Can You Bring Furniture from India to USA? Key Facts, Tips, and Challenges

Indian furniture has a reputation for being both stylish and sturdy. Maybe you've spotted a carved teak table or a hand-painted chest you can't forget. The real question is: can you actually get that piece from India to your place in the States? You can, but it takes some planning and patience.

First, there’s nothing illegal about importing furniture for personal use. Tons of shops and dealers do it every year. But that doesn’t mean you just click 'buy' and your item magically appears in your living room. You’ll be dealing with shipping companies, customs paperwork, and sometimes extra fees you didn’t expect.

Not every Indian manufacturer will ship overseas, and not all US addresses can accept big boxes straight from another country. Plus, things like wood type matter—a lot. The US has strict rules on untreated wood, and if your dream furniture is made from it, you could run into trouble at customs. Knowing the basics will save you money and headaches.

• Why Buy Furniture from India
• Is It Legal to Import Furniture?
• How Shipping from India to USA Works
• Customs, Taxes, and Extra Fees
• Tips for Easier, Safer Furniture Shipping
• What to Know Before You Decide

Why Buy Furniture from India

There's something cool about owning a piece from halfway around the world. Indian furniture isn’t just about looks—it’s about solid craft, unique detail, and using materials you don’t see every day in chain stores here. Indian furniture manufacturers are known for their talent with teak, rosewood, mango wood, and even reclaimed wood from old buildings and boats.

What's interesting is how old-school techniques are still in play: hand carving, bone inlay, and metalwork you can spot from across the room. The patterns and colors often reflect the different regions of India, so you get variety that goes way beyond generic designs.

• If you’re fed up with mass-produced MDF, most furniture import India options are solid wood—real deal, heavy, and made to last decades.
• Eco-conscious? A lot of makers use recycled or sustainable wood, especially in places like Rajasthan and Kerala.
• Want something no one else has? Many artisans take custom orders, letting you adjust sizes, finishes, or even the decorative trim.
• For the price, the value can be surprising. Even with shipping furniture costs, pieces from India are often cheaper than high-end US brands with similar build and detail.

Millions in the US already love Indian furniture. Global Market Insights reported that Indian furniture exports, including to the States, topped $1.4 billion in 2023, and the trend’s still growing. Even big US retailers now buy straight from factories in Jodhpur and Mumbai. If you’re after something authentic—something with a story—you’ll find it in India.

So if you want to stand out and grab something that feels different from anything at IKEA—Indian furniture is worth a second look.

Is It Legal to Import Furniture?

Short answer: Yes, it’s legal to import furniture from India to USA. There’s no law that stops you from bringing in new or used Indian furniture as long as you follow the rules set by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other agencies.

But legal doesn’t mean hassle-free. US customs checks everything that crosses the border. For furniture import India fans, they pay special attention to things like:

• The type of wood: Certain woods (like untreated or certain tropical woods) can get stopped or even confiscated. The US is strict about pests and diseases coming in on shipments, especially untreated wood.
• Paint and finishes: Anything painted must not have lead or toxic chemicals. If your Indian furniture manufacturers haven’t used certified, safe finishes, you could have a problem.
• Origin labeling: It must clearly say "Made in India." If it doesn’t, customs can hold it or return it—no exceptions.

If you’re planning to get Indian furniture USA for personal use, you usually don’t need an import license. Businesses importing large volumes might need extra paperwork or to register as a commercial importer. Not sure about the details? U.S. customs has a duty info center you can call before shipping.

Here’s another thing to keep in mind: the Lacey Act. This US law protects against illegal wood trade. If you’re importing anything made from hardwoods, you might have to show proof that the wood is legally sourced. Honest dealers can provide paperwork, but always ask before you buy.

If you want to see just how picky customs can be, check out the stats below on common reasons furniture shipments from India get delayed at US ports:

Bottom line: Yes, it’s legal. But pay close attention to what you buy and double-check that your seller knows US rules if you want your new furniture to actually make it home.

How Shipping from India to USA Works

So, how do you actually get Indian furniture shipped to the USA? It's simpler than moving a house, but a bit more complicated than buying something online. The basics fall into two main ways: sea freight and air freight. Most people and furniture import India companies use sea freight, simply because heavy furniture costs a fortune to fly. Sea shipping takes about 30-45 days port-to-port, while air freight is faster but at least double the price.

Here’s what the typical shipping process looks like:

1. Choose your manufacturer or store: Not all Indian furniture manufacturers export or know how to handle foreign paperwork, so ask upfront about international shipping options.
2. Packing and handling: Good shops will crate or box items for ocean travel. Make sure your seller uses treated wood and solid packing—customs in the US don’t like wood with bugs or dirt.
3. Booking the shipment: Most use a freight forwarder. This is a company that organizes shipping, paperwork, and sometimes delivery right to your address. Some offer door-to-port (you pick up from the US port) or door-to-door (straight to you).
4. Shipping: Your furniture gets put in a container, either shared (called LCL, or less-than-container-load) or full (FCL, full-container-load). If you're just sending a few pieces, you'll likely share space with other shipments.
5. Arrival and customs: Once in the US, your stuff gets inspected. If paperwork checks out and there are no issues with the furniture or the packaging materials, it gets cleared. If not, it can get stuck or sent back.
6. Delivery or pickup: Some services will deliver right to your home, but sometimes you’ll have to collect it from a warehouse.

