How to Import Furniture from China to Canada? 2025 Guide

If you’re considering importing furniture from China to Canada, you’re likely weighing the potential for growth against the risks of navigating international logistics, compliance, and supplier relationships. The process can be overwhelming, but with careful planning and the right partner, it’s entirely manageable—even for first-time importers.

At Meet&Co, we’ve been manufacturing and importing furniture for over 15 years, helping clients worldwide navigate the ins and outs of furniture purchasing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about importing furniture from China to Canada in 2025.

If you’re new to importing, rest assured: every challenge has a solution. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear roadmap to minimize risks and maximize your investment. Let’s begin.

Why Import Furniture from China to Canada in 2025?

If you’re exploring ways to grow your furniture business or source high-quality products for your projects, China remains one of the most strategic partners for Canadian importers. Over the past decade, the country has evolved from a budget manufacturing hub to a leader in innovation, design, and reliability. Here’s a detailed look at why sourcing furniture from China could be a game-changer for your business in 2025.

1. Unbeatable Cost Efficiency

Chinese furniture offers 30–50% lower prices than equivalents from Europe or North America, thanks to scaled manufacturing, lower labor costs, and bulk material sourcing. These savings persist even amid rising global tariffs, especially for businesses ordering full container loads (FCL), which maintain healthy profit margins.

This cost advantage allows Canadian importers to compete aggressively on price while preserving quality, as leading Chinese manufacturers now adhere to international standards like ISO 9001 and BIFMA.

2. Design Diversity & Made-to-Order Flexibility

China’s furniture landscape is far from monolithic. It’s also a global design hub, producing everything from Scandinavian minimalism and industrial loft pieces to smart furniture with IoT integrations.

Factories often handle these requests with surprisingly low minimum order quantities, meaning you don’t need to commit to massive volumes. This flexibility is perfect for meeting Canada’s growing appetite for multifunctional, space-saving furniture with style.

3. Expansive Product Range Across Categories

The sheer variety of furniture coming out of China is remarkable. Canadian buyers can source everything from durable outdoor sets and practical office solutions to high-end residential pieces – whether they need a few bespoke items or a full container load.

Materials span the spectrum, too: think solid hardwoods like oak and teak, eco-conscious engineered wood, sleek metals, and innovative composites. This versatility means Canadian retailers can build truly unique inventories, catering to budget-conscious homeowners or high-end boutique hotels.

4. Vast Network of Reliable Suppliers and Trade Access

Finding reliable furniture partners in China is more accessible than ever. For example, Foshan in Guangdong province is a powerhouse with over 3,000 factories alone. Beyond physical hubs, platforms like Alibaba connect you directly to manufacturers, while major trade fairs like Furniture China 2025 offer face-to-face sourcing opportunities. With thousands of specialized factories across the country, you’ve got options. China has over 7,200 furniture manufacturers—over 4,800 of which specialize in wood furniture. Buyers have no shortage of choices when it comes to finding the right products.

This ecosystem is supported by third-party quality checks (like those from SGS) and established logistics, helping you build solid, low-risk partnerships.

Top Furniture Manufacturing Regions in China

China’s furniture industry isn’t scattered randomly; it’s concentrated in specialized regions, each with its own strengths. Here’s where Canadian importers should focus in 2025:

1. Pearl River Delta (Guangdong Province)

Centered around Foshan, Dongguan, and Guangzhou, this region is China’s undisputed furniture capital, generating over 50% of national output 18. Foshan alone hosts 3,000+ factories and dominates ceramic tile production (e.g., China Ceramic City) and upholstered furniture 36. The area thrives on mature supply chains, skilled labor, and unparalleled export infrastructure—including the Port of Shenzhen, one of the world’s busiest container hubs.

2. Yangtze River Delta (Zhejiang/Jiangsu/Shanghai)

Moving up the coast, the Shanghai region buzzes with design and tech. This is where you find the trendsetters and the problem-solvers. It’s strong in metal furniture (restaurant or office pieces) and is leading the charge in smart furniture (like app-controlled lighting or ergonomic desks). The nearby city of Anji is famously “China’s Chair Capital.” Big trade shows like the China International Furniture Expo (happening in Shanghai this September) make it easy to connect with innovative suppliers. Ports like Ningbo handle massive volumes, ensuring smooth sailing for your shipments heading to Canada’s West Coast.

3. Western China (Sichuan/Chongqing)

Don’t overlook inland China. Regions like Sichuan around Chengdu are booming, attracting factories moving out from the pricier coast. They offer significant savings while building serious expertise in two key areas: eco-friendly furniture and smart home integration. Factories here often feature high automation. While you might add a few days for inland rail transport to coastal ports, the cost and innovation advantages are compelling, especially for brands targeting Canada’s green-conscious consumers.

