Is the furniture import process too complicated? Stepping into any of these 5 traps could lead to huge losses!

When Mr. Zhang first ordered a hand-carved sofa from Italy and was eagerly expecting its arrival, he was stumped by a notice from the customs - incomplete proof of wood type, doubtful declared value, and even the wooden pallets for packaging needed to be fumigated... This could be the real experience of many furniture importers. Furniture import declaration may seem simple, but it actually hides many subtleties. This article will break down the key processes for you and help you avoid those "traps" worth tens of thousands of yuan.

Why do 90% of furniture imports get stuck in the declaration process?

Customs data shows that in 2023, the rejection rate of furniture import declarations was as high as 37%, mainly concentrated in these three minefields:

• Lack of material certificates: Endangered species such as rosewood and red sandalwood require CITES certificates
• Dispute over declared price: The customs will initiate a valuation process for declarations that are significantly lower than the market price
• Neglect of quarantine requirements: Log components must provide fumigation/heat treatment certificates

Ms. Li had her entire batch of goods returned because she failed to declare the down filling inside the sofa, incurring a loss of nearly 200,000 yuan in freight. The value of a professional customs clearance agent lies in anticipating these risk points in advance.

Three steps to achieve a high - pass - rate declaration

The standardized process recommended by Zhongshitong can shorten the customs clearance time to 3 - 5 working days:

• Pre - preparation stage: Require the supplier to provide a complete material list, certificate of origin, and packing photos
• Document pre - review: Professional agents will check the HS code (e.g., 9403.61.00 for solid wood sofas) and the tariff rate (about 5 - 10% for ordinary furniture)
• Cooperate with on - site inspection: Prepare a sample room in advance to facilitate the customs to check the workmanship details

Have you included these "invisible costs"?

In addition to tariffs and value - added tax, these often - overlooked costs are the real budget killers:

• Demurrage: 200 - 500 yuan/day (oversized furniture requires special storage)
• Label rectification: If the Chinese label is unqualified, it needs to be re - pasted in the warehouse, about 3 - 8 yuan per piece
• Wooden packaging: Pallets without the IPPC mark need to be destroyed, about 1500 yuan per cubic meter

A certain Nordic brand's landed cost was 23% higher than expected because it didn't calculate the 18% anti - dumping duty. The all - inclusive quotation of a professional agent can avoid such financial losses.

Is your furniture really suitable for import?

When the following situations occur, it is recommended to re - evaluate the purchasing decision:

• The unit value of a single item is less than 3000 yuan (logistics costs account for more than 40%)
• It contains prohibited materials such as ivory inlays (at risk of confiscation)
• The supplier cannot provide CE/FSC certifications (affecting subsequent sales)

You may first let an agency company conduct a feasibility analysis. Professional institutions like Zhongshitong usually provide free initial evaluation services.

Taking action is more important than bookmarking

Now, use your mobile phone to take a photo of your furniture label and send it to a professional consultant for pre - evaluation! If this article has solved a specific confusion of yours, welcome to leave your questions in the comment section. We will select 3 readers to provide free customs clearance plans. In the next issue, we will reveal how to reduce import costs by 30% through free trade zone policies. Stay tuned!