Check out typical transit times and costs below for reference:

*Costs are rough averages as of early 2025 and may swing based on fuel, logistics, or demand. Always get a current quote.

Remember to get a tracking number for your shipment. A good freight forwarder will keep you in the loop and help with U.S. customs paperwork—don’t try winging it on your own unless you’ve done this a few times before.

Customs, Taxes, and Extra Fees

Getting Indian furniture into the USA means dealing with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Every piece that enters is checked, even if it’s just for personal use. Here’s the deal: you’ll likely pay import duties. For most furniture import India shipments, the duty rate sits between 0% and 10%. Wood furniture is usually around 2.7%, but the final number depends on exactly what you’re bringing in and what it’s made of. Customs bases this fee on the value of the goods, not what you paid for shipping.

But wait, there’s more. If your Indian furniture is valued at over $2,500, you’ll need a formal entry—meaning extra paperwork (and probably a customs broker). The broker’s fee isn’t fixed; it can cost anywhere from $50 to a few hundred bucks, depending on how complicated your shipment is.

• Customs Declaration: Always fill out the declaration forms honestly. The CBP isn’t messing around. Falsifying values or forgetting details can delay your delivery or even get it seized.
• Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code: This code classifies your Indian furniture so U.S. authorities know exactly what it is. Most sellers or shipping agents can help you find the right code. Getting this wrong could mean surprise fees or rerouting.
• State Taxes: Some states might slap on extra taxes when your shipment arrives. It’s random, but ask your shipper if they’ve had to pay them before—especially in New York or California.
• Treatment Certificates: If your furniture is made from untreated or rare wood, U.S. customs will want proof the timber has been treated to prevent pests. No papers? Your piece could get sent back or destroyed.

If you want real numbers, look at this:

Don’t forget about hidden costs like delivery from the port to your house. And if the piece gets held up at customs, you might get charged storage fees—these pile up fast, sometimes $20–$50 a day.

Bottom line: double-check all paperwork, ask your furniture manufacturer in India for every possible certificate, and talk to your shipping company in advance. The more details you nail down early, the fewer nasty surprises you’ll run into when your one-of-a-kind Indian table finally lands stateside.

Tips for Easier, Safer Furniture Shipping

Getting Indian furniture safely to the USA is all about smart planning and dodging common mistakes. Here are some specific steps and facts to help you keep your furniture in one piece and avoid surprise setbacks.

• Use a reputable international shipping service. Don’t go with the cheapest quote unless you’ve checked reviews or know others who’ve used them. Big names like FedEx or DHL have experience with bulky items. There are also specialty companies focused on shipping furniture from India to the USA, and they handle the details better than general cargo.
• Ask the manufacturer about packing standards. Good Indian exporters use thick bubble wrap, strong cardboard, and sometimes build a custom crate. Weak packaging is the main reason why furniture arrives damaged or scratched.
• Always get marine insurance. It covers you if your shipment is lost or badly damaged at sea or on the way from the port. The cost is usually 1% to 2% of your item’s value—but it’s worth it for peace of mind.
• Check wood treatment paperwork. If your furniture is made from solid wood, you’ll need proof it’s been treated against bugs. The US Customs will want to see documents like a fumigation certificate. If the certificate’s missing, the shipment can be held or even destroyed.
• Track your shipment. Nearly every shipping company now offers real-time tracking. This helps you spot delays early and figure out if there’s a customs hold.
• Know what to expect at customs. Be ready to pay import duties or taxes. These are usually based on the item’s value and the type of material. Customs clearance agents can help, but they’ll charge a fee—so ask upfront.

Don’t forget to double-check the delivery address and access. Some delivery companies in the US will only drop the crate at your curb—getting it inside your home is extra. Plan for help on the delivery day, just in case you have to wrangle a 200-pound sideboard by yourself.

What to Know Before You Decide

Before you jump into ordering furniture import India straight to your house, there are a few big-picture things you really need to be clear about. It's not just about picking what you like on a website. There's money, paperwork, shipping problems, and even government rules that could hit you out of nowhere.

• Cost isn’t just what’s on the price tag. The sticker price in India might look great, but don’t forget to add international shipping, insurance, customs duties, and sometimes extra delivery fees once the item hits the USA. All these can make cheap stuff expensive, fast.
• Check the wood and materials. If your Indian furniture USA shipment uses certain woods (like mango or teak), make sure they're treated for pests. US customs can stop, fumigate, or destroy untreated wooden furniture. Ask for proof from your seller before you pay.
• Quality and warranty issues. Once it arrives, if something’s wrong or damaged, returns can be a nightmare. Most Indian stores don’t offer US-style returns or replacements for overseas shipments. Basically, what shows up is what you get.
• Shipping takes time. Regular shipping by sea can take 4–10 weeks, and delays happen all the time. Air freight’s much faster but costs a lot more. Ask for a tracking number and stay in touch with the freight company.
• Company reputation matters big time. Not every Indian furniture manufacturer out there is reliable. Look for ones with a real export history and positive reviews from American buyers. Don't just trust what’s on their website—cross-check with third-party sites if you can.

Here's a quick real-life cost breakdown for a mid-size wooden cabinet ordered from India to New York:

Finally, double-check local rules. Some US states have extra regulations for importing large wood items, especially if they’re antique or hand-carved. Don’t go in blind—call your local customs office if you aren’t sure. Bringing Indian furniture USA is doable, but only if you know the real costs and rules before you start.