Importing furniture from China has become an increasingly popular solution for businesses, interior designers, and e-commerce sellers looking for affordable, quality, and customizable products. This guide will walk you through every step of the process — from finding the right supplier to receiving your goods at your doorstep — so even complete beginners can take immediate action with confidence.
Why Import Furniture from China?
China is one of the world’s leading furniture manufacturers, offering an extensive range of styles, materials, and price points. Importers benefit from:
- Cost-efficiency: Competitive pricing, especially for bulk orders.
- Product variety: From minimalist modern to classical antique styles.
- OEM/ODM services: Customize your products to fit your brand.
Whether you’re sourcing furniture for resale, office setups, or hospitality projects, importing from China offers unmatched flexibility and scalability. Even for individual buyers furnishing their homes or Airbnb properties, China provides attractive options with professional logistics support.
What Types of Furniture You Can Import from China?
China produces virtually every type of furniture imaginable. Some of the most commonly imported categories include:
- Home Furniture: Beds, sofas, wardrobes, dining tables, cabinets
- Office Furniture: Workstations, chairs, desks, partitions
- Outdoor Furniture: Rattan sets, metal garden sets, patio accessories
- Customized OEM Furniture: Designed to meet your exact specifications
Tips For new buyers: Start with widely exported standard items before moving to customized furniture.
Pro Tip: Visit markets like Foshan Lecong town for hands-on selection, or explore virtual factory tours if you can’t travel.
Where to Find Reliable Furniture Suppliers in China
Online Platforms
- Alibaba: Filter by Trade Assurance, Verified Suppliers
- Made-in-China: Ideal for finding niche manufacturers
- Global Sources: Great for export-ready suppliers
Tips if you’re new to this: Start by requesting 3–5 quotes per item to compare quality and pricing before placing a bulk order.
Social Media Platforms
Many Chinese furniture suppliers actively promote their products on platforms like:
- TikTok
- YouTube
Search using specific product keywords and filter results by location or language to find reliable and active exporters.
Work with a Sourcing Agent
Collaborating with a professional sourcing agent in China can significantly reduce your risks. These agents:
- Have access to verified factories and suppliers
- Help negotiate better prices
- Assist with quality checks and logistics coordination
- Have access to verified factories and suppliers
- Help negotiate better prices
- Assist with quality checks and logistics coordination
This is especially helpful for beginners who are not familiar with Chinese supplier communication and factory visits.
Search on Google
Directly searching your product keywords on Google (e.g., "modern sofa manufacturer China" or "custom dining table supplier") can lead you to:
- Factory websites
- Supplier directories
- Verified manufacturers not listed on Alibaba
Make sure to check the company’s credentials, years of operation, and reviews before reaching out.
Trade Shows & Markets
-
CIFF
(China International Furniture Fair):
Held in Guangzhou and Shanghai -
Canton Fair:
Offers furniture along with thousands of product categories -
Foshan Shunde Furniture Market:
China’s largest furniture wholesale market
What are the Process for Funiture Importing from China (For Beginners)
Step 1: Define Your Needs
- Create a list with desired furniture types, sizes, colors, materials, and quantities
- Prepare a basic budget per item
- Clarify usage (home, commercial, resale, etc.) to help suppliers recommend the best match
Step 2: Shortlist and Contact Suppliers
- Use platforms like Alibaba or Made-in-China
- Send clear RFQs (Request for Quotations) with details like material, size, photos, and quantity
- Ask for product catalogs, certifications, lead times, and Incoterm options
Step 3: Order Samples
- Pay for a sample to evaluate quality
- Check finishing, packaging, durability, and functionality
- If satisfied, approve the sample and place a bulk order
Step 4: Confirm Order with a Contract
- Sign a Sales Agreement or Proforma Invoice
- Include payment terms, lead time, Incoterms (e.g. DDP, FOB), and penalties for delays
Step 5: Arrange Shipping
- Decide whether you want a Door-to-Door (DDP) service (best for new buyers)
- Choose FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less-than-Container Load)
- Your freight forwarder (like DFH Logistics) can handle pick-up, consolidation, and documentation
Step 6: Customs & Final Delivery
- Prepare basic import documents (invoice, packing list, bill of lading, etc.)
- If using DDP, your forwarder handles customs and delivery
- If not, you’ll need to coordinate customs clearance locally
What are the Shipping Methods for Furniture from China
| Shipping Method | Best For | Delivery Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LCL Sea Freight | Small to mid orders | 25-45 days | \$\$ | Shared container |
| FCL Sea Freight | Full container loads | 20-30 days | \$\$\$ | Lower cost per CBM |
| Air Freight | Urgent, small items | 5-10 days | \$\$\$\$ | High cost, limited to small furniture |
| Rail Freight | Europe-bound shipments | 25-35 days | \$\$\$ | Fast but limited to EU |
| DDP Shipping | Hassle-free solution | Varies | \$\$\$ | Includes duty & customs clearance |
Recommended for new importers: Use DDP shipping to simplify customs and avoid delays.
