The Indian real estate market is booming, and every new apartment needs a sofa, a dining table, and a modular kitchen. While local carpentry is expensive and slow, China offers "ready-to-ship" luxury at 1/3rd the cost.
However, importing furniture is not for beginners. It is a game of Volume (CBM) and Duties. If you don't know how to calculate "Landed Cost" before you buy, you will lose money on freight and customs alone.
This guide covers the sourcing hubs, the duty structure, the new 2025 BIS norms, and the logistics of shipping "air" vs. "wood."
1. The Sourcing Map: It's All in Foshan
Don't go to Yiwu for furniture. The global capital of furniture is Foshan (Lecong) in Guangdong province. It is a 5km stretch of furniture malls—the biggest in the world.
The Louvre (High-End): This is the "7-Star Hotel" of furniture malls.
Target: Luxury villas, Hotel lobbies.
Price: High, but still 40% cheaper than Italian brands.
Sunlink (North & South): The "Value for Money" hub.
Target: Mid-range homes, Office furniture, Sofas.
Price: Very competitive.
Red Star Macalline: Good for branded Chinese furniture with consistent quality.
The "Factory" vs. "Trader" Trap:
Most shops in these malls are traders. To get "Factory Pricing," you usually need to order 20+ sets of the same design. If you want variety (mixed container), stick to the traders in Sunlink.
2. The Product: Categories & HS Codes
Furniture is a broad category. Classify it correctly to avoid customs delays.
| Product Category | HS Code | Description | Duty Impact |
| Wooden Furniture | 9403 60 00 | Dining tables, Wardrobes, Beds. | High (25% BCD) |
| Metal Furniture | 9403 20 90 | Office desks, Steel almirahs. | High (25% BCD) |
| Seats (Chairs/Sofas) | 9401 61 00 | Upholstered chairs, Recliners. | High (25% BCD) |
| Mattress Supports | 9404 | Bed bases. | High |
3. The "Duty" Math: The 50% Rule
Furniture attracts high duty to protect Indian carpenters and MSMEs.
Basic Customs Duty (BCD): 25% (Increased in recent budgets).
Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS): 10% of BCD.
IGST: 18%.
Total Impact: You will pay approx 45% - 50% of the invoice value in taxes alone.
Profit Formula: If a Sofa costs ₹20,000 in China, it lands in India at ₹30,000. You must sell it for ₹50,000+ to make a viable margin.
4. The Compliance Bomb: BIS QCO 2025
This is the most critical update for 2025.
The Indian government has notified the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025.
What it means: Imported furniture (specifically Plywood, MDF boards, and certain finished goods) may soon require a BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) license.
Current Status: While "Finished Furniture" is still easier than "Raw Plywood," customs are becoming strict about the wood source.
Mandatory: You must have a Phytosanitary Certificate (Plant Quarantine) for any wooden item to prove it is free from pests. Without this, your container will be sent back.
5. Logistics: The "CBM" Game
Furniture is bulky. You are paying for "Air" inside the container.
The Golden Rule: Always buy KD (Knocked Down) or Flat Pack furniture.
Example: An assembled chair takes 0.4 CBM. A stacked/KD chair takes 0.05 CBM. You can fit 8x more product in the same container.
Container Choice: Always use a 40ft HQ (High Cube) container.
Capacity: ~65-68 CBM.
Cost Efficiency: The freight cost per sofa is 40% lower in a 40ft HQ compared to a 20ft container.
6. Quality Control: The "Moisture" Check
India has high humidity (Mumbai/Kerala) and extreme dry heat (Delhi).
The Risk: If the wood in China has high moisture content (>12%), it will crack or warp when it reaches India.
The Fix: Carry a digital Moisture Meter. Check the wood before packing. Ensure it is Kiln Dried to 8-12% moisture.
7. Action Plan for Importers
Visit Foshan: You cannot buy furniture on Alibaba. You need to sit on the sofa to check the foam density. Plan a 5-day trip to Lecong.
Hire a QC Agent: You need someone to check the goods before loading. Once it arrives in India with a scratch, you can't return it.