How to Import Furniture from India: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

As the demand for handcrafted, sustainable, and affordable wooden furniture rises globally, India has become a go-to sourcing hub for buyers, retailers, and designers around the world. From intricately carved Sheesham wood cabinets to minimalistic mango wood dining sets, Indian furniture is both timeless and customizable.

Whether you’re a new importer or a seasoned buyer, this complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about importing furniture from India—including how to find trusted suppliers, manage logistics, and avoid costly mistakes.

🪵 Why Import Furniture from India?

India is the world’s 4th largest exporter of wooden furniture, known for its skilled artisans, eco-friendly sourcing, and affordability. Here's why global buyers trust Indian manufacturers:

• Wide Range of Materials: Sheesham, Mango, Acacia, Teak

• Handcrafted & Custom Designs: Modern, vintage, or ethnic styles

• Competitive Pricing: Low labor costs without compromising quality

• Sustainable Options: FSC-certified and eco-friendly wood sourcing

• Growing Export Infrastructure: Ports in Mumbai, Mundra, Chennai, etc.

🔍 Step 1: Define Your Requirements

Before reaching out to suppliers, be clear on the following:

• Product Type: Dining sets, beds, storage units, etc.

• Wood Preference: Sheesham, Mango, Acacia, engineered wood

• Finish & Customization: Polish, hardware, dimensions

• Quantity & Frequency: One-time bulk or ongoing shipments

• Certifications: FSC, BIFMA, CE Marking (if required)

  
  

This clarity will help your Indian furniture supplier provide accurate quotes, lead times, and samples.

🔎 Step 2: Find Verified Indian Furniture Suppliers

Finding the right partner is crucial. Use these channels:

• Google Search & B2B Portals: Search “furniture manufacturers in Jodhpur/Jaipur/Moradabad/Kolkata”

• Trade Fairs: IHGF Delhi Fair, IndiaWood, Index Fairs

• Manufacturers: MAARCOM's in house manufacturing are one of the best in the country.

• Sourcing Agents: Experts like MAARCOM help identify reliable and certified factories

  
  

When choosing a supplier, always:

• Request their company profile and export history

• Ask for product catalogues and certifications

• Conduct background checks or factory audits

📦 Step 3: Request Samples & Confirm Quality

Always test quality before placing a large order. Here’s what to do:

• Order a prototype or sample set

• Check wood quality, joinery, and finish

• Ensure packaging is export-safe and secure

• Use video call inspections or third-party agents if you can't visit in person

  
  

This step helps avoid quality surprises and builds long-term confidence in your supplier.

💼 Step 4: Negotiate Pricing & Finalize Terms

Once satisfied with the sample, begin negotiations:

• MOQ: Minimum Order Quantity

• Pricing terms: FOB (Free on Board) vs CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)

• Production timelines: Typically 30–90 days

• Payment terms: 30% advance, 70% against Bill of Lading is common

• Inspection clauses: Final quality checks before dispatch

  
  

Finalize the order with a purchase contract or pro forma invoice, clearly mentioning all specs, timelines, penalties, and incoterms.

🚚 Step 5: Handle Shipping & Logistics

Shipping furniture internationally requires careful coordination:

• Choose between FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load)

• Work with a freight forwarder or allow your supplier to manage it

• Ensure all documentation is ready:

  • Commercial invoice

  • Packing list

  • Certificate of origin

  • Bill of Lading

  • Fumigation certificate (if required)

  • CE/BIFMA/FSC certificates (if applicable)

✅ Step 6: Ensure Post-Sale Support & Reordering

Good suppliers offer:

• Warranty or damage clauses

• Regular production updates

• Smooth reordering for future batches

  
  

At MAARCOM, we act as your manufacturer, sourcing and quality partner in India, ensuring all products meet global standards while saving you time, cost, and stress.

🌟 Tips to Avoid Common Importing Mistakes

• Don’t skip factory audits or sample checks

• Always specify moisture content and wood treatment

• Use strong export-grade packaging to prevent breakage

• Confirm lead times during peak festival or monsoon seasons

• Work with sourcing experts to reduce fraud and language gaps

🤝 Why Work with MAARCOM?

We specialize in furniture manufacturing and sourcing across India, offering:

• Verified suppliers across key furniture hubs

• Quality control, inspection, and packaging oversight

• Logistics coordination for seamless delivery

• Certifications like FSC, BIFMA, CE as per buyer requirements

  
  

Partner with MAARCOM to import with confidence and scale your furniture business efficiently.