The UAE is a dynamic hub of luxury, innovation, and international commerce, with an explosive need for high-quality furniture to decorate homes, office buildings, hotels, and commercial locations.
No matter the style—whether sleek and modern or billowing and old-fashioned—the UAE market offers a matching supply, driven by the demand for variety, value, and exceptional quality.
This is where importing furniture from China comes into play. China is one of the world’s largest furniture manufacturers and provides a combination of competitive prices, a wide range, and a high level of production unmatched worldwide.
How do we import furniture from China to the UAE? The process may seem daunting, but this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything, from sourcing wholesale furniture in China to clearing customs in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Whether you’re a business owner stocking your showroom or an individual renovating your dream home, this blog will help ensure a smooth and successful import journey.
Why Import Furniture from China?
China dominates the global furniture market, producing over 40% of the world’s furniture exports. Here’s why importing furniture from China to the UAE makes sense in 2025:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Chinese furniture manufacturers provide competitive prices due to economies of scale, low-cost labor, and efficient productivity.
- Diverse Product Range: From minimalist office desks to luxurious hotel suites, China’s furniture industry caters to every style, budget, and function. Whether you need home, office, outdoor, or custom furniture, you’ll find it in wholesale furniture from China.
- High Production Capacity: Furniture hubs like Shunde in Foshan—famously known as the “Furniture City”—are home to thousands of manufacturers in China capable of fulfilling large orders efficiently.
- Customization Options: Chinese furniture manufacturers often provide bespoke solutions, allowing you to tailor designs, materials, and finishes to match the tastes and trends of the UAE market perfectly.
- Global Supply Chain: The strong logistics infrastructure in China provides the UAE with efficient shipping, with ports such as Jebel Ali in Dubai as key links from China to the UAE.
Where to Buy: Finding Furniture Manufacturers in China
Sourcing wholesale furniture from China starts with identifying reliable manufacturers. Here are the top ways to connect with furniture manufacturers:
Online Platforms
The easiest way to look through thousands of furniture manufacturers in China from the comfort of your office is through online B2B platforms. Key platforms include:
- Alibaba: The world’s largest B2B marketplace hosts countless furniture manufacturers in China, including Meet & Co. Furniture. On Alibaba, you can filter suppliers by verified status, transaction history, and customer reviews to ensure reliability. Moreover, Alibaba’s Trade Assurance guarantees payment until goods are delivered as agreed.
- Made-in-China: A reliable platform dealing with high-quality furniture manufacturers in China, named Made-in-China, provides detailed supplier profiles and product certifications. It is best to locate Chinese furniture manufacturers with experience exporting to the UAE.
- Global Sources: Global Sources is known for connecting buyers with medium to large enterprises. Global Sources is great for bulk orders of wholesale furniture and high-end furniture.
Furniture Trade Shows
Trade shows in China offer an opportunity to meet furniture manufacturers, inspect products, and establish lasting relationships. The UAE’s proximity to China makes these events accessible.
Key trade shows include:
- China International Furniture Fair (CIFF): The largest furniture fair in the world, CIFF is conducted in Guangzhou (March) and Shanghai (September), showcasing over 4,000 exhibitors and 400,000 visitors. It covers home, office, outdoor, and smart furniture, with themed zones for modern and classic designs.
- Canton Fair: This biannual event in Guangzhou (April and October) showcases wholesale furniture, including office, antique, and public space designs. It’s a one-stop shop for networking with furniture manufacturers in China.
- In addition to online sourcing, the Shenzhen International Furniture Exhibition (SIFE) is a must-attend event. Held in mid-March, SIFE focuses on modern and innovative furniture designs, making it an excellent opportunity for UAE buyers and international wholesalers seeking trendy and stylish options from China.
Furniture Hubs
Shunde, a district of Foshan city in China, is renowned as a furniture manufacturing and sales hub. Often called “Furniture City” and known as China’s Furniture Wholesale Market, Shunde is home to more than 1,500 furniture manufacturers and around 3,000 Chinese and international dealers. The region’s vast furniture selection is showcased in showrooms spread across a 5-kilometer-long market, encompassing over 20 streets.
