How do you export furniture?
Global Export Strategy for Home Furniture, Office Furniture, and Hotel/Interior Furniture
Market Overview
The global furniture market is approximately $700 billion in size and is growing alongside improvements in residential environments and demand from hotels/commercial facilities. Korean furniture is recognized for its modern design and quality, and particularly with the rise of K-interior trends, overseas demand is increasing.
Key Export Markets
💡 In simple terms: "The U.S. is the largest market, while the Middle East/Southeast Asia are emerging markets!" 📌 Key Markets: • U.S. - The world's largest furniture market, prefers modern/minimal designs • EU - High quality/environmental standards, Nordic style is popular • Japan - Space-efficient design, values quality • Middle East - Demand for hotel/commercial facility projects • Southeast Asia - Rapid increase in demand for modern furniture with urbanization 🔑 Key Points: • Due to large volume, considering logistics costs is essential • Exporting for local assembly (KD method) can reduce logistics costs
Mandatory Certification
📋 Key Certifications for Furniture Exports: 【Safety/Environmental Regulations】 • TSCA Title VI (USA) - Formaldehyde Emission Standards • CARB Certification (California, USA) - Plywood/MDF Standards • EU REACH - Chemical Regulation • E0/E1 Grade - Formaldehyde Emission Grades 【Quality/Safety Certifications】 • BIFMA (USA) - Office Furniture Safety Standards • EN Standards (EU) - Furniture Safety/Durability • JIS Standards (Japan) - Japanese Industrial Standards 【Eco-Friendly Certifications】 • FSC Certification - Sustainable Forest Timber • PEFC Certification - Forest Certification • Greenguard - Indoor Air Quality Certification ⚠️ Note: TSCA/CARB certification is mandatory for exports to the USA!
Buyer Type
🎯 Key Buyers in Furniture: 【Retail Chains】 • Large Furniture Specialty Stores (IKEA, Ashley, etc.) • Home Furnishing Chains (Williams-Sonoma, etc.) • Online Furniture Retailers (Wayfair, Overstock) 【B2B/Projects】 • Hotel Chains (Interior Projects) • Office Furniture Distributors • Interior Design Companies • Construction Firms/Developers 【Distributors/Importers】 • Furniture Specialty Importers • Local Furniture Distributors • Amazon/E-commerce Sellers 【Special Channels】 • FF&E Specialists for Hotels/Resorts • Commercial Interior Firms
Major Exhibitions
🌍 Major Furniture Industry Exhibitions: 【Global TOP Exhibitions】 • High Point Market (USA, April/October) - The world's largest furniture exhibition - Held twice a year • Salone del Mobile (Milan, Italy, April) - Europe's most prestigious furniture/design exhibition • CIFF (Guangzhou, China, March/September) - Asia's largest furniture exhibition 【Regional Exhibitions】 • IMM Cologne (Germany, January) • Maison&Objet (Paris, France, January/September) • INDEX Dubai (UAE, May) • IFFS (Singapore, March) • KOFURN (South Korea, August)
Buyer Type
Retail/Online Chain
Large furniture specialty stores, home furnishing chains, e-commerce
Hotel/Commercial Projects
Hotel chains, offices, commercial facility interiors
Furniture Importer/Distributor
Local furniture import/distribution company
Mandatory Certification
Major Exhibitions
| common.tableHeaders.tradeShowName | common.tableHeaders.location | common.tableHeaders.period |
|---|---|---|
| High Point Market | North Carolina, USA | April/October |
| Salone del Mobile | Milan, Italy | April |
| CIFF | Guangzhou, China | March/September |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can you reduce logistics costs when exporting furniture?
A. The KD (Knock-Down) method, which allows for export in a disassembled state, can significantly reduce volume and logistics costs. Additionally, effective packaging design that enhances container loading efficiency is crucial.
Q. Is CARB certification mandatory for furniture exports to the United States?
A. To export furniture that includes plywood, MDF, and particle board to the United States, especially California, CARB Phase 2 certification is mandatory. TSCA Title VI applies to all states as a federal standard.