Many Chinese families immigrating to the United States prefer to ship their used furniture and household items by sea, but the question they care about most is: Can my old furniture enter duty-free? What conditions must be met? What documents do I need to prepare?
Based on real data from Seapoe Relo's American immigration clients, over 50% of customs clearance and tariff issues stem from incomplete documentation or misunderstanding of the policy. This article compiles the latest U.S. CBP (Customs and Border Protection) used goods duty-free policy, a complete documentation checklist, and common misconceptions to help you get it right in one go and clear customs duty-free.
1. Understanding the U.S. Customs Duty-Free Policy for Used Household Goods
1.1 All 4 Conditions Must Be Met Simultaneously for Duty-Free Entry
According to U.S. CBP (Customs and Border Protection) regulations, personal used household goods can be imported duty-free, provided the following conditions are met simultaneously:
| Condition | Requirement |
| Residency/Immigrant Status | You must be immigrating to the United States for the first time, or returning to the U.S. to settle after living abroad, holding a valid immigrant visa (Green Card/IR1/CR1/long-term residence work visa) |
| Item Usage Duration | All items claimed for duty-free entry must have been in use for more than 1 year |
| Item Usage Purpose | Items must be for your personal and family use, not for commercial sale or rental |
| Ownership Requirement | Items must be personally owned by you, not carried on behalf of others, and not intended for sale |
All four conditions must be met simultaneously; none can be omitted.
1.2 Which Items Are NOT Eligible for Duty-Free Entry?
- Brand new unused items: New furniture and new appliances are subject to customs duties regardless of value
- Commercial-use items: Items intended for opening a business, rental, or sale cannot enter duty-free
- Cars/Motorcycles: Cannot be exempted as household goods; must be imported separately as vehicles and are subject to customs duties and DOT certification
- Prohibited items: Food, plants, seeds, and meat products are prohibited from import altogether
- Exceeding reasonable personal-use quantities: Bringing 10 identical TVs at once will be deemed commercial use
1.3 What Are the Tariff Rates? How Much Do You Pay If You Don't Meet the Duty-Free Conditions?
If you do not meet the duty-free conditions, you will need to pay:
- Customs Duty: Most furniture carries a duty rate of 0-7% (depending on the HS Code)
- MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee): 0.3464% of the declared value
- HMF (Harbor Maintenance Fee): 0.125% of the declared value
- Combined Effective Rate: Generally 0-8% for most furniture, calculated on the declared value
U.S. Customs holds final authority over declared value assessment; actual duties and fees are subject to customs review.
2. Complete Documentation Checklist for U.S. Sea Shipment Immigration Moves
Per U.S. CBP requirements, the following documents must be prepared to apply for used goods duty-free entry. None can be omitted:
2.1 Essential Basic Documents (Required for Everyone)
| Document | Requirement | Notes |
| Passport | Scan of passport bio page | Must be clear; include all signature pages |
| Immigrant Visa/Green Card | Scan of U.S. immigrant visa page, or front and back of Green Card | Must be valid |
| Packing List | Detailed itemized list with item name, quantity, approximate purchase year, and declared value | Must be bilingual (Chinese/English); the more detailed, the better |
| I-485 Receipt | Required if you have already filed a Green Card application | Proves you are in the process of immigrating |
| Entry Record | Stamp page from your first entry into the United States | Proves your date of entry |
2.2 How to Prepare a Packing List That Meets Requirements?
Many clients fail to get duty-free treatment because their packing list isn't filled out correctly. Here's a standard template:
| No. | Item Name | Qty | Purchase Year | Declared Value (USD) |
| 1 | Solid wood double bed | 1 | 2020 | 200 |
| 2 | Wardrobe | 1 | 2020 | 300 |
| 3 | Cotton sofa | 1 | 2019 | 150 |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
Key points:
- Always include the purchase year to prove the items have been in use for over 1 year
- Declared values should be reasonable; used items should be declared at depreciated value
- Do not write a vague "one batch of personal items"; list each item individually and clearly
2.3 Additional Documents for Special Circumstances
| Situation | Additional Documentation Required |
| Couples immigrating together | Copy of marriage certificate |
| Carrying luxury goods | Keep copies of purchase receipts (to facilitate customs valuation) |
| Wooden furniture | Fumigation certificate (IPPC mark) |
| Artwork/Antiques | Purchase proof or appraisal certificate |
3. Common Policy Misconceptions Explained
Many clients misunderstand the U.S. duty-free policy. We've compiled the 5 most common misconceptions:
❌ Misconception 1: Any old item qualifies for duty-free entry
Fact: Beyond the items being used, you must also meet the immigrant status requirement and the item must be in use for over 1 year. All four conditions must be met.
