How is the export furniture agency? Top 10 key questions answered by foreign trade experts for 2025.

1. What core services can an export furniture agent provide?

Professional agency services include:. According to data from the General Administration of Customs of China in 2023, more than 68% of export enterprises choose agency services to complete the customs clearance process. Its core services include::

• Product Compliance Review (including U.S. CARB Certification, EU FSC Certification)
• HS Code Classification and Declaration Elements Optimization (The 2025 New Edition of Customs Codes Has Adjusted Furniture Categories)