import furniture from China

                                                    How to buy and import furniture From Foshan China                                                    Dec 22nd 2025

Foshan, known as the "furniture capital of the world," produces over 50% of China’s total furniture output. Importing from this region in 2025 offers access to more than 3,000 factories and massive wholesale markets.

1. Sourcing Locations in Foshan

Foshan’s furniture industry is concentrated in the Shunde district, particularly in Lecong and Longjiang.

• Lecong Furniture Market: A 5km-long stretch with over 20 streets of showrooms. Key malls include:

  • Louvre Furniture Mall: The most high-end and famous market for luxury and designer pieces.

  • Sunlink Furniture City: Divided into North (mid-to-high quality) and South (customizable and tailored solutions).

• Longjiang Factory Zone: Best for high-end custom orders and direct factory pricing, which can be 50% lower than retail.

2. Sourcing Methods

• Direct Visit: Personally visiting allows you to "see, touch, and feel" the quality, which is critical for premium items.

• Sourcing Agents: Recommended for small-to-medium buyers. Agents handle language barriers, negotiate prices, and manage local logistics and quality control. China Dragon Sourcing Agent is your best sourcing agent specialized in helping you to source and import furniture.

3. Quality Control (QC)

Rigorous vetting is essential to distinguish manufacturers from trading companies.

• Verification: Request business licenses, export licenses, and certifications like ISO 9001 (quality) or FSC (sustainable wood).

• Inspections: Use third-party QC services to perform pre-shipment inspections. Check for stability (no wobbling), smooth finishing, and secure joints.

• Payment Terms: A standard 2025 practice is a 30% deposit to start production, with the 70% balance paid only after a successful inspection.

4. Shipping and Logistics

Furniture is bulky and heavy, making sea freight the primary transport mode.

• Shipping Modes:

  • Full Container Load (FCL): Most cost-effective for large shipments (5+ pallets). A 40-foot container holds approximately 2,500 square feet of cargo.

  • Less than Container Load (LCL): Your goods share space with other cargo; ideal for smaller orders.

• 2025 Cost Estimates (China to US):

  • FCL 20ft: $2,227 – $3,500.

  • FCL 40ft: $2,677 – $6,000.

• Transit Time: Typically 15 to 45 days, though the entire door-to-door process can take 2–3 months due to production and customs.

5. Customs and Compliance

• Documentation: Required documents include a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, and Certificate of Origin.

• Tariffs (US 2025): Most furniture items (under Section 301) face a total tax rate of approximately 35%, combining a 25% tariff with other standard rates.

• Classification: Ensure the correct Harmonized System (HS) codes (e.g., 9401 for seats, 9403 for other furniture) are used to avoid penalties.

Written by Sony Song