Russian furniture may become 15% more expensive because of duties imposed on Chinese hardware

The Russian customs office has sharply increased the duty on furniture hardware imported from China, as reported by Forbes referencing the Association of Furniture and Woodworking Enterprises of Russia.

Starting from fall 2024, the Vladivostok Customs Office, through which about 90% of Chinese furniture hardware is imported, has been re-qualifying this product, changing its HS Code, and applying new duties.

Furniture hardware containing round or rotating elements is now classified as bearings. As a result, the duty surged from zero to 55.65%. The Association therefore forecasts that Russian furniture will cost about 15% more.