China is one of the largest furniture manufacturers in the world. The demand for furniture is also driven by the rapid development of the real estate market and the increasing purchasing power of Chinese consumers. Importing furniture from China to the EU is popular due to its low tariffs, reasonable prices, and variety. Therefore, it is worth checking what Chinese manufacturers offer. Here is everything you need to know about importing furniture from China.
Furniture production areas in China
The regions rich in wood resources and with a well-developed furniture industry are mainly in the north and northeast of China, with a center in Beijing. However, factories that make high-quality furniture are mainly located in the east, for example in Fujian, Jiangsu and Shandong provinces. Anji City in Zhejiang Province is also worth paying attention to. It specializes in bamboo furniture and bamboo material production.
However, the largest concentration of the furniture industry in China is in the nearby Pearl River region. Among others, it covers metropolises such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai. Dayong and Zhongshan, also in Guangdong province, make redwood furniture, while Lecong and Foshan make sawn lumber. The most famous furniture production area is located in Foshan city. The Shunde district of the city is known as the furniture city and the center of Chinese furniture wholesaling. There are shops owned by more than three thousand international furniture dealers on more than twenty streets of Shunde.
Import of furniture from China to the EU – types of customs
Regardless of the type or specification of the product, its tariff rates should always be verified before importing. You can find the customs rates for goods imported into the European Union in the TARIC system. For example, various pieces of furniture are found in Chapter 94 of Section XX on “Miscellaneous Manufactured Goods.” Here is an example of customs duty rates on furniture along with the applicable HS codes:
Wooden furniture and its parts (9403903090) – 2.7%
Wooden frame seats (9401610000) – 0%
Metal cabinets with doors, shutters or flaps of a kind used in offices, higher than 80 cm (9403 109 100) – 0%
Metal desks of a kind used in offices, not exceeding 80 cm in height (9403 105 100) – 0%
Wooden desks of a kind used in offices, not exceeding 80 cm in height (9403301100) – 0%
Wooden furniture of the type used in the bedroom (9403500000) – 0%
Swivel seats with variable height adjustment (9401300000) – 0%
Dentist, hairdresser or similar chairs and their parts (9402100000) – 0%
Wooden furniture of a kind used in the kitchen, handmade (9403401010) – 2.7%
Wooden furniture of a kind used in the dining room and living room (9403601000) – 0%
Plastic furniture (9403700000) – 0%
Handmade rattan furniture (9403830010) – 5.6%
As can be seen, the duty rates for furniture are very low. Most of them do not exceed 6%. This is why its import is so popular and it could be a good idea for a profitable business.
Importing furniture from China to the EU: requirements
When importing from China to the European Union, keep in mind that there are some requirements that products must meet. One of the most important regulations on the EU market is the CE marking, which is applied to products covered by the ‘New Approach Directives’. Most furniture does not require such a mark. However, in the case of furniture with built-in lighting or other electrical parts, or moving parts powered by non-human energy, CE marking will be mandatory. Therefore, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the correct directives, such as RoHS, EMC, LVD, when purchasing these products.
Phytosanitary control
The requirement of a phytosanitary control is well known to anyone who has used wooden packaging on import. Raw wood can contain parasites that can endanger the ecosystem of the destination country. Generally, manufactured furniture is exempt from this requirement, but it could apply to semi-finished products, wood carvings, tools, carpentry, marquetry and parquet. Council Directive 2000/29 / EC phytosanitary procedures in the European Union.
Furniture trade shows in China
One of the most effective ways to find a Chinese supplier is to attend a trade fair. Many cities in China organize events of this type for national and world visitors. They are an excellent opportunity for importers to negotiate with manufacturers and see the products in person.
Below is a list of trade shows during which products from the furniture category are presented.
Jinan Furniture Fair
Location: Jinan International Convention and Exhibition Center
Furniture China
Location: Shanghai New International Exhibition Center
CIFF International Furniture Fair (Shanghai)
Location: JI Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao National Convention & Exhibition Center Xujing
Shenzhen Home Furniture Expo
Location: Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center
Famous Furniture Fair (Dongguan)
Location: Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Center
Interzum Guangzhou
Location: Pazhou Complex of China Import and Export Fair
Furniture Import from China to the EU – Summary
Importing furniture from China into the EU is particularly popular due to its low duty rates and attractive prices. Therefore, it could be a good idea for a company. However, it must be borne in mind that importation often carries the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the products. That is why it is essential to know in advance all the applicable regulations, such as the CE marking for specific furniture. Also remember to always verify your provider before making a payment.