China’s furniture exports surged to 40 million pieces in early 2025 with the average price per piece falling to $52. The number of people looking to import furniture from China is increasing every year. However, buying furniture from China gives you unbeatable value only if you do it right.
This guide breaks down the entire process of importing furniture from China. Whether you’re a homeowner or reseller, these 8 simple steps make your furniture import journey hassle-free.
So, let’s dive in!
Top 3 Reasons to Import Furniture from China
Before we get started with the process itself, let’s see why businesses and individuals around the world are looking toward China to fulfill their furniture needs.
Chinese furniture is affordable, stylish, and extremely easy to source. Let’s break down the reasons to import furniture from China in this section:
1. Affordability
China is globally recognized for its cost-effective furniture manufacturing. This affordability allows you to save money, whether you’re furnishing a home, outfitting a business, or reselling.
The cost savings can be substantial. Chinese furniture can cost 30-50% less than similar products in Europe or the US. For example, a solid wood bookshelf that’s €400 in Europe might be €200-250 from China, including shipping. This gives you more room in your budget for other investments or upgrades. There are three main reasons behind this:
- Massive economies of scale
- A vast and skilled labor force
- Advanced manufacturing processes
Thanks to these reasons, Chinese factories can produce high-quality furniture at prices significantly lower than many other countries.
2. Variety of Designs
When it comes to design options, China truly stands out. You’ll find an incredible range of styles, from classic and traditional to ultra-modern and minimalist.
Chinese manufacturers offer flexibility in materials, finishes, and customization, so you can match any decor or meet specific project requirements.
Whether you need the latest trends or large quantities of a single design, Chinese suppliers can deliver. This diversity makes it easy to find furniture that fits your vision, no matter how unique.
3. Easy Import Process
Importing furniture from China is extremely straightforward. The country’s mature export process, efficient logistics, and supportive government policies make the process smooth for buyers.
Many suppliers are experienced in handling international orders, providing clear communication, professional packaging, and assistance with documentation.
With the right preparation, you can navigate customs, shipping, and compliance requirements with ease. This makes China a hassle-free source for your furniture needs.
8 Easy Steps to Import Furniture from China
Now let’s break down the entire process of importing furniture from China in 8 easy steps. In addition to the actual step, we have also shared expert tips to help save you money. Following these steps will ensure a hassle-free furniture sourcing experience from China for you:
1. Understanding Your Needs and Requirements
The first step of importing furniture from China is understanding your needs and requirements. Here are some questions that you need to answer before even beginning to import the actual furniture:
Q1: Why do you need the furniture? (Are you furnishing a home, a hotel, a restaurant, or a retail store? Are you buying for personal use or resale?)
Q2: What designs are you looking for? (Modern, classic, industrial, or custom? Chinese factories can make almost every decorating style. The more specific you are, the better your results.)
Q3: What is your maximum budget? (Chinese furniture prices vary greatly. A dining table can cost $50 or $500. Therefore, you need to set a realistic budget, including shipping and taxes.)
Q4: Do you have any material preferences? (Solid wood? MDF? Teak? Each material has its pros and cons. Evaluate if you need any specific material furniture.)
Q5: Do you want to buy in bulk? (Most factories offer better prices for bulk orders, whereas some suppliers have set MOQs. So, you must evaluate the quantities you need.)
Q6: How much time do you have? (Shipping from China can take 4-10 weeks. So, you need to plan ahead, especially for large or custom orders, as they can take slightly longer.)
You need to write down answers to all these questions. The clearer you are with your requirements, the smoother your buying journey. Your answer will shape everything from product selection, supplier choice, shipping, and even taxes.
2. Selecting the Right Supplier
If you choose the right supplier, all the next steps become seamless. Therefore, it is extremely important to weigh in your options and make smart choices at this stage. Here are your options:
i. Global Platforms
You can find suppliers on sites like Alibaba and Made-in-China. These platforms are great for comparing prices and checking supplier credentials. But don’t fall for the lowest price without checking what’s behind it. Shop around and look for options.
ii. Specialized B2C and B2B Suppliers
If you want a smoother experience, consider specialized suppliers who focus on either D2C or B2B sales. These companies often offer curated collections, customization, and better after-sales service. They also have English-speaking staff to assist you in the process.
iii. Local Sourcing Agents and Brokers
Though less common, you can also choose to contact local sourcing agents and brokers in China. These agents can help you find trustworthy suppliers, negotiate prices, and manage quality control.
iv. In-Person Sourcing from Regional Hubs
If you travel frequently to China, you can visit different furniture manufacturing regions to select an appropriate vendor. Here’s a quick guide to the top hubs you can explore:
- Pearl River Delta (Guangdong Province): Cities like Foshan, Dongguan, and Shenzhen offer everything from mass-produced to high-end, innovative designs.
