Product classification
HS code for Industrial chair: 9401.79
Seats, with metal frames, not upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture).
Classification of industrial chair under HS 9401.79
Industrial chairs with metal frames that are not upholstered are classified under HS code 9401.79. This classification is found in Chapter 94, which covers furniture, bedding, and similar furnishings. Heading 9401 is the primary category for seats, whether or not convertible into beds. The subheading 9401.79 specifically identifies seats with metal frames that are not upholstered. In industrial settings, such as factories, workshops, and laboratories, chairs are often designed for durability and hygiene rather than comfort, leading to the use of bare metal, plastic, or wood seats on metal frames. The classification is based on the objective physical characteristics of the chair: the presence of a metal support structure and the absence of fabric, leather, or foam padding. This code ensures that utility seating is distinguished from domestic or office furniture that typically features upholstery.
- Covers
- Steel workshop stools
- Metal drafting chairs (non-upholstered)
- Laboratory stools with metal frames
- Industrial swivel chairs without padding
- Stackable metal factory chairs
- Cleanroom chairs (metal frame, non-upholstered)
- Also under 9401.79
- Tolix A Chair
- Emeco Navy Chair
- IKEA Adde Chair
- Target Room Essentials Folding Chair
Codes often confused with 9401.79
Common mistake. Industrial chairs are often misclassified under HS code 9401.71, which is for metal-framed seats that are upholstered. Even a small amount of permanent padding can move a chair from 9401.79 to 9401.71. Another common error is using HS code 9403, which covers 'other furniture'; however, heading 9401 is more specific for seats and takes precedence. Additionally, specialized medical or dental chairs must be classified under HS code 9402. Importers must also distinguish between swivel seats (9401.30) and non-swivel seats, although 9401.79 is often used for non-swivel industrial stools.
Top exporters and importers of HS 940179 (the code used for industrial chair), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 940179 (the code used for industrial chair) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 940179, not only industrial chair.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.2B 55% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$594M 10% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Italy $209M 3.6% of world exports
World total: $5.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.0B 31% of world imports
- 2 Germany $530M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 France $305M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $6.4B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 industrial chair
Brazil classifies industrial chair under NCM 9401.79.00: HS 9401.79 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 industrial chair
What is the HS code for Industrial chair?
The HS code for Industrial chair is 940179 (Seats; with metal frames, not upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture)). The HS code for an industrial chair with a metal frame and no upholstery is 9401.79. If the chair is upholstered, the code changes to 9401.71.
How do I classify Industrial chair for customs?
Industrial chair is classified under HS code 940179 — Seats; with metal frames, not upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are height-adjustable industrial stools included here?
Yes, as long as they have a metal frame and are not upholstered, they are classified under 9401.79, unless they are specifically designed as swivel seats with variable height, which may fall under 9401.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial chair (HS 940179)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 940179 (the code used for industrial chair) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.2B, 55% of world exports), Vietnam (about $594M) and Italy ($209M). World exports came to about $5.7B, 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 industrial chair (HS 940179)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 940179 (the code used for industrial chair) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.0B, 31% of world imports), Germany ($530M) and France ($305M). World imports came to about $6.4B, 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 Industrial chair the same in all countries?
The base HS code 940179 for Industrial chair 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 industrial chair in Brazil?
In Brazil, industrial chair (HS 940179) is classified under NCM 9401.79.00.