Product classification
HS code for Metal stool: 9401.79
Seats, with metal frames, not upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture).
Classification of metal stool under HS 9401.79
Metal stools are classified under HS code 9401.79, which pertains to seats with metal frames that are not upholstered. Chapter 94 covers furniture, bedding, and similar articles. Heading 9401 is specifically for seats, whether or not convertible into beds, and their parts. The classification process for seats involves identifying the frame material and the presence of upholstery. Subheading 9401.79 is used for seats with metal frames that do not feature padding, fabric covering, or leather cushioning on the seat or backrest. This typically includes industrial stools, laboratory seating, and certain types of outdoor or cafe furniture where the primary sitting surface is metal, plastic, or wood attached to a metal frame without soft stuffing. It excludes specialized medical or dental seating, which is classified under 9402. The distinction between "upholstered" and "not upholstered" is a primary divider in Chapter 94. Upholstery generally refers to the presence of a permanent covering and stuffing (like foam or springs). A simple metal stool with a wooden seat top is considered "not upholstered" and thus falls under 9401.79. This classification is important for determining duty rates, as upholstered furniture often carries different trade regulations compared to basic metal-framed seating.
- Covers
- Industrial metal stools for workshops
- Stackable metal cafe chairs without cushions
- Laboratory stools with adjustable metal frames
- Outdoor metal benches without upholstery
- 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. Metal stools are often misclassified under 9401.71 if they have any form of upholstery. They may also be confused with 9403.20, which covers metal furniture that is not a seat. Specialized medical stools must be classified under 9402.90 rather than 9401.79.
Top exporters and importers of HS 940179 (the code used for metal stool), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 940179 (the code used for metal stool) 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 metal stool.
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 metal stool
Brazil classifies metal stool 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 metal stool
What is the HS code for Metal stool?
The HS code for Metal stool is 940179 (Seats; with metal frames, not upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture)). The HS code for a non-upholstered stool with a metal frame is 9401.79.
How do I classify Metal stool for customs?
Metal stool 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.
What if the metal stool has a padded seat?
If the stool features a padded or fabric-covered seat, it is considered upholstered and should be classified under HS code 9401.71.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal stool (HS 940179)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 940179 (the code used for metal stool) 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 metal stool (HS 940179)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 940179 (the code used for metal stool) 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 Metal stool the same in all countries?
The base HS code 940179 for Metal stool 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 stool in Brazil?
In Brazil, metal stool (HS 940179) is classified under NCM 9401.79.00.