- Yangtze River Delta (Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai): Known for solid wood and classical furniture, the Yangtze area blends traditional and modern styles.
- Bohai Rim (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong): This northern zone focuses on metal, glass, and traditional furniture, offering mid-to-high-end custom designs.
v. One-Stop Whole-House Customization Experts
Last, you have the option of choosing one-stop whole-house customization experts. They manufacture the product themselves and offer end-to-end services. These suppliers cover everything, including design customization and shipping.
They’re perfect if you’re furnishing an entire home or commercial space. With a dedicated partner, you save time, avoid headaches, and ensure your vision is brought to life with precision.
At George Group, we specialize in whole-house customization and end-to-end furniture sourcing from China. Our team coordinates every detail, so you enjoy direct-factory pricing.
Whether you’re after sleek curved sofas, hidden-storage solutions, or statement pieces that set your project apart, we can help you source exactly what you need.
Book a free design consultation with us today. Let’s create a cohesive look with high-quality materials, tailored perfectly to your style and space.
3. Choosing Products and Designs
Now comes the fun part of picking your furniture. Whether you want minimalism, elegance, or something unique, you’ll find options in China to match your vision. Therefore, you need to start by browsing catalogs online to get a sense of what’s available.
Or some one-stop suppliers, such as George Group, allow you to test everything in person. Visit our 20,000 m² Foshan showroom to explore curated options for every furniture style and trend. You can also contact our team for a tailored sourcing solution.
If you want a unique color, size, or material, most factories can accommodate your requests. Customization is straightforward and often comes with surprisingly low minimum order quantities.
Next, you need to test your top picks in person. It lets you check quality, finish, and comfort before committing to a large order. This is the best way to avoid surprises later.
Once you’re happy with your choices, you need to double-check all the details. Verify dimensions, materials, colors, and finishes to ensure everything matches your requirements perfectly.
4. Complying with Furniture Export Regulations in China
Before shipping the furnishing materials from China to your destination country, you need to comply with the local regulations. The Chinese government enforces strict export controls to ensure smooth customs clearance and compliance with international standards.
One of the most critical requirements involves the treatment and certification of wooden packaging materials. To comply, your wooden packaging must undergo either fumigation or heat treatment before shipment. After treatment, a Certificate of Fumigation must be obtained from an authorized and qualified fumigation company in China.
In addition to fumigation, exporters must ensure that wooden packaging complies with IPPC requirements. This means the wood must be free of bark and visible wormholes, as these can harbor pests. If your packaging has bark or damage, it must be removed or replaced before treatment.
China also requires a certificate of origin for exporting furnishing materials. This document certifies that your products were manufactured in China, and it is mandatory for customs clearance.
Exporters in China must also follow the new customs declaration regulations. These require the electronic submission of export declarations at least 24 hours before goods enter the customs supervision zone. The declarations must include contracts, invoices, packing lists, and export licenses if applicable. Failure to comply can result in shipment delays or fines.
Proper compliance with China’s export regulations is key to avoiding customs seizures, delays, or unexpected costs when importing furniture from China.
5. Complying with Import Protocols in the Destination Country
Once you have ensured compliance with standard export protocols in China, you must also ensure that you’re complying with the import protocols of your own country.
Many countries have strict rules designed to protect consumers and the environment. Non-compliance with these rules can lead to shipment delays, fines, or even rejection at customs.
One common requirement is compliance with flammability and fire safety standards. For instance, in the EU, upholstered furniture must meet rigorous fire safety tests such as EN 1021 and EN 59.
Environmental standards are also critical. Many countries limit the amount of harmful chemicals furniture can emit, such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Sustainability certifications are also becoming increasingly important. These certifications verify that the wood used in furniture comes from responsibly managed forests.
In some countries, phytosanitary rules apply, especially for furniture containing solid wood. These rules require wood to be treated to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Similarly, children’s furniture, office chairs, or school seating may have additional specific standards.
To navigate these complex rules, you need to work closely with your Chinese supplier to obtain all necessary certificates and test reports before shipment. Third-party testing agencies can verify compliance and issue official certificates recognized by customs in your country.
6. Finalizing Furniture Shipping and Logistics
Once you have met all the requirements of furniture export from China, it’s time to ship. Let’s recap the overall process of furniture shipping from China:
i. Gather Documents
Start by gathering all the necessary documents. This includes commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and any special certificates.
ii. Choose the Shipping Method
Next, you need to choose the shipping method that fits your needs. You have three different options when it comes to choosing the shipping method:
- Air Freight: Fast (3-7 days) but expensive. Best for urgent, small orders.
