Product classification
HS code for Metal frame armchair: 9401.71
Seats, with metal frames, upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture).
Classification of metal frame armchair under HS 9401.71
The classification of a metal frame armchair under HS code 9401.71 is determined by its primary function as a seat and its specific material composition. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, products are classified based on their essential character. Heading 9401 covers seats (other than those of heading 9402), whether or not convertible into beds, and parts thereof. Within this heading, the nomenclature distinguishes between seats with wooden frames and those with metal frames. Subheading 9401.71 specifically targets seats with metal frames that are upholstered. Upholstery refers to the presence of padding, stuffing, or springs covered with fabric, leather, or synthetic materials, providing comfort to the user. The metal frame provides the structural integrity of the chair, while the upholstery defines its specific classification within the 9401.7x series. This code is applicable regardless of whether the chair is used in a domestic, office, or commercial setting, provided it does not possess specific features that would categorize it as medical or dental furniture. The classification remains consistent even if the chair is imported in a knocked-down state (unassembled), provided it has the essential character of a finished seat.
- Covers
- Upholstered lounge chairs with steel or aluminum frames
- Padded dining chairs with metal legs
- Executive office armchairs with fixed height and metal frames
- Upholstered waiting room armchairs
- Metal-framed club chairs with fabric or leather padding
- 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. Metal frame armchairs are frequently misclassified under HS code 9401.79, which is reserved for metal-framed seats that are not upholstered, such as metal folding chairs or garden benches. Another common error is using HS code 9403, which covers other furniture like tables or desks, but specifically excludes seats. Furthermore, if the armchair is height-adjustable and features a swivel mechanism, it must be classified under HS code 9401.30 as a swivel seat with variable height adjustment, regardless of the frame material.
Top exporters and importers of HS 940171 (the code used for metal frame armchair), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 940171 (the code used for metal frame armchair) 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 metal frame armchair.
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 metal frame armchair
Brazil classifies metal frame armchair 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 metal frame armchair
What is the HS code for Metal frame armchair?
The HS code for Metal frame armchair is 940171 (Seats; with metal frames, upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture)). The HS code for an upholstered armchair with a metal frame is 9401.71.
How do I classify Metal frame armchair for customs?
Metal frame armchair 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.
Does this code include chairs with a swivel base?
No, if the armchair has a swivel mechanism and is height-adjustable, it should be classified under HS code 9401.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal frame armchair (HS 940171)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 940171 (the code used for metal frame armchair) 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 metal frame armchair (HS 940171)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 940171 (the code used for metal frame armchair) 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 Metal frame armchair the same in all countries?
The base HS code 940171 for Metal frame armchair 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 metal frame armchair in Brazil?
In Brazil, metal frame armchair (HS 940171) is classified under NCM 9401.71.00.