Furniture Import in India — DGFT Law, Customs Compliance & Legal Requirements
Importing furniture into India requires strict compliance with trade regulations issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), customs laws, and quality control requirements. Businesses importing furniture must follow proper classification, certification, and documentation procedures to avoid penalties, shipment delays, or confiscation.
At Vistar Worldwide Logistics, we assist importers with complete legal compliance, customs clearance, and freight forwarding solutions for furniture imports into India.
DGFT Import Policy for Furniture in India
Furniture imports are regulated under ITC (HS) Classification Chapter 94, which covers:
Seats and chairs (HSN 9401)
Medical furniture (HSN 9402)
Wooden, metal, and modular furniture (HSN 9403)
Mattresses and bedding (HSN 9404)
Under DGFT policy, most furniture items are classified as “Free for Import”, meaning no specific import license is required. However, importers must comply with regulatory standards, documentation requirements, and product safety rules.
Legal Requirements for Furniture Import
1. Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
An IEC issued by DGFT is mandatory for all furniture imports into India. Without IEC registration, customs clearance is not permitted.
2. Correct ITC HS Classification
Accurate classification determines duty rates and compliance requirements. Misclassification may result in penalties or reassessment by customs authorities.
3. Country of Origin Declaration
Furniture shipments must include proper origin documentation and marking requirements.
BIS Certification Requirements for Furniture
Certain furniture products require certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under India’s quality control regulations. This may apply to:
Steel furniture
Office furniture
Modular furniture
Specific household furniture categories
Non-compliant goods may be detained or confiscated at Indian ports.
Wooden Furniture Import Compliance
Import of wooden furniture involves additional regulatory checks:
Phytosanitary certificate from exporting country
Plant quarantine inspection in India
Fumigation compliance for wood packaging
ISPM-15 marking requirements
These measures ensure protection against pests and environmental risks.
Customs Duty on Furniture Import
Furniture imports typically attract:
Basic Customs Duty (BCD)
Social Welfare Surcharge
IGST
Anti-dumping duty (if applicable)
Duty depends on material, product type, and country of origin.
Required Documentation for Furniture Import Clearance
Importers must submit:
Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading or airway bill
Certificate of origin
BIS certification (if applicable)
Phytosanitary certificate (for wood furniture)
Fumigation certificate
Proper documentation ensures smooth customs clearance and avoids demurrage costs.
Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with DGFT and customs regulations may result in:
Shipment detention or confiscation
Monetary penalties
Duty reassessment
Import restrictions
Clearance delays
Professional compliance support helps reduce legal risk.
Furniture Import Customs Clearance Services — Vistar Worldwide Logistics
Vistar Worldwide Logistics provides end-to-end support for:
DGFT compliance and import advisory
Furniture import documentation
Customs clearance services
Freight forwarding solutions
Import duty consultation
Port handling and cargo clearance
Our expertise ensures legally compliant and efficient furniture imports into India.
