Importing Furniture from China: The Complete 2026 Guide for German Buyers

In 2026, China continues to stand as the global leader in furniture exports, delivering exceptional quality and value to international markets. For German furniture distributors, wholesalers, and retail chains, importing furniture from China presents an enormous opportunity to combine affordability, flexibility, and sustainable innovation.

This comprehensive guide explains how German importers can source furniture safely, efficiently, and profitably from China — featuring ASKT, one of China’s leading furniture manufacturers known for its European-standard quality, zero-plastic packaging, and human-centered design innovation.

Why Import Furniture from China?

According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), China’s furniture exports reached $67 billion, representing nearly 40% of the global market. This dominance is built on several key advantages that continue to attract German and European buyers alike.

1. Competitive Pricing

Chinese manufacturers combine low labor costs ($3–5/hour) with efficient, large-scale production.As a result, furniture imported from China can be 30–50% cheaper than similar products produced in Europe.

For example:

A solid oak dining table that costs €900 in Germany may only cost €500–€600 when imported from China — even after including shipping and duties.

2. Flexible Design and Customization

Chinese furniture factories produce a wide range of styles, from modern Nordic minimalism to industrial and contemporary German aesthetics.Manufacturers like ASKT in Anji and Tianjin specialize in custom designs, material flexibility, and rapid prototyping, allowing German importers to adapt quickly to market trends.

3. Sustainable Manufacturing

Driven by Europe’s Green Deal and Germany’s environmental standards, Chinese suppliers have evolved.ASKT, for instance, has implemented a zero-plastic packaging program, replacing plastic tape with paper tape and foam with honeycomb paper — reducing clients’ plastic-related tax costs by up to 15% annually.

4. Reliability and Scale

China’s industrial clusters house 50,000+ furniture factories, enabling buyers to consolidate large and mixed orders easily while ensuring consistent supply.

Step 1: Preparations Before Importing Furniture

Importing furniture from China involves multiple steps — from selecting reliable suppliers to navigating German customs clearance. Preparation is essential to avoid logistical or compliance issues.

Key preparations include:

• Identifying suppliers and verifying certifications (e.g., BSCI, FSC, ISO9001).

• Reviewing product safety and material standards applicable in Germany.

• Arranging transportation and customs documentation.

• Setting up inspection procedures and payment plans.

• Starting with smaller, mixed orders to test performance.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Supplier

China’s furniture manufacturing regions each have unique strengths. Selecting the right region — and the right partner — is critical to success.

Region	Main Cities	Specialties
Guangdong	Foshan, Dongguan	Modern living room furniture, upholstered sofas
Zhejiang	Anji, Haining	Office chairs, dining chairs, eco-friendly designs
Jiangsu	Suzhou, Changzhou	Metal and wooden furniture
Shandong	Qingdao, Yantai	Solid wood and rustic furniture
Hebei	Bazhou	Dining sets and export-oriented OEM furniture
Sichuan	Chengdu	Panel and budget-friendly furniture

Spotlight: Anji — China’s “Chair Capital”

The town of Anji, Zhejiang Province, is known as China’s Chair Capital, supplying a significant portion of the world’s office and dining chairs.ASKT, headquartered in Anji, leverages this industrial ecosystem to offer superior ergonomic designs, tested durability, and European-certified materials.

The company’s KINEXA™ quick-connect system allows German buyers to mix and match chairs and bases effortlessly — reducing MOQ pressure, optimizing logistics, and enabling faster in-store customization.

Step 3: Product Compliance for the German Market

Germany enforces strict import and environmental standards. Compliance ensures smooth customs clearance and brand credibility.

Wood Furniture Regulations

• Must meet EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) to prevent illegal logging.

• Some species require CITES certification for endangered wood.

• Heat treatment may be necessary to eliminate pests.

Safety and Fire Standards

• Upholstered furniture sold in Germany must pass EN 1021 fire resistance standards.

• Glues, coatings, and fabrics must be formaldehyde-free and REACH compliant.

ASKT’s Advantage:All ASKT fabrics are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, baby-safe, and formaldehyde-free. The company conducts in-house color fastness, abrasion resistance, and seat impact testing to ensure European-level safety and durability.

Step 4: Transportation and Logistics to Germany

Shipping is a major factor in cost planning. For German importers, sea freight remains the most economical option.

Mode	Best For	Average Cost (40ft Container)	Transit Time (to Hamburg/Bremerhaven)
Sea Freight (FCL/LCL)	Large orders	$2,150 – $4,850	30–40 days
Air Freight	Samples or urgent orders	$8 – $12/kg	7–10 days
Rail Freight (China–Europe)	Mid-volume orders	$6,000 – $7,500	15–20 days

Tips for German importers:

• Work with experienced freight forwarders like COSCO, Maersk, or DHL Global Forwarding.

• Allow an extra 3–5 weeks for customs clearance and unexpected port congestion.

• Consider ASKT’s export-ready packaging (optimized for container loading) to reduce breakage and logistics costs.

Step 5: Customs, Tariffs, and Import Fees in Germany

Importing furniture into Germany involves documentation, duties, and VAT.

Essential Documents

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Bill of Lading

• Certificate of Origin

• Inspection or CITES certificate (if applicable)

Tariffs and Fees (Germany Example)

• Import Duty: 0–12.8% (depending on furniture type; HS codes 9401–9404).

• EU VAT: 19% applied on CIF + duty value.

• Handling Fees: Port and customs clearance charges may apply.

For instance, a 40-foot container of dining chairs valued at €30,000 might incur:

• €3,000 (10% average duty)

• €6,270 (19% VAT on CIF + duty)

• €500 (customs and logistics fees)

Always verify rates on Germany’s EZT-Online Taric database or consult a licensed customs broker.