4. Central China (Jiangxi)

Need beautiful, durable hardwood pieces? Head to Nankang City in Jiangxi. This area is China’s undisputed hub for solid wood furniture – oak, ash, cherry, and more. The cost of doing business here is often lower than in coastal hubs, meaning you can source high-quality solid wood dining tables, beds, or bookcases at prices that leave room for healthy Canadian markups.

5. Northeast (Liaoning/Heilongjiang)

Up north near Beijing, regions like Hebei and Shandong leverage their proximity to steel mills and timber resources. This makes them strong players in metal furniture (office systems, industrial styles) and engineered wood products. Places like Hebei’s Xianghe County host massive wholesale markets – ideal if you’re sourcing commercial furniture in bulk. It’s a solid choice for cost-effective, sturdy pieces where material sourcing efficiency is key.

What Types of Furniture Can You Import from China?

China’s furniture industry offers Canadian importers an astonishing spectrum of options far beyond basic staples. You can expect the following key categories:

1. Residential Furniture

China excels in producing sofas, beds, dining sets, and storage solutions tailored to modern living. Expect:

• Upholstered furniture with premium fabrics
• Solid wood collections
• Customizable modular systems for kitchens, wardrobes, and bathrooms

2. Office & Commercial Furniture

China dominates metal and engineered wood furniture production, which is ideal for Canada’s growing remote work and hospitality sectors:

• Ergonomic office chairs
• Hotel and restaurant collections like contract-grade tables, booths, and lobby pieces
• Metal-framed desks and shelving from Bohai Rim factories, leveraging regional steel access for industrial-chic designs

3. Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Furniture

Driven by Canadian demand for green products, Chinese manufacturers lead in:

• Bamboo and reclaimed wood pieces
• E0-grade MDF and recycled metal options, minimizing VOC emissions while maintaining affordability. That’s key for eco-conscious homeowners and boutique hotels

4. Outdoor Furniture

Specialized factories produce weather-resistant patio sets using:

• Powder-coated aluminum and UV-stable HDPE wicker for freeze-thaw durability
• Folding designs (e.g., space-saving dining sets, stackable chairs) ideal for urban balconies or seasonal storage

5. Space-Saving & Multifunctional Furniture

Perfect for Canada’s compact urban apartments, this category includes:

• Convertible sofa beds and nesting tables from Foshan factories, which ship quickly via Shenzhen’s export hub.
• Wall-mounted desks and expandable dining tables with hidden storage

6. Smart & Tech-Integrated Furniture

China’s innovation shines in IoT-enabled pieces like voice-activated desks with wireless charging or self-adjusting ergonomic chairs.

7. Customizable & Bespoke Collections

Chinese factories support low-MOQ customization:

• Size adjustments (e.g., narrow-depth sofas for condos).
• Material swaps (e.g., vegan leather for eco-boutiques).
• Brand-specific finishes (e.g., corporate color matching for hotels)

Where to Source Wholesale Furniture from China?

Finding reliable wholesale suppliers is the backbone of successful furniture importing. In 2025, Canadian businesses have two primary avenues: digital wholesale platforms for efficiency and scalability and major trade exhibitions for hands-on sourcing and trend spotting. Here’s how to navigate both:

Chinese Furniture Wholesale Websites

1. Alibaba

As China’s largest B2B marketplace, Alibaba connects buyers with over 100,000 furniture manufacturers across categories like residential, office, and outdoor pieces. Its Trade Assurance program protects payments until delivery confirmation, while filters for Verified Suppliers and Low MOQs (e.g., 5+ units) simplify sourcing for startups.

2. AliExpress

Ideal for dropshippers or small retailers needing low-volume shipments (MOQs as low as 1–5 units). Its 2025 Local+ initiative in Germany promises 3-day delivery to Europe, hinting at future faster routes to Canada. Integrate with tools like DSers (Shopify app) to auto-sync orders, track shipments, and apply bulk discounts.

3. Globalsources

Focuses on premium, export-certified furniture with stringent supplier vetting. Highlights include OEM-friendly factories for custom branding and compliance documentation (e.g., CARB, FSC wood certifications).

4. Made In China

Competes with Alibaba on pricing but excels in niche categories like hotel furniture and eco-friendly bamboo collections. Use its RFQ (Request for Quotation) tool to quickly compare quotes from Jiangxi solid wood specialists.

Major Furniture Exhibitions in China 

Attending these trade fairs lets you inspect quality, negotiate MOQs face-to-face, and discover innovations months before market launch:

1. China International Furniture Fair (CIFF Guangzhou)

Held from March 18-21 (Home Furniture) and March 28-31 (Office/Commercial Furniture) at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, CIFF is the world’s largest furniture expo spanning 850,000㎡. It features 4,700+ brands and draws 380,000+ global visitors, spotlighting innovations like AI-powered smart furniture and sustainable materials. Key zones include the Smart Living Pavilion for tech-integrated designs and the Green Innovation Zone for eco-solutions.

