Short answer: to import furniture from China to Ireland or the UK, choose a supplier that already exports to Europe, check the product rules for your furniture type, inspect the goods before they leave China and ship them by sea, which is the usual choice for bulky items. On arrival the goods are cleared through customs, where customs duty and import VAT are paid. Careful packaging and a pre-shipment inspection make the biggest difference to how your furniture arrives.
This guide is written by our team in Yiwu, China, where we source, check and ship furniture and home goods for businesses in Ireland, the UK and across Europe.
Important: customs duty, VAT and product rules depend on your product and can change. We recommend consulting a local customs broker before you import.
Why import furniture from China?
- Wide choice. China has large furniture-making regions producing everything from sofas and chairs to office, outdoor and hotel furniture.
- Competitive prices. Buying directly from factories can lower your cost per unit, especially for larger orders.
- Custom designs. Many factories can change sizes, colours, fabrics and finishes or produce your own designs.
- Flat-pack options. Many items can be shipped flat-packed, which saves space in the container.
Types of furniture you can import
| Category | Examples | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Living room | Sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, TV units | Fabric, foam, frame quality |
| Bedroom | Beds, wardrobes, bedside tables, mattresses | Materials, assembly, size standards |
| Dining | Tables, chairs, sideboards | Stability, finish, weight limits |
| Office | Desks, office chairs, storage | Mechanisms, gas lifts, durability |
| Outdoor | Garden sets, rattan furniture, parasols | Weather resistance, fixings |
| Hotel and contract | Hotel rooms, restaurant and bar furniture | Commercial-grade materials, fire safety |
Step 1. Find the right furniture supplier
Furniture quality varies a lot between factories, so supplier choice matters more than with many other products. Look for a supplier that:
- already exports to the UK or EU and understands their requirements;
- is a factory, or works directly with one, rather than a reseller only;
- can show real photos and videos of production and finished goods;
- sends samples of materials, fabrics and finishes before production;
- agrees on packaging and loading in writing.
Ready-made furniture and accessories are often available on 1688 and Alibaba, while custom and large orders usually go directly to a factory. Read our comparison of 1688 vs Alibaba vs Taobao to see which platform fits your order.
Step 2. Check product rules for Ireland and the UK
Furniture sold to consumers must be safe and correctly labelled. The exact rules depend on the type of furniture and where you sell it:
- Upholstered furniture such as sofas and armchairs must meet fire safety rules. The UK and Ireland both have specific requirements for upholstery, foam and covers, including labelling.
- General product safety rules apply to all consumer furniture: stability, safe materials, clear instructions and warnings.
- Children’s furniture has stricter safety requirements.
- Wood and timber may need documents showing it comes from legal sources.
- Furniture with electrical parts, such as lights or recliners with motors, must also meet electrical safety rules.
Ask your supplier for test reports and certificates before you confirm the order. If you are not sure which rules apply, ask a compliance specialist or customs broker.
Step 3. Inspect before shipping
Returning furniture to China is rarely practical, so a pre-shipment inspection is essential. Check:
Before goods leave China, a pre-shipment check is the best protection for your order. Read our guide to quality inspection in China.
- dimensions, colours and materials against the approved sample;
- stitching, upholstery and surface finish;
- stability, joints and moving parts;
- assembly: all screws, fittings and instructions are included;
- packaging: corners and edges protected, cartons strong and clearly marked.
See real shipments we have checked on our work samples page.
Step 4. Ship your furniture
Furniture is bulky, so sea freight is the usual choice. Air freight is rarely cost-effective, except for small items or urgent samples.
| Method | Best for |
|---|---|
| Sea freight, full container (FCL) | Large orders, showrooms, hotel projects |
| Sea freight, shared container (LCL) | Smaller orders and mixed furniture with accessories |
| Air freight | Samples and small, light items only |
Sea freight takes several weeks, so plan stock well ahead of busy seasons. To get more into a container, ask about flat-pack versions and knock-down designs, and make sure fragile items are packed separately.
For more detail on choosing between shipping options, read our guide to shipping from China to the UK.
Step 5. Customs, duty and VAT
When the furniture arrives you pay customs duty and import VAT. Ireland follows EU customs rules and the UK has its own system, so the rates and procedures are not the same:
- Ireland: EU customs tariff, VAT charged by Revenue, EU EORI number required.
- UK: UK Global Tariff, VAT charged by HMRC, GB EORI number required.
Duty depends on the product’s code, so wooden, metal and upholstered furniture can have different rates. Some furniture from China may also be subject to extra trade measures. Ask a local customs broker to confirm the duty and VAT before you order. For the full import process into Ireland, read our Import from China to Ireland guide.
Common mistakes when importing furniture
- Ordering without seeing material and fabric samples.
- Ignoring fire safety rules for upholstered furniture.
- Skipping the pre-shipment inspection.
- Weak packaging that leads to scratches and broken parts.
- Not planning container loading, so space is wasted.
- Forgetting delivery costs from the port to your warehouse or customer.
How SilkwayMall helps
We are a sourcing agent based in Yiwu with our own warehouse in China and an office in the EU. For furniture buyers in Ireland and the UK we:
- find and verify furniture factories and suppliers;
- arrange samples of materials, fabrics and finishes;
- inspect goods before shipping and send you photos and videos;
- consolidate furniture and accessories from different suppliers;
- arrange sea freight to Ireland and the UK;
- issue an EU VAT invoice for your business.
See how our fees work on the price page, learn more about our team, or send us your furniture list and photos through our contact form.
FAQ: importing furniture from China
Is it worth importing furniture from China to Ireland?
It can be, especially for larger orders and custom designs. The key is to calculate the full landed cost, including shipping, duty, VAT and local delivery, before you order.
How is furniture shipped from China?
Usually by sea freight, in a full or shared container. Air freight is only practical for samples and small items.
Do sofas need special certification?
Upholstered furniture must meet fire safety rules in the UK and Ireland. Ask your supplier for test reports and check the labelling requirements before production.
Can I order a small quantity of furniture?
Yes. Some suppliers accept smaller orders, and a shared container lets you ship them without filling a whole container.
Do I need a customs broker?
Most businesses use one. A local customs broker submits the import declaration, checks product codes and helps you avoid delays and extra costs.
Related guides
- Import from China to Ireland: The Complete 2026 Guide
- Shipping from China to the UK: Sea Freight vs Air Freight
- 1688 vs Alibaba vs Taobao: Which Should a UK or Irish Business Use?
- Christmas decorations from Yiwu: wholesale guide for UK & Irish shops
- Amazon UK FBA from China: how to source and ship products to the UK
This guide is for general information only. Customs, tax and product rules can change and depend on your product, so we recommend consulting a local customs broker before you import.