- Sea Freight: Slow (30-60 days) but cost-effective. Ideal for bulk shipments.
- Express (DHL/FedEx): Only for samples. Too pricey for full orders.
iii. Choose a Shipping Company
Selecting a reliable shipping company is crucial to ensure smooth delivery. A good forwarder will handle paperwork and logistics. So, take time to compare companies and choose one with experience in handling furniture shipments.
iv. Understand Incoterms
It’s also important to understand Incoterms, such as FOB (Free On Board) and CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight). These terms define who is responsible for shipping, insurance, and risk at each stage of the journey.
v. Consider Insurance
Insurance protects you against loss or damage during transit, which can be a real risk when shipping valuable or bulky furniture over long distances.
vi. Finalize Agreement
Finalize your shipping agreement by confirming all terms, costs, and delivery timelines with both your supplier and your chosen forwarder. If you’re buying from multiple suppliers, consider consolidating shipments into a single container.
vii. Shipping Preparation
Prepare your shipment carefully. Make sure all items are packed securely and labeled correctly to prevent damage and confusion during handling
viii. Track Your Shipment
Once your goods are on their way, track your shipment using the tracking services provided by your freight forwarder or shipping company.
If all of this feels a bit overwhelming, you can choose to work with an expert freight forwarder. They handle customs, paperwork, and logistics.
Or you can choose your furniture supplier wisely. If you choose a one-stop supplier in China, they can handle all the above steps, including compliance with Chinese export rules, shipping, and compliance with import protocols in your destination country.
7. Paying Import Duties and Taxes in Your Country
This is one final step you need to go through before you can finally claim your furniture delivery. You need to go through the entire customs clearance process in your country. You need to pay the required import duties and taxes. Here’s what you need to know:
- Present required documents: Make sure you have your commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading ready. These documents are essential for customs to assess your shipment and calculate duties and taxes accurately.
- Know your HS codes: Every type of furniture has a specific Harmonized System (HS) code. This code determines the duty rate applied to your goods. Your freight forwarder or customs broker can help you identify the correct HS code to avoid unexpected charges.
- Calculate duties and taxes: Import duty rates vary by country and product type. Some countries calculate duties based on the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value, while others use the free on board (FOB) value or weight-based methods.
- Be aware of additional fees: Besides customs duty, you may need to pay customs processing fees, port maintenance fees, and value-added tax (VAT) or GST.
- Pay duties and taxes promptly: Lastly, you need to pay all the duties and taxes before your goods are released. So, you need to plan your cash flow accordingly.
Here’s a pro tip: Save all invoices, shipping documents, customs receipts, and payment confirmations. These records are vital for resolving any disputes with customs authorities.
Also, check your country’s customs website regularly. Duty rates, tax rules, and import regulations can change. Using official government resources or consulting with customs experts ensures you stay compliant and avoid unexpected expenses.
8. Furniture Delivery
Once your furniture is cleared by customs, your next step is to arrange delivery to your warehouse, home, or project site. This requires hiring a local logistics company experienced in handling furniture shipments. They will manage unloading, transportation, and even storage if needed.
When your furniture is delivered, inspect every item carefully. Look for any damage, missing parts, or quality issues. Take clear photos as evidence in case you need to file a claim or request replacements. This inspection is crucial to ensure you received exactly what you ordered.
If you discover any defects or damage caused during shipping, contact your supplier and freight forwarder immediately. Acting quickly improves your chances of a smooth resolution.
However, remember that many furniture pieces from China arrive flat-packed to save space and reduce shipping costs. So, plan ahead for assembly. If you prefer, you can hire professionals to assemble the furniture properly, saving you time and avoiding potential mistakes.
These steps ensure your imported furniture reaches you in perfect condition and is ready to use. With this step, your furniture buying experience from China is also completed.
Final Word: How to Import Furniture from China?
Buying furniture from China is a smart move for anyone seeking affordability, variety, and a streamlined import process. However, your success depends on choosing the right partner to guide you from selection to delivery.
That’s where George Group can help.
As your one-stop solution for furniture sourcing in China, we offer direct-factory pricing, expert design support, and comprehensive logistics. Our experts make it easy to customize and import high-quality pieces for any home or project.
Visit our expansive 20,000 m² Foshan showroom to explore thousands of styles and materials, or connect with our team for a tailored sourcing solution that fits your needs. Let’s create a space that’s as enduring and beautiful as your vision.
For more tips and insights on Importing furniture from China, check out our blog section.