Step 6: Payment and Financial Security

Payment terms should balance security and flexibility.

Method	Best For	Pros	Cons
T/T Bank Transfer	Standard orders	Simple, fast	Risk without contract protection
Letter of Credit (L/C)	Large orders (€50,000+)	Secure for both sides	Higher bank fees
PayPal / Wise / Payoneer	Sample orders	Easy and fast	Not ideal for bulk transactions

Typical ASKT Terms

• 30% deposit before production

• 20% payment during production

• 50% balance before shipment (after quality inspection)

ASKT supports flexible payment arrangements for long-term German partners, ensuring transparency and financial comfort.

Step 7: Quality Control and Pre-Shipment Inspection

Consistent quality is vital when importing to Germany’s demanding market.

ASKT’s In-House Testing Includes:

• Seat impact and durability tests

• Armrest static load and drop tests

• Fabric abrasion and color fastness checks

• Frame welding strength inspections

With 11 professional quality inspectors, each equipped with video monitoring devices, ASKT ensures full transparency throughout the testing and packing process.

For additional assurance, German buyers can request third-party inspections from SGS, TÜV, or Intertek before shipment.

Step 8: Furniture Materials Overview

Choosing the right material defines cost, quality, and appeal to German consumers. Here’s an overview of the most common materials used in Chinese furniture manufacturing.

Material	Advantages	Applications	Popular Styles in Germany
Solid Wood (Oak, Walnut)	Premium, durable, natural texture	Dining tables, chairs	Scandinavian, Classic
Engineered Wood (MDF, Plywood)	Cost-effective, stable	Cabinets, desks	Modern, Minimalist
Metal (Steel, Aluminum)	Sturdy, sleek	Frames, bases	Industrial, Contemporary
Glass	Elegant, light-reflecting	Tables, shelving	Modern, Minimalist
Plastic (Acrylic, Polypropylene)	Lightweight, versatile	Kids’ chairs, outdoor sets	Youthful, Modern
Rattan (Synthetic)	Eco-friendly, durable	Outdoor furniture	Rustic, Mediterranean

ASKT’s Material Edge:ASKT offers fabrics that are waterproof, stain-resistant, breathable, and pet-friendly — designed for both functionality and sustainability. One line even uses recycled PET bottles, helping brands promote eco-conscious value.

Step 9: Furniture Style Preferences in Germany

Germany’s furniture consumers are known for their appreciation of functionality, efficiency, and clean design — values deeply rooted in Bauhaus philosophy.

Popular German Style Traits:

• Modular and space-saving layouts

• Neutral tones (gray, beige, natural oak)

• Focus on quality craftsmanship

• Sustainable materials and packaging

Best-Selling Imports in Germany:

• Scandinavian-style dining chairs

• Solid oak dining tables

• Modern metal-and-wood shelves

• Upholstered ergonomic office chairs

ASKT’s contemporary designs — blending European simplicity with Chinese manufacturing precision — have proven particularly successful with German importers and retailers.

Step 10: Office Furniture Trends for 2025

The German office furniture market emphasizes ergonomic, flexible, and sustainable designs.

Key Categories

• Ergonomic Task Chairs: Adjustable lumbar support and breathable mesh.

• Standing Desks: Height-adjustable, electric or manual.

• Storage Solutions: Lockable metal cabinets, modular shelves.

• Meeting Furniture: Multi-use conference tables with cable management.

Top Styles in Demand

Style	Features	Preferred Settings
Modern	Minimal lines, neutral tones	Tech offices, start-ups
Industrial	Metal + wood	Design studios
Eco-Friendly	FSC-certified, recycled	Corporate sustainability projects

ASKT’s Competitive Edge:Through BSCI-certified facilities and ergonomic innovation, ASKT supplies office seating that meets German DIN standards, merging comfort, safety, and sustainability.

Step 11: Cost Breakdown Example (Germany)

Here’s a realistic example of the total landed cost for importing a 40-foot container of dining chairs into Germany.

Item	Estimated Cost (€)
Product Purchase (Factory Price)	25,000 – 30,000
Sea Freight	3,000 – 4,000
Import Duty (10%)	2,800
VAT (19%)	6,270
Inspection & Documentation	700
Local Delivery (Hamburg → Warehouse)	600
Total Estimated Cost	€38,000 – €42,000

Step 12: Why Choose ASKT as Your Furniture Partner

As one of China’s most advanced furniture manufacturers, ASKT offers a partnership model built on trust, transparency, and technology.

What Sets ASKT Apart

✅ European-Standard Quality:ISO9001-certified processes and comprehensive mechanical testing ensure every chair meets German durability standards.

✅ Sustainable Commitment:Zero-plastic packaging, recycled fabrics, and honeycomb paper protection reduce environmental impact.

✅ BSCI-Certified Manufacturing:Guarantees ethical labor conditions and worker safety.

✅ Design Innovation:KINEXA™ modular chair system allows faster, more flexible order combinations with simplified logistics — ideal for German importers seeking variety without higher MOQs.

✅ Strong R&D and Customization:With four R&D centers across China and a 1,200m² testing and showroom space, ASKT delivers both OEM and bespoke designs that resonate with European consumers.

✅ Proven Market Credibility:Featured in möbelmarkt, Germany’s leading furniture magazine, ASKT has gained widespread recognition among German importers for quality and innovation.

Conclusion

Importing furniture from China in 2025 remains one of the smartest strategies for German furniture companies looking to balance cost efficiency, design versatility, and sustainability.

By partnering with reputable manufacturers like ASKT, German importers can access:

• Premium craftsmanship

• Eco-friendly materials

• Certified production standards

• European design compatibility

In a world moving toward sustainable, functional, and modular furniture, ASKT stands as a reliable bridge between China’s manufacturing power and Germany’s design excellence.