Product classification
HS code for Upholstered metal chair: 9401.71
Seats, with metal frames, upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture).
Classification of upholstered metal chair under HS 9401.71
Upholstered metal chairs are a common item in both residential and commercial furniture trade. They are classified under HS code 9401.71. Chapter 94 of the Harmonized System covers "Furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings." Heading 9401 specifically covers "Seats (other than those of heading 9402), whether or not convertible into beds, and parts thereof." To arrive at 9401.71, one must first identify that the item is a seat. Then, the material of the frame must be determined; in this case, it is metal. Finally, the distinction between upholstered and non-upholstered must be made. "Upholstered" refers to seats that have been fitted with padding, springs, and a fabric or leather covering. This classification excludes specialized furniture like medical or dental chairs (9402) and seats for aircraft or motor vehicles. The frame's material is the primary determinant for the subheading, while the presence of upholstery provides the final level of specificity.
- Covers
- Upholstered dining chairs with steel frames
- Padded office chairs with metal bases (non-adjustable)
- Upholstered bar stools with metal legs
- Metal-framed armchairs with fabric cushions
- Upholstered waiting room benches with metal supports
- 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. Upholstered metal chairs are often confused with 9401.30, which covers swivel seats with variable height adjustments. If a metal chair has a gas lift or mechanical height adjustment, it should be classified under 9401.30 regardless of the frame material. Another common error is using 9401.79, which is for metal-framed seats that are NOT upholstered (e.g., a plain metal folding chair). Additionally, if the chair is designed for medical, surgical, or dental use, it must be classified under 9402.10. Finally, chairs with wooden frames that are upholstered fall under 9401.61, so the frame material must be verified as predominantly metal.
Top exporters and importers of HS 940171 (the code used for upholstered metal chair), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 940171 (the code used for upholstered metal chair) 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 upholstered metal chair.
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 upholstered metal chair
Brazil classifies upholstered metal chair 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 upholstered metal chair
What is the HS code for Upholstered metal chair?
The HS code for Upholstered metal chair is 940171 (Seats; with metal frames, upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture)).
How do I classify Upholstered metal chair for customs?
Upholstered metal chair 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 upholstered metal chairs?
The HS code for upholstered seats with metal frames is 9401.71.
Does this include swivel chairs?
Generally, no. If the upholstered metal chair has a swivel mechanism and height adjustment, it is more specifically classified under HS code 9401.30 as a swivel seat.
Which countries are the top exporters of upholstered metal chair (HS 940171)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 940171 (the code used for upholstered metal chair) 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 upholstered metal chair (HS 940171)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 940171 (the code used for upholstered metal chair) 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 Upholstered metal chair the same in all countries?
The base HS code 940171 for Upholstered metal 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 upholstered metal chair in Brazil?
In Brazil, upholstered metal chair (HS 940171) is classified under NCM 9401.71.00.