❌ Misconception 2: Tourist visa holders can ship old furniture duty-free
Fact: Tourist/business visas are for short-term stays and do not meet the "residency" requirement. They cannot enjoy duty-free entry; all items are subject to duties.
❌ Misconception 3: You must arrive at port with your furniture at the same time
Fact: You can ship the furniture first and arrive later. As long as your entry into the U.S. was within the past 6 months, you can still apply for duty-free entry when the furniture arrives.
❌ Misconception 4: U.S. citizens returning from abroad cannot get duty-free entry
Fact: U.S. citizens relocating back to the U.S. from abroad also qualify and can apply for duty-free entry of used household goods.
❌ Misconception 5: The one-year usage period starts from when the goods are loaded onto the ship
Fact: It counts from the purchase date, not from the loading date. As long as the purchase date is more than 1 year prior, it qualifies.
4. 5 Pitfalls Clients Frequently Fall Into — Avoid These
We've compiled the most common pitfalls that U.S. immigration moving clients encounter. Knowing them in advance can save you thousands of dollars in duties:
Pitfall 1: Not including purchase year on the packing list
- ❌ Wrong: Only write "Sofa, 1 piece, $500" without the purchase year
- ✅ Right: Always include the purchase year so customs can see at a glance the item has been used for over 1 year, making duty-free approval easier
Pitfall 2: Not declaring new items, hoping to sneak them through
- ❌ Wrong: Buying a new sofa and not declaring it, hoping to mix it in with used furniture for duty-free entry
- ✅ Right: U.S. Customs X-ray machines see clearly, and new items stand out immediately. Failing to declare truthfully can result in fines. Declaring truthfully and paying the duty is better than paying a fine
Pitfall 3: Using a third-party consolidation service that doesn't review your documents in advance
- ❌ Wrong: Many small companies don't review your documents, and you only discover missing materials when the goods arrive at port
- ✅ Right: A reputable moving company will review all your documents before shipment and flag any issues early so you can fix them
Pitfall 4: Not separating new and used items, declaring them all together
- ❌ Wrong: Mixing new and used items together causes customs to deem the entire shipment as new, resulting in duties on everything
- ✅ Right: List new and used items separately. Apply for duty-free on used items and pay duties on new items normally. This way you only pay duty on the new items
Pitfall 5: Declaring an extremely low value
- ❌ Wrong: Declaring a sofa at $10 to reduce taxes
- ✅ Right: Declare a reasonable depreciated value. Too low a declaration raises red flags with customs and may result in a higher assessed value
5. Policy Supplement: Which Visa Types Qualify for Duty-Free Entry?
Many clients ask, "I hold a XX visa — do I qualify for duty-free entry?" Here are clear answers based on official U.S. CBP policy:
| Visa Type | Eligible for Used Goods Duty-Free Entry | Policy Basis |
| Green Card (Permanent Resident) | ✅ Yes | Meets "residing in the U.S." requirement |
| IR1/CR1 Spouse Immigrant Visa | ✅ Yes | Immigrant visa, residency nature |
| EB5 Investment Immigrant Visa | ✅ Yes | Immigrant visa, residency nature |
| H1B Work Visa | ✅ Yes | Long-term residence visa, residency nature |
| F1 Student Visa | ✅ Yes | Long-term residence, first arrival in the U.S. to settle and study |
| F2 Dependent Visa | ✅ Yes | Long-term residence accompanying a student, meets residency requirement |
| J1 Exchange Visitor | ✅ Yes | Long-term residence |
| B1/B2 Tourist/Business Visa | ❌ No | Short-term stay, does not meet residency requirement |
| ESTA Visa Waiver | ❌ No | Short-term entry, does not meet residency requirement |
| C1/D Transit Visa | ❌ No | Transit, does not meet residency requirement |
Key Supplement: Entry Timing Requirement
U.S. CBP policy explicitly requires that: at the time your goods arrive at a U.S. port, you must have already entered the United States, and your entry must have occurred within the past 6 months.
- ✅ You enter the U.S. first, then ship your furniture: Meets the requirement, eligible for duty-free entry
- ❌ You are still in China and ship furniture to the U.S. first: Does not meet the requirement, no duty-free entry
Key Supplement: How Is "Used for Over 1 Year" Calculated?
- ✅ Counted from the purchase date, not from when you started using the item, and not from the loading date
- ✅ As long as the time from purchase date to loading date exceeds 1 year, it qualifies
- ✅ The total cumulative time exceeding 1 year counts; continuous use is not required
6. Fee Breakdown for Different Scenarios
If you meet the duty-free conditions, all qualifying used furniture: Final duty = $0
If some conditions are met but others are not:
- Qualifying used items: Duty-free
- Non-qualifying new items: Duties calculated as follows
- Customs duty: Most furniture 0-7% (depending on HS Code)
- MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee): 0.3464% of the declared value
- HMF (Harbor Maintenance Fee): 0.125% of the declared value
- Combined effective rate: Generally 0-8% for most furniture, calculated on the declared value
If none of the duty-free conditions are met:
- All items are subject to duties at the rates above
U.S. Customs holds final authority over declared value assessment; actual duties and fees are subject to customs review.
