After successfully completing your procurement at the China International Furniture Fair (CIFF 2026), your next critical task is to legally and seamlessly transport your newly acquired furniture products to your destination market.
The final stage of international trade—customs clearance and import procedures—is often fraught with complex regulations, stringent documentation requirements, and potential tariff challenges.
This guide is designed to provide CIFF furniture buyers with clear steps and essential points to manage your cross-border logistics and customs clearance processes efficiently in 2026.
I. Customs and Import Guide: Mandatory Preparation of Core Documents
The speed of customs clearance is directly proportional to the completeness and accuracy of the documents you submit. Therefore, before your procured furniture is shipped from China, you must receive and verify the following key documents from your supplier:
Commercial Invoice: Must include the accurate description of goods, quantity, unit price, total value, country of origin, and the detailed information of both the buyer and the seller.
Packing List: Details the contents of each package, dimensions, Gross Weight and Net Weight.
Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB): This serves as proof of cargo ownership and the transport contract. You must carefully verify the information for the Consignee and the Notify Party.
Certificate of Origin (COO): Certification proving that the furniture originated in China.
Click the link below to pre-register now and participate in CIFF 2026 immediately, or scan the QR code to join.
https://xt.ciff-gz.com/3807/index.html?ly=57EH00021
II. Critical Coding and Tariff Management
Accurate commodity classification helps prevent customs delays.
1. Harmonized System Code (HS Code):
The HS Code is the internationally standardized commodity classification code. Buyers must confirm the accurate HS Code for the product with the supplier. Incorrect coding can lead to the wrong tariff rates, fines, or even the seizure of goods.
2. Tariffs and Trade Agreements:
Certain furniture categories may be subject to anti-dumping duties in the importing country. Buyers should proactively inquire whether specific products are restricted.
III. Value-Added Services and Compliance Requirements
Modern furniture imports require attention to product safety and environmental regulations.
1. Product Safety and Labeling:
Many countries enforce strict requirements for furniture fire safety standards, formaldehyde emission standards, and durability. It is advisable to verify that the furniture labeling meets the relevant requirements of the destination country.
2. Timber and Environmental Regulations:
When importing wooden furniture, compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) or the destination country’s specific timber source regulations (such as the U.S. Lacey Act or the E.U. Timber Regulation) is mandatory.
IV. Selecting Professional Agents and Logistics Partners
Customs procedures are complex; professional assistance is essential.
1. Appointing a Customs Broker:
It is strongly recommended to appoint a local professional customs broker to handle clearance matters. Brokers are familiar with the latest regulatory changes, can efficiently process documents, and represent the buyer in responding to customs inquiries.
2. Logistics Integration and Time Planning:
You should communicate with your Freight Forwarder in advance to reserve transportation slots during the peak shipping season following the CIFF exhibition. As transport demand surges post-CIFF, consolidating your cargo can help save on shipping costs.