Sourcing Agents
If you are new to importing furniture or don’t have the time to research reliable Chinese furniture, a sourcing agent can simplify the process. These China-based agents, such as Easy Imex, have industry connections and expertise in negotiating with furniture manufacturers. They typically charge a 3% fee and can save you from costly errors.
Internet Research
Beyond B2B platforms, a quick Google search can open the door to countless Chinese furniture manufacturers with their websites, like Meet&Co, where you’ll find detailed product catalogs, company profiles, and export information. Social media platforms, especially LinkedIn, are also powerful tools for discovering credible manufacturers, connecting with company representatives, and even getting a behind-the-scenes look at their operations. With some smart searching, the internet becomes your gateway to China’s thriving furniture industry.
How to Choose a Furniture Supplier in China?
The selection of an authentic furniture manufacturer in China is a critical predictor of quality, timely delivery, and good value for money. Here’s how to evaluate the best furniture manufacturers:
Reliability and Reputation
- Verify Credentials: Request business licenses, export certificates, and factory audit reports. Use China’s National Enterprise Credit Information System to confirm a furniture manufacturer.
- Check Reviews: Look for manufacturers with high ratings and positive feedback on platforms like Alibaba. Contact past clients for references if possible.
- Trade Show Presence: CIFF or Canton Fair Exhibitors are usually more established and have a higher investment in international trade.
- Experience with UAE: Focus on furniture manufacturers with a proven track record of exporting to the UAE, as they’re more likely to understand local regulations, market demands, and design preferences. For example, Meet&Co Furniture has extensive experience serving the Middle Eastern market, making them a reliable choice for UAE buyers.
Price Competitiveness
- Compare Quotes: Request quotes from at least three manufacturers to gauge market rates. Ensure quotes include FOB (Free on Board) prices, MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities), and delivery timelines.
- Negotiate MOQs: Large Chinese furniture manufacturers may have high MOQs, but smaller factories or agents will cater to smaller orders from UAE startups or individuals.
- Factor in Total Costs: Besides the buying price, account for shipping, customs duties, and inspection fees. For instance, sea freight from China to Dubai costs between $1,000 and $3,000 for a 20ft container, depending on volume.
Quality Assurance
- Request Samples: Order samples from manufacturers to assess materials, artistry, and finishing before placing bulk orders.
- Certifications: Ensure Chinese furniture manufacturers meet international standards like ISO 9001 (quality management) or FSC (sustainable wood sourcing). For UAE imports, verify fire safety and environmental certifications.
Communication and Responsiveness
Choose furniture manufacturers in China with clear communication channels, preferably in English, to avoid misunderstandings. Test their responsiveness by sending inquiries and noting response times.
Customization Capabilities
If you’re sourcing bespoke wholesale furniture from China for UAE clients, prioritize manufacturers that offer customization options. Discuss design specifications, materials, and lead times upfront to ensure a smooth and tailored production process.
How to Ship Furniture from China to the UAE
Shipping is a critical part of importing furniture from China, as furniture is bulky, fragile, and susceptible to damage. Here’s how to manage logistics:
Choose the Right Shipping Method
- Sea Freight: Sea freight is ideal for wholesale furniture from China and is the most cost-effective method. Depending on size, a 20’ container can hold 30–50 pieces of furniture. Transiting from China (Shenzhen or Shanghai) to Jebel Ali Port takes 20–30 days.
- Air Freight: Though costlier, air freight is suitable for high-value or urgent shipments, with a 5–10 day turnaround. It’s best for lightweight items like chairs or decorative pieces.
- Land Freight: Rarely used for UAE imports, but an option if combining shipments through regional hubs like Oman.
Understand Incoterms
Incoterms define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers. Common terms for how to import furniture from China include:
- FOB (Free on Board): The furniture manufacturer in China covers costs until the furniture is loaded onto the ship. You handle shipping and insurance thereafter.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): The Chinese furniture manufacturer pays up to the UAE port, but you cover customs clearance.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The furniture manufacturer in China manages everything, including UAE customs duties, but this increases costs.
Optimize Packaging
Wholesale furniture from China must be packed securely to avoid damage during shipping—instruct furniture manufacturers to use robust materials like bubble wrap, foam, and wooden crates. Flat-pack furniture (e.g., IKEA-style) reduces delivery costs and breakage risks.