2. Shenzhen Creative Week

This event brings together the latest in design and technology (March 16–19 at the Shenzhen World Exhibition Center). One of the must-sees is the Smart Furniture Technology Pavilion, where you’ll find different advanced designs. Over at the Design Dome, international designers are teaming up with Chinese manufacturers to create ergonomic, space-saving furniture that’s as stylish as it is functional. With 30% of exhibitors debuting IoT-enabled pieces, it’s a great opportunity for Canadian buyers looking to tap into the growing market of tech-savvy, urban consumers.

3. CIFF Shanghai

Co-located with the Woodworking Machinery Fair (WMF) from September 9-12, this expo at Shanghai’s National Exhibition Center zeroes in on commercial and office innovations. Halls 7.2 and 8.2 feature ergonomic seating, smart office systems, and healthcare furniture. Its integration with WMF allows Canadian buyers to explore production tech and sustainable materials alongside finished products.

4. Dongguan International Famous Furniture Fair (3F)

Running March 15-19 in Dongguan, this fair leverages the city’s “No.1 furniture export town” reputation. Spread across 770,000㎡, it features 1,200+ exhibitors specializing in luxury residential and commercial collections. Canadian importers benefit from factory-direct pricing and stringent quality control—especially for bulk orders of hotel or office furniture. Matchmaking sessions simplify connections with vetted exporters.

5. Furniture China (Shanghai)

Asia’s largest furniture trade show unfolds September 10-13 at Shanghai’s New International Expo Center, spanning 350,000㎡. It emphasizes global trade with 3,000+ exhibitors across modern, outdoor, and custom furniture categories.

6. Foshan International Furniture Exhibition

Scheduled for August 19-22 in Foshan—home to 3,000+ factories—this event blends traditional craftsmanship with automation. The Design Eden zone highlights artisanal woodwork and smart home integrations, while factory tours demonstrate supply chain efficiency. Canadian importers prioritize it for custom solid wood pieces and cost-effective shipping via nearby Shenzhen port.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Import Furniture from China to Canada

Here are some key steps to import furniture from China to Canada:

Step 1: Understand Your Product – Lay the Groundwork

Before diving into the import process, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the furniture you intend to import. It’s the groundwork that will guide your decisions and ensure compliance with Canadian regulations.

Key Actions:

• Product Specifications: Determine the type of furniture (e.g., sofas, chairs, tables), materials used (wood, metal, upholstered), and dimensions.
• Compliance Requirements: Ensure the product meets Canadian safety standards, such as fire retardancy for upholstered furniture.
• Market Research: Assess demand, pricing, and competition in the Canadian market to identify profitable opportunities.
• Tariff Classification: Assign the correct Harmonized System (HS) code to your product. For instance, upholstered seating often falls under HS code 9401.61, which may be subject to anti-dumping duties and countervailing duties when imported from China.

Step 2: Source Reliable Suppliers in China

Finding the right manufacturer is your make-or-break step.

Tips for Finding Suppliers:

• Online Platforms: Utilize reputable B2B platforms like Alibaba, Made-in-China, and Global Sources to find potential suppliers.
• Supplier Verification: Look for suppliers with “Gold Supplier” status, valid export licenses, and – critically – proven experience shipping to Canada. Scrutinize reviews mentioning quality consistency and on-time delivery.
• Request Samples: Always request product samples to assess quality before placing bulk orders.
• Trade Shows: For high-value partnerships, attend furniture events like the CIFF Guangzhou to meet suppliers in person and evaluate their offerings. You can inspect factories or showrooms firsthand and negotiate lower MOQs. Suppliers familiar with Canadian standards will save you headaches later.

Step 3: Understand Import Regulations and Duties

Navigating Canadian import regulations is essential to avoid delays and unexpected costs.

Key Considerations:

• Business Number (BN): You will need to register for a Business Number with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to obtain an import/export account.
• Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties: Be aware that certain furniture items, such as upholstered domestic seating from China, may be subject to anti-dumping and countervailing duties under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA).
• Tariff Classification: Ensure accurate classification of your goods using the appropriate HS codes to determine applicable duties and taxes.
• Permits and Certifications: Verify if your product requires any specific permits or certifications for importation into Canada.

Step 4: Explore Shipping Options

Choosing the right shipping method ensures your furniture arrives in Canada safely and efficiently. Here are some options that cater to different shipment sizes, timelines, and budgets.

