refers to the primary structural support of the stool, typically made of steel, aluminum, or chrome-plated tubing. This classification applies regardless of whether the stool has a swivel mechanism or a footrest, provided the frame is metal and the seating surface is padded and covered.
- Covers
- Upholstered swivel bar stools with chrome bases
- Padded breakfast bar chairs with steel legs
- Leather-covered metal counter stools
- Velvet-upholstered commercial bar seating
- Adjustable height metal stools with padded seats
- Also under 9401.71
- Herman Miller Aeron Chair (upholstered variants)
- Knoll Barcelona Chair
- Steelcase Gesture Chair
- IKEA Markus Chair
Codes often confused with 9401.71
Common mistake. A common error is classifying these items under 940179, which is for metal-framed seats that are not upholstered (e.g., plain metal stools). Another misclassification occurs with 940320, which covers other metal furniture; however, because these items are specifically "seats," 9401 takes precedence over 9403. If the stool is designed for medical or dental use, it would move to 9402. Furthermore, if the frame is primarily wood with only minor metal accents, it must be classified under 940161 (upholstered seats with wooden frames).
Top exporters and importers of HS 940171 (the code used for bar stool (upholstered metal)), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 940171 (the code used for bar stool (upholstered metal)) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 64% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 940171, not only bar stool (upholstered metal).
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $6.9B 64% of world exports
- 2 Italy $651M 6.0% of world exports
- 3 Germany $440M 4.0% of world exports
World total: $10.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.8B 21% of world imports
- 2 Germany $849M 10% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $381M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $8.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for bar stool (upholstered metal)
Brazil classifies bar stool (upholstered metal) under NCM 9401.71.00: HS 9401.71 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
This product is covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), requiring operators to exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the EU market.
Questions about bar stool (upholstered metal)
What is the HS code for Bar stool (upholstered metal)?
The HS code for Bar stool (upholstered metal) is 940171 (Seats; with metal frames, upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture)).
How do I classify Bar stool (upholstered metal) for customs?
Bar stool (upholstered metal) is classified under HS code 940171 — Seats; with metal frames, upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for an upholstered metal bar stool?
The HS code for an upholstered bar stool with a metal frame is 940171.
Does the presence of a swivel change the HS code?
Generally, no. While 940130 covers swivel seats with variable height, 940171 is more specific for upholstered metal-framed seats often used in bar settings, though 940131/39 may apply if the swivel/height adjustment is the primary feature.
Which countries are the top exporters of bar stool (upholstered metal) (HS 940171)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 940171 (the code used for bar stool (upholstered metal)) in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.9B, 64% of world exports), Italy ($651M) and Germany ($440M). World exports came to about $10.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of bar stool (upholstered metal) (HS 940171)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 940171 (the code used for bar stool (upholstered metal)) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.8B, 21% of world imports), Germany ($849M) and the United Kingdom ($381M). World imports came to about $8.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Bar stool (upholstered metal) the same in all countries?
The base HS code 940171 for Bar stool (upholstered metal) is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for bar stool (upholstered metal) in Brazil?
In Brazil, bar stool (upholstered metal) (HS 940171) is classified under NCM 9401.71.00.