This is not a price list. It rebuilds one shipment line by line — goods, freight, insurance, duty, additional measures, import tax and local charges — so you can see which line drives the total. For context, this product family carries a planning duty band of 0%–8% into the US. The sample below holds the product, condition and origin constant and compares three borders.
The worked sample
100 new commercial furniture moving from China with $25,000 FOB value. Each line is modelled separately, so you can see where the money goes.
China → the US · new commercial furniture · 100 units
| Cost line | Amount | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| FOB goods value | $25,000 | User provided |
| International freight (FCL 40ft) | $3,350 | Estimated |
| Cargo insurance | $128 | Estimated |
| Customs duty (3.9% × CIF) | $1,111 | Rule-based |
| Additional measures | $7,119 | Rule-based |
| Import VAT / GST (0%) | $0 | Rule-based |
| Statutory fees | $134 | Rule-based |
| Clearance, port, inland, docs | $1,130 | Estimated |
| Estimated landed total | $37,972 | $380 / unit |
Sample generated with engine 2026.11.1 and data reviewed 2026-11-01. It is not a quote, a classification or a customs ruling.
Same goods, three borders
Duty, import tax and additional measures differ by destination even when the goods and origin do not. This is the comparison to run before choosing an entry point.
| Border | Duty band | VAT / GST | Additional measure | Sample landed | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | 0%–8% | None | Section 301 tariff (China-origin) | $37,972 | $380 |
| UAE | 5% | 5% | None modelled | $30,851 | $309 |
| Saudi Arabia | 5% | 15% | None modelled | $34,295 | $343 |
All three runs use the same goods value, quantity, packing density and sea mode. A real shipment will diverge on compliance, freight and local delivery.
What moves this number
- Material-based classification
- Wood packaging compliance
- Flat-pack volume
- Upholstery rules
- Damage and insurance
Material and function both matter. Wooden office furniture and metal shelving can sit in different subheadings. Wood packaging and fumigation rules apply. Upholstered goods may face flammability or labelling requirements.
Industry-specific parameters to set
These are the fields that change a commercial furniture estimate. Set them in the calculator rather than applying a generic average.
| Parameter | Set it to | Why it moves the landed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Wood, metal, glass, plastic or mixed | The HS line follows the material and the article type. A wooden chair, a metal frame and a glass table are not one classification. |
| Wood packaging | ISPM 15 treatment mark on pallets and crates | Untreated wood packaging can be refused or fumigated at destination. The mark is cheap; the hold is not. |
| Flat-pack or assembled | Carton dimensions and assembly state | Flat-pack reduces volume dramatically and lowers ocean freight per unit. Assembled furniture may need special handling. |
| Upholstery and flammability | Foam, fabric and treatment | Some markets regulate flammability and labelling of upholstered furniture. Non-compliance is a market barrier, not a duty question. |
| Finish and hardware | Paint, lacquer, fittings, accessories | Finishes and hardware can change value and occasionally classification. Declare them rather than burying them in a unit price. |
| Consolidation and damage | Cartons per pallet, drop test, insurance | Furniture damage rates are high. Consolidating loads lowers freight but increases handling exposure. |
Parameter effects are explained qualitatively; no rate is invented for a product line the data does not support. Run the estimate with your own values before committing to a DDP price.
Common questions
What is the landed cost of imported furniture?
The sample imports 100 new commercial furniture units with a 25,000 USD FOB value from China to the United States. Expected landed cost is $37,972, or $380 per unit, before compliance testing.
Why is furniture freight so expensive?
Furniture is bulky relative to value. Carriers charge by volume, so CBM per unit drives the freight line. Flat-packing and loading pallets tightly is the main lever.
Does wood packaging need treatment?
Yes in most markets. ISPM 15 requires heat treatment or fumigation and a visible mark. Untreated wood can trigger refusal, fumigation or a return.
Do upholstered goods need certification?
Some destinations regulate flammability, labelling and chemical content. Check the specific market rules before production, not after arrival.
What is usually excluded from a DDP quote?
Compliance testing, assembly at destination, storage, and damage beyond the carrier liability limit. Insure the cargo separately if the margin is thin.
Related cost files
Planning estimates only. Duty and tax outcomes depend on the exact HS line, origin, customs valuation, origin rules and measures in force on the date of entry. FOBtoDDP is not a customs broker, freight forwarder or legal adviser. Confirm with a licensed broker before contracting.