Importing from China
China is the world’s largest furniture manufacturer and exporter, and buying straight from the source can be very cost-effective. But furniture has three quirks worth mastering before you buy: it takes up a lot of volume, it almost always contains wood (with its own phytosanitary rules), and its customs classification depends on the type. Here we explain how it ships, which taxes and certificates apply, and the critical points that keep a furniture shipment arriving without surprises.
Furniture is bulky and relatively light, so the cost is driven by volume (CBM), not weight. That is why the usual route is sea freight: a full container (FCL) when your order fills or nearly fills a container — a living-room set or a shop order tends to be around or above ~15 CBM — or groupage (LCL) for smaller quantities, sharing a container with other importers.
Air freight only pays off for samples or urgent pieces: since it is charged by volume, moving furniture by plane is very expensive. One trick that saves a lot: ordering furniture knocked down (flat-pack) uses the container far more efficiently and lowers the cost per unit. Mind the packaging (corners, surfaces, glass): at sea, furniture travels for weeks and takes a beating.
Most furniture is classified under HS 9403 (and 9401 for seats). The import duty into the EU is usually low (roughly around 0 %–2.7 % depending on the type of furniture), but it is worth confirming the exact heading with your customs broker, because it changes the rate. Import VAT is recoverable if you import as a business with your EORI number and the customs declaration is in your name.
Depending on the type of furniture, you may be asked for certifications: upholstered items are subject to flammability rules in some countries, and kitchen furniture in contact with food may require a food-contact suitability certificate. These are not “customs paperwork”, but without them the product cannot be placed on the market.
The wooden packaging (pallets, crates) must carry the ISPM-15 phytosanitary treatment with the IPPC stamp; without it, destination customs can hold the cargo. Almost all Chinese manufacturers do this as standard, but confirm it with your supplier.
For wooden furniture, the EU applies the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): you must be able to prove the legal origin of the timber. It is a growing requirement; keep it on your radar and talk to your supplier.
Most furniture carries no anti-dumping duties, but some wood derivatives do (certain plywood/boards). The key is the exact heading: confirm it before buying so you do not get hit with an unexpected surcharge.
Glass, marble, lacquer… travel for weeks by sea. We recommend all-risk insurance (very cheap, ~0.1 % of value) and good protective packaging; the carrier’s liability is limited.
To move furniture, the usual choice is sea freight (FCL or groupage). We also handle the customs clearance for you. Not sure which service fits? Tell us and we will advise you.
Note: duties, thresholds and regulations (ISPM-15, EUDR, anti-dumping) can change and depend on the exact type of furniture and the destination country. This guide describes the general situation at the time of writing; confirm it with your customs broker before deciding.
Write with whatever you have —we'll ask for anything missing—. Only the email is required.
If you prefer, just email us four basics —what you're moving, how much, from where and to where— and we'll quote you as soon as possible. info [at] easychinashipping.com