7. 5 Pitfalls Clients Frequently Fall Into — Avoid These
We've compiled the most common pitfalls that U.S. immigration moving clients encounter. Knowing them in advance can save you thousands of dollars in duties:
Pitfall 1: Not including purchase year on the packing list
- ❌ Wrong: Only write "Sofa, 1 piece, $500" without the purchase year
- ✅ Right: Always include the purchase year so customs can see at a glance the item has been used for over 1 year, making duty-free approval easier
Pitfall 2: Not declaring new items, hoping to sneak them through
- ❌ Wrong: Buying a new sofa and not declaring it, hoping to mix it in with used furniture for duty-free entry
- ✅ Right: U.S. Customs X-ray machines see clearly, and new items stand out immediately. Failing to declare truthfully can result in fines. Declaring truthfully and paying the duty is better than paying a fine
Pitfall 3: Using a third-party consolidation service that doesn't review your documents in advance
- ❌ Wrong: Many small companies don't review your documents, and you only discover missing materials when the goods arrive at port
- ✅ Right: A reputable moving company will review all your documents before shipment and flag any issues early so you can fix them
Pitfall 4: Not separating new and used items, declaring them all together
- ❌ Wrong: Mixing new and used items together causes customs to deem the entire shipment as new, resulting in duties on everything
- ✅ Right: List new and used items separately. Apply for duty-free on used items and pay duties on new items normally. This way you only pay duty on the new items
Pitfall 5: Declaring an extremely low value
- ❌ Wrong: Declaring a sofa at $10 to reduce taxes
- ✅ Right: Declare a reasonable depreciated value. Too low a declaration raises red flags with customs and may result in a higher assessed value
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: I'm immigrating to the U.S. for the first time. I'll go first and ship the furniture later. Can it still be duty-free?
A: Yes. As long as your entry into the U.S. was within the past 6 months, you can apply for duty-free entry when the furniture arrives at port. You and the furniture do not need to arrive at the same time.
Q2: I have my Green Card, but I'm still in China. Can I ship the furniture first?
A: No. The policy requires that "you have already entered the U.S. when the goods arrive." So you must enter the U.S. first, then ship your furniture.
Q3: Can an F1 student visa holder apply for duty-free entry of used household goods?
A: F1 is a long-term residence visa. If this is your first time coming to the U.S. to settle and study, your personal used household goods qualify for duty-free entry.
Q4: Can F2 dependent visa holders get duty-free entry?
A: Yes. F2 is also a long-term residence visa and meets the requirements.
Q5: Can B1/B2 tourist visa holders ship furniture duty-free?
A: No. Tourist visas are for short-term stays and do not meet the "residency" requirement. No duty-free entry; all items are subject to duties.
Q6: I returned to the U.S. after a few years abroad. Can I get duty-free entry?
A: If you are re-establishing residency in the U.S. and have lived abroad for more than one year, you meet the conditions and can apply for duty-free entry.
Q7: What is the minimum cubic meters for shipment?
A: International moves to the U.S. generally require a minimum of 3 cubic meters. Shipments under 3 cubic meters are charged at the 3 cubic meter base rate. If you have very few items, international express shipping may be a better option.
Q8: Can you pack at my doorstep? How is the fee calculated?
A: Seapoe offers free on-site volume assessment. Packing services at your home are charged based on materials and labor, typically 300-500 RMB per cubic meter, quoted on-site based on the number of items.
Q9: Can you deliver to cities other than Los Angeles/New York?
A: We deliver to most cities across the continental U.S. Remote areas may incur a small remote-area surcharge. We can check this for you in advance before placing an order.
Summary: 5 Key Tips for a Successful Duty-Free Immigration Move to the U.S.
✅ Must-Do Items:
- Prepare all documents fully before shipment; always include purchase years on the packing list
- Declare new and used items separately; apply for duty-free on used items and pay duties on new items
- Declare values truthfully; avoid under-declaring to prevent customs suspicion
- Enter the U.S. first, then ship your furniture, ensuring your entry was within the past 6 months
- All items must be for personal use; don't carry goods for others
❌ Absolutely Never Do:
- Do not hide new items — U.S. Customs X-ray inspections are very thorough
- Do not write a vague "one batch of personal items" — list every item individually
- Do not ship furniture before your entry into the U.S., or you won't qualify for duty-free entry