Metal Locker HS Code and Import Duties: A Practical Importer Guide

When you prepare an order for customs, the metal locker HS code is one of the key details your broker needs to classify the goods and check the applicable import measures. The documents, declared value, origin information and agreed trade term also affect a smooth clearance.

This is an indicative map, not a definitive legal classification. The correct heading depends on the product’s design, function and intended use. Your broker and the importing country’s customs authority confirm the final classification.

Some importing markets classify storage lockers for industrial, school, gym or welfare settings as 9403.20, other metal furniture, rather than as office furniture. That difference is normal, and it is why the same locker can carry a different code in a different market.

What an HS Code Means for Import Duty on Metal Furniture

The Harmonized System (HS) is an international product classification maintained by the World Customs Organization. Countries use its shared structure as a basis for their own tariff codes, adding national or regional digits and requirements.

The code helps customs determine which tariff measures and product rules apply. A wrong classification can lead to a reassessment, delayed clearance or additional documentation requests.

An HS code is not the same in every country at its most detailed level. Shared international digits provide a common starting point; local tariff schedules define the full code and the applicable measures. For the correct hs code for lockers in your market, provide your broker with a product description, technical data, photos and intended use.

Metal Locker HS Code: 9403.10.91 in Practice

Steel lockers and metal storage cabinets are furniture, in Chapter 94. On Turkish export documents, Loxmet declares lockers under 9403.10.91.00.00. Read from the left, the code narrows at every level:

• 94 — furniture
• 9403 — other furniture and parts
• 9403.10 — metal furniture of a kind used in offices
• 9403.10.91 — metal cupboards with doors, shutters or flaps, exceeding 80 cm in height
• 00.00 — the Turkish national and statistical extension

A standard full-height locker is a metal cupboard with doors and stands well over 80 cm tall, which is why it sits in that subheading. Height is the dividing line: a unit that does not exceed 80 cm moves into a different subheading.

The word “metal” alone does not decide the classification. A cabinet’s purpose, features and presentation matter. Accessories and loose parts supplied separately may fall under another heading.

Give your broker product-specific information. For example, Loxmet’s standard single-tier, two-door locker is described with its dimensions, construction and workplace uses. Other models across the locker range follow the same logic. That kind of detail supports classification review; it does not replace the importer’s responsibility to confirm the final code.

What Determines the Amount You Pay?

The amount due depends on more than the product name. Your broker needs to consider:

• The final classification and tariff measures in the importing market
• The customs value declared for the shipment
• The origin and any preference or customs-union treatment that applies
• The trade term agreed with the supplier
• Any other import requirements or charges set by the destination market

Check the current tariff information using the official source for your market: the EU Customs Tariff (TARIC), the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule or the UK Trade Tariff. These tools help you review the measures applicable to a code and destination. Ask your broker to confirm the entry-specific result before shipment.

Customs Value and Your Trade Term

Customs value is the value used by customs to assess goods under the rules of the importing market. It commonly starts with the transaction price and may require adjustments, including certain freight, insurance, loading or handling costs. Which costs are included, and how they are treated, depends on local rules and the shipment details.

Your Incoterm helps show which costs are already included in the price and which are paid separately. For example, an EXW or FOB quote may require you to document transport and insurance costs separately, while a delivered or freight-inclusive quote may already include some charges. Do not add the same cost twice, or omit a cost your market requires.

Share the agreed term, named place, freight invoices and any insurance details with your broker. Review EXW versus FOB for locker shipments before comparing quotations.

Origin and Preference Documents

A certificate or declaration of origin can support a customs claim, but it does not automatically reduce duty. The document must be valid for the destination, product and applicable trade arrangement.

Common documents include:

• A.TR movement certificate: For relevant industrial goods moving under the EU–Türkiye Customs Union, it can provide evidence that goods are in free circulation. It is not proof that the goods have Turkish preferential origin.
• EUR.1 movement certificate: Used to claim preferential origin where an applicable trade agreement provides for it and the goods meet its origin rules.
• Origin declaration on the commercial invoice: Used where the relevant agreement and its conditions permit an exporter’s origin statement.

These documents serve different purposes. A.TR, EUR.1 and an invoice origin declaration are not interchangeable. Ask your broker which document, if any, is relevant to the destination and shipment.

Loxmet prepares all three: an A.TR movement certificate for relevant goods moving under the EU–Türkiye Customs Union, a EUR.1 certificate where a preferential trade agreement provides for it and the goods meet its origin rules, and an origin declaration on the commercial invoice where the destination and the applicable agreement permit it. Tell Loxmet your destination market when you enquire and the sales team confirms which document applies to your shipment.

Commercially, establishing Turkish origin means determining whether the goods meet the specific origin rules that apply to the relevant agreement. The place of dispatch alone does not establish preferential origin.

Export Document Pack: What to Prepare

Agree the document set with your supplier and broker before dispatch. Depending on the destination and transport arrangement, it may include:

• Commercial invoice: Issued by the seller; identifies the buyer, goods, quantities, prices, currency and agreed trade term.
• Packing list: Prepared by the seller; details packages, contents and shipment quantities. Match it to the invoice and the actual load.
• Bill of lading or CMR: The carrier or transport operator issues the transport document. A bill of lading is used for sea freight; a CMR is used for international road freight.
• Certificate of origin or preference document: Prepared by Loxmet where the destination and the applicable trade arrangement provide for it, whether that is an A.TR movement certificate, a EUR.1 certificate or an origin declaration on the invoice. Confirm the correct document for your destination with your broker.
• Conformity and CE documentation: Provide product-specific declarations or evidence where required by the destination’s rules. CE marking is not automatically required for every metal locker; electrical or charging features may bring additional requirements.
• Insurance documents: Include the policy or certificate if cargo insurance is arranged.

For container planning, match the packing list to the shipment’s product mix and package details. Loxmet’s locker container loading guide can help you prepare loading questions.

Common Clearance Delays

Check these points before the goods leave:

• Product descriptions differ between the commercial invoice and packing list.
• The invoice value does not match the agreed term or cost allocation.
• Required preference paperwork is missing or does not fit the destination rules.
• Descriptions are vague, such as “metal goods” or “cabinets,” without function or model details.
• Accessories are itemised inconsistently or bundled without clear quantities.
• Required conformity documents are missing for the product or market.

Clear descriptions and consistent documents reduce avoidable questions. For custom dimensions or configurations, share the product specification and drawings with your broker; see Loxmet’s custom manufacturing options.

What to Send Your Customs Broker

Send the broker one complete file before booking or dispatch:

• Product names, codes, photos, dimensions, materials and intended use
• A proposed classification and its supporting product details; Loxmet states its declared export code on the shipment documents
• Commercial invoice, packing list and transport mode
• Agreed Incoterm and named place
• Freight and insurance costs, with supporting invoices where available
• Country of origin information and any proposed preference document
• Product conformity information relevant to the destination

Ask the broker to confirm the final classification, customs value approach, applicable duty measures and required documents for your specific market.

Loxmet Commercial Terms

Loxmet’s head office and manufacturing facility are in Istanbul, Türkiye. Prices are quote-only in EUR or USD. The standard offer is EXW Istanbul; FOB Istanbul or CIF can be quoted on request.

There is no minimum order quantity. Catalogue products in catalogue colours generally require about 10 working days; custom colours and made-to-order products typically require approximately 10 additional working days, as set out in the standard versus custom lead time breakdown. Special pricing is available for orders exceeding two container or truck loads. Payment is by bank transfer, and Loxmet provides a 10-year warranty.

Request your broker’s classification and document checklist early. Then share your destination, product list and preferred trade term with Loxmet so the sales team can prepare a clear quotation. For ordering, lead-time and warranty details, visit the Loxmet FAQs or read the metal locker importer guide. Distributors can also review dealer opportunities.

Importer Questions, Answered

What is the HS code for metal lockers?

Steel lockers are furniture under Chapter 94. Loxmet declares lockers under 9403.10.91.00.00 on Turkish export documents, the subheading for metal cupboards with doors, shutters or flaps exceeding 80 cm in height. Some markets treat storage lockers for non-office settings as 9403.20 instead, so confirm the full local code with your broker.

Is the HS code the same in every country?

Not at its most detailed level. Countries use the international HS structure but may add digits and local measures. Check the tariff schedule for your destination.

Who decides the final classification?

The importing country’s customs authority has the final say. The importer and customs broker are responsible for the declaration; a supplier can provide product facts to support the review.

Does a certificate of origin reduce duty?

Not by itself. A valid origin or movement document supports a claim only when the destination’s rules and the relevant trade arrangement allow it.

What documents do I need to clear a container of lockers?

Typically, your broker will request an invoice, packing list, transport document, product classification details and any applicable origin, preference, conformity or insurance documents. Requirements vary by destination.

What is the difference between A.TR and EUR.1?

A.TR can evidence free-circulation status for relevant goods under the EU–Türkiye Customs Union; it does not prove Turkish preferential origin. EUR.1 is an origin document used under applicable preferential trade agreements when their rules are met. Loxmet prepares both, and can also make an origin declaration on the commercial invoice where the destination accepts that form, so send us your destination market and we will confirm which applies.

Does the Incoterm change the customs value?

It helps identify which costs are included in the transaction price and which are separate. The customs-value rules of the importing market determine the final treatment. Give your broker the exact term, named place and cost records.

Can my supplier tell me the duty rate?

A supplier can provide product specifications and shipping documents. Your broker should check the current official tariff schedule and confirm the treatment for your market, classification and origin.