How Much Does It Cost to Import Furniture from China?
Let’s break down a typical 20ft container shipment:
| Cost Item | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Product Cost | \$7,500 |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | \$2,000 |
| Customs Duties (USA) | \$600 |
| Port Charges & Docs | \$500 |
| Inland Delivery | \$500 |
| Total | \$11,100 |
Remark: This only for reference, the exactly shipping price may be much difference with this reference quotation. Meanwhile, so many factors influenced the unit price. So please contact us to get the directly shipping price
Tip: For smaller quantities, LCL and DDP consolidate shipping is more budget-friendly.
What Documents required for Furniture Importing?
Common HS Codes
- Wooden Furniture: 9403.60
- Metal Furniture: 9403.20
Documents You’ll Need
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Certificate of Origin
Good news: If you choose DDP shipping, your forwarder will handle these on your behalf.
What are the Packaging Requirements for Furniture Importing from China
Standard Export Packaging is a Must
When importing furniture from China, ensuring standard export-grade packaging is essential to protect your items during long international transit. Most reputable Chinese suppliers use materials such as thick corrugated cartons, protective foam, shrink wrap, corner guards, and sometimes wooden frames or pallets for heavy or fragile goods. This not only minimizes the risk of damage but also ensures your shipment passes customs inspections smoothly.
Reinforcement for Fragile or High-Value Items
For delicate items like mirrors, glass tabletops, or luxury upholstered pieces, it’s highly recommended to request customized reinforced packaging. This may include wooden crates, bubble wrap layers, and waterproof plastic coverings. While it may add a bit to the packaging cost, it significantly reduces the risk of transit damage and costly returns—especially in sea freight scenarios with multiple handling points.
Labeling, Barcoding, and Compliance
Ensure each carton or pallet is clearly labeled with essential information: consignee details, product description, item codes, weight, and handling instructions (e.g., “Fragile,” “This Side Up”). If you’re shipping to Amazon or a third-party warehouse, request suppliers to apply FNSKU or barcode labels during packaging. Also, packaging must comply with ISPM-15 regulations if wooden materials are used, especially for shipments to countries like the USA, Canada, or Australia.
Pro Tip: Ask your freight forwarder or sourcing agent to inspect and photograph the packaging before shipment leaves China.
What are the Challenges Faced by New Importers (and How to Solve Them)
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Damaged products | Reinforced packaging, container loading checks |
| Customs held shipment | Use DDP services or local customs broker |
| Unclear communication | Use a bilingual freight agent or sourcing service |
| Unexpected costs | Get a full quote including duties and fees from your Freight forwarde |
Why DFH Logistics is Ideal for First-Time Furniture Importers
- We simplify the process: From supplier pickup to doorstep delivery
- One-stop DDP shipping: Includes customs clearance and duty handling
- Consolidation service: We gather your products from different suppliers and ship together
- Damage protection: Professional packaging and inspection included
- Dedicated support: English-speaking account manager to guide you
Ready to import furniture from China now? Contact DFH Logistics for a free plan tailored to your project.
Case Study: Small Business Imports to the US
This What we get from Client’s supplier.
After repacking we send out.
Final mile delivery truck inform goods arrived.
After open one of the cartons, wow it is sofa, and other boxes being open one by one.
- Importer: For Whole house use furniture and Building Material.
- Furniture:Funiture, Building Materials
- Shipping: DDP via LCL sea freight
Process:
- Suppliers consolidated in Foshan
- DFH picked up, inspected, packed, and shipped
- Delivered to the Hourse within 30 days by sea freight DDP shipping.
Total landed cost: \$9,200 | Savings vs Local buying: Over \$5,000
FAQs for First-Time Importers for Furniture.
Q1: Can I import if I’m not a company?
Yes! Individuals can import furniture for personal use. DDP shipping is the best option. no need you do anything but just placed the order to suppliers and then pay shipping fees, ater that waiting to receive the packages.
Q2: Can I just order one item to test?
Yes. You can order samples first and decide later on bulk quantities. Taobao.com without MOQ, 1 items is avaiable as well.
Q3: How do I avoid getting scammed?
Use Trade Assurance platforms or DFH’s vetted supplier network. Always request a sample and contract.
Q4: What if I don’t know how to clear customs?
Choose DDP shipping of DFH Logistics. Everything will be handled for you — no need to deal with customs yourself.
Final Advice for Taking Action Now
- Start small: Order 1–2 pieces to build confidence
- Get a quote: Know exactly what it will cost with no surprises
- Partner smart: Let DFH handle shipping, customs, and logistics for you
Conclusion
You don’t need to be a shipping expert or speak Chinese to import furniture from China. With the right guidance and professional logistics support, even first-time buyers can enjoy quality furniture at unbeatable prices.
Want to buy now or still have other questions about importing furniture from China? Click here to get a fast, free quote from DFH Logistics and take your first step toward smarter, more profitable importing.