- Manage Customs Clearance
Customs clearance is required before or after unloading wholesale furniture from China at UAE ports like Jebel Ali or Port Khalid. Hire a licensed customs broker to handle paperwork, including:- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
- Certificate of origin
Customs duties for furniture in the UAE are typically 5% of the CIF value, but certain free zones (e.g., Jebel Ali Free Zone) may offer exemptions.
- Consider Insurance
Purchase marine insurance to protect against loss or damage during shipping. Policies typically cost 0.5–2% of the shipment value.
How to Pay for Furniture Imports
Safe payment methods are crucial to avoid scams and ensure smooth transactions when ordering wholesale furniture from China. Here are the best payment options for 2025:
- International Wire Transfer (T/T)
T/T involves direct transfers to the furniture manufacturer’s bank account. Typically, you pay a 30% deposit upfront and the remaining 70% before or after shipment. Verify the furniture manufacturer’s bank details to avoid fraud. - Letter of Credit (L/C)
An L/C is a bank-guaranteed payment contingent on meeting conditions (e.g., presenting shipping documents). It’s safer for large orders of wholesale furniture from China but involves higher fees. - Alibaba Trade Assurance
For purchases through Alibaba, use Trade Assurance to protect your payment. Funds are held in escrow and released only when you confirm receipt per specifications. - Online Escrow Services
Third-party escrow services act as intermediaries, releasing funds once both parties fulfill obligations. They’re ideal for smaller transactions with furniture manufacturers in China. - Avoid Risky Methods
Never use unsecured methods like PayPal or Western Union for large orders, as they offer little recourse in disputes. Always include payment terms, delivery, and product specifications in contracts with furniture manufacturers in China.
Extra Needs for Importing Furniture to the UAE
The UAE has specific regulations to ensure imports meet safety, environmental, and quality standards. Here’s what you need to know when importing furniture from China:
- Certificates and Compliance
- Certificate of Origin: Required to verify the furniture’s Chinese origin, especially for customs duty exemptions under UAE-China trade agreements.
- Fire Safety Standards: Furniture for commercial spaces (like hotels, offices) must comply with UAE fire safety regulations, such as BS 7176 or EN 1021. Request fire-retardant certifications from furniture manufacturers.
- Environmental Standards: Wooden furniture must comply with UAE environmental regulations, including fumigation or heat treatment to prevent pest infestation. Furniture manufacturers should provide phytosanitary certificates.
- Quality Certifications: Ensure the manufacturer meets ISO 9001 or FSC standards for quality and sustainability. UAE authorities may request test reports for durability and safety.
- HS Codes and Tariffs
Furniture imports fall under Harmonized System (HS) codes, such as 9401 (seats) or 9403 (other furniture). Confirm the correct HS code with your manufacturer or a customs broker to calculate duties accurately. The standard duty rate is 5%, but free zones may offer exemptions. - Free Zones and VAT
Importing furniture from China through UAE free zones like Jebel Ali or Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) can reduce costs, as goods are exempt from customs duties and VAT (5%) until they enter the mainland. If importing to the mainland, factor in VAT on the CIF value plus duties. - Local Permits
If you import furniture for resale, ensure a valid UAE trade license. For large projects (e.g., hotel furnishings), consult UAE municipalities for specific approvals.
Final Words
Importing furniture from China to the UAE in 2025 is a lucrative opportunity for businesses and individuals, thanks to China’s vast selection, competitive prices, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
With the right guidance and knowledge, you can confidently navigate the entire process — from sourcing reliable Chinese furniture manufacturers on platforms like Alibaba or CIFF, to ensuring product quality, managing shipping logistics, and meeting UAE regulations.
Meet&Co Furniture, with over a decade of experience, specializes in manufacturing and exporting high-quality office and commercial furniture from China. They offer customizable solutions such as sofas, desks, and coffee tables to suit various needs across the UAE. Whether furnishing a hotel in Dubai or an office in Abu Dhabi, Meet&Co provides expert support and a seamless import experience.
Begin your hassle-free furniture import journey with Meet&Co today.
