Importing Custom Furniture to the US

When you order custom furniture from a maker outside the United States, the price on the quote is often not the price you end up paying. Freight, import duties, customs fees and the final delivery can be billed separately, sometimes after the furniture has already landed. This guide explains each cost, how long the process takes, and what to ask before you pay a deposit.

A note on where we stand: Marcelina is one of those makers. We design in Panama City, build in our own workrooms and ship to US clients duties paid. We say where that matters, and when ordering from abroad is the wrong choice.

The costs in an imported furniture order

Every piece that crosses a border carries the same layers of cost. The question is only who pays each one, and when.

When you compare quotes, add these layers up. A lower price that leaves duties and delivery "to be confirmed" can end up costing more than a higher price that includes them. Our real price data from nearly 1,500 pieces shows what the piece itself typically costs by category.

What DDP, DAP and EXW mean on a quote

DDP (delivered duty paid): the seller pays freight, clears customs, pays the duties and delivers to your door. You pay the quoted price and nothing more.

DAP (delivered at place): the seller ships to your address, but the duties and import fees are yours, usually collected before the shipment is released.

EXW (ex works): the price covers the furniture at the factory door. Freight, insurance, customs and delivery are all yours to arrange.

Ask any overseas maker which of these their quote uses. If they cannot answer, assume the duties are not included. Our delivery and duties page explains how DDP works in more detail.

Why duties are worth asking about

US duty rates on furniture depend on what the piece is, what it is made of and where it was made, and they have changed several times in recent years. A quote that leaves duties open leaves you carrying that uncertainty, and the bill arrives after you have already paid for the furniture. A duties-paid quote moves that risk to the seller.

How long it takes

Our pieces take 10 to 16 weeks from approved design to delivery. In order, that time covers:

1. Design and drawings. We confirm dimensions, materials and finish, and you approve drawings before anything is built.
2. Production in our own workrooms.
3. Sea freight and customs clearance, handled by us.
4. White-glove delivery: carried inside, placed where you want it, packaging removed.

Plan backwards from the date you need the room finished. For a winter home or a ski-season rental, that usually means ordering by early summer. Measure stairs, doors and elevators before you order; our furniture dimensions guide shows what to check.

Questions to ask before paying a deposit

• Is the quote DDP? If not, who pays the duties, and roughly how much?
• Is delivery to the room or to the curb? Curbside means you arrange the carrying.
• Will I see drawings before production? Changes are cheap on paper and expensive after.
• What happens if it arrives damaged? Get the time limit and the remedy in writing.
• What are the payment and cancellation terms?
• What does the warranty cover, and for how long?

Our answers: quotes are DDP for the US; delivery is white-glove to the room; you approve drawings before production; damage reported within 48 hours is repaired or remade at no cost; production starts on a 50% deposit with the balance due before delivery; you can cancel for a full refund within 48 hours of ordering, before production begins; the warranty is 18 months, extended to 3 years on solid wood and rugs.

When ordering from abroad is the wrong choice

Importing custom furniture makes sense when you want exact dimensions or specific materials and have a few months before you need the piece. It is the wrong choice if you need furniture within a few weeks, if you need to sit on the exact piece before buying, or if a standard size from a local store already fits your room. In those cases, buy locally.

Frequently asked questions

Who pays import duties on furniture shipped to the US?

It depends on how the seller quotes. On a DDP quote the seller pays the duties and import fees before delivery. On a DAP or EXW quote the buyer pays them, usually when the shipment arrives. Marcelina ships to US clients DDP, so duties are included in the price you approve.

What does DDP mean on a furniture quote?

DDP stands for delivered duty paid. The seller arranges the freight, clears customs, pays the import duties and fees, and delivers to your address. Nothing extra is due when the furniture arrives.

How long does custom furniture take to arrive in the US?

For our pieces, 10 to 16 weeks from approved design to delivery. That covers drawings, production in our workrooms, sea freight, customs clearance and white-glove delivery. You get a delivery window with your quote.

Do I need a customs broker to import furniture?

Not if you buy DDP. The seller handles clearance. If you buy on DAP or EXW terms, you or a broker you hire handle the customs entry and pay the duties and fees.

What happens if imported furniture arrives damaged?

Ask before you order. With us, report any damage or defect within 48 hours with photos and we repair or remake the piece at no cost to you. Every delivery is crated and insured.

Is delivery free on custom furniture shipped to the US?

With us, delivery to the US is free on orders of $1,500 or more and $199 below that. Full projects quoted by our studio include delivery in the project price.

Keep exploring

Custom furniture across the US · What custom furniture costs · White-glove and DDP delivery · FAQ · Book a free consultation