Sea Freight: FCL and LCL

FCL (Full Container Load):

With FCL, you book an entire container exclusively for your goods. This is ideal for large shipments, offering advantages like minimized handling and generally faster transit times. Standard container sizes (20-foot and 40-foot) accommodate varying furniture volumes securely.

LCL (Less than Container Load):

LCL allows you to share container space with other importers, making it cost-effective for smaller shipments. Your goods are consolidated with others bound for the same destination port. While transit times may be longer and handling more frequent, LCL is practical when you don’t need a full container.

When choosing between FCL and LCL, weigh your shipment volume, budget, and timeline. Talk to a reputable freight forwarder to choose the most efficient and economical solution for your specific needs.

Air Freight

Air freight is the fastest option (typically 3–5 days from China to Canada), best for high-value or urgent shipments. However, it’s way more expensive than sea freight, especially for bulky furniture. Consult a freight forwarder to evaluate if air freight suits your requirements.

Step 5: Navigate Canadian Customs Regulations

Understanding and complying with Canadian import regulations ensures a smooth entry for your goods.

Key Requirements:

• Business Number (BN): Register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to obtain an import/export account.
• Anti-Dumping Duties: Be aware that upholstered domestic seating from China may be subject to anti-dumping and countervailing duties under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA).
• Tariff Classification: Properly classify your goods using the Harmonized System (HS) codes to determine applicable duties and taxes.
• Documentation: Ensure you have all necessary paperwork, including:
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Bill of Lading
  • Canada Customs Invoice (CCI)
  • HS Codes for proper classification and duty calculation
• Goods and Services Tax (GST): A 5% GST applies to the total value of the goods, including duties.

Step 6: Ensure Quality Control and Final Delivery

Making sure your products arrive in great shape and on time is key—not just for happy customers, but also to stay compliant with Canadian regulations.

Quality Control:

• Inspections: Conduct pre-shipment inspections to verify product quality and compliance with Canadian standards.
• Certifications: you’ll need to ask your supplier for relevant certifications like fire safety or material test reports, to meet Canadian regulations.

Final Delivery:

• Warehousing:  It can be helpful to store inventory in key cities like Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal. That way, you can get products to customers faster.
• Transportation: Team up with trusted local delivery partners to keep things running smoothly and on schedule.

Step 7: Build Long-Term Supplier Relationships

Strategic partnerships with Chinese furniture manufacturers enhance reliability and profitability.

Strategies:

• Communication: Regular check-ins via WeChat, Alibaba TradeManager, or WhatsApp help catch issues early and keep communication flowing.
• Contracts: A solid contract goes a long way. Make sure terms are detailed and mutually understood to prevent any surprises.
• Feedback: Provide constructive feedback to help suppliers improve their products and services.

FAQs

1. Are there specific duties or taxes on furniture imported from China?

Yes, many types of upholstered domestic seating, such as sofas and chairs, imported from China and Vietnam are subject to anti-dumping and countervailing duties under Canada’s Special Import Measures Act (SIMA). These duties are applied to protect Canadian manufacturers from unfairly priced imports. Verify the applicable Harmonized System (HS) codes and consult the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for current duty rates before importing.

2. How can I ensure the quality of the furniture?

Quality control is vital when importing furniture. To mitigate risks, you can:

• Request Samples: Always obtain samples before placing bulk orders.
• Conduct Inspections: Perform pre-production, in-process, and pre-shipment inspections.
• Specify Standards: Clearly define quality standards and materials in your contract.
• Use Reputable Suppliers: Partner with manufacturers who have a proven track record and positive reviews.

3. What are the potential additional costs when importing?

Beyond the purchase price, consider these potential additional costs:

• Shipping Fees: Costs associated with transporting goods from China to Canada.
• Customs Duties and Taxes: Import duties and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are applied to your goods.
• Inspection Fees: Charges for customs examinations. Costs can vary widely.
• Storage Fees: Costs incurred if goods are held at customs or ports beyond the free storage period.
• Insurance: Premiums for cargo insurance to protect against potential damages or losses during transit.

Need Furniture Solutions?

If you’re looking for a reliable partner for high-quality furniture solutions from China, we can help. At Meet&Co, we specialize in manufacturing and selling a wide range of furniture designed to meet the demands of Canadian businesses. Whether you’re a retailer, wholesaler, designer, or project contractor, we offer:

• Durable, stylish, modern, and customizable furniture options
• Strict quality control
• Competitive pricing
• Expert guidance
• Free design services

Phone Number: +86 13535341413

E-mail: marketing@meetcofurniture.com

Showroom: meetcofurniture.com/about/vr-showroom/

Contact us today to learn more about our products, request a catalog, or get a free quote. We’re ready to bring your furniture vision to life.