While Poser can import 3DS files, it doesn't really like them much.

I'd try exporting it as an obj and see if the problem persists - Max will import obj files just fine, too if you want to check it first :) 

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You just can't put the words "Poserites" and "happy" in the same sentence - didn't you know that? LaurieA
  Using Poser since 2002. Currently at Version 11.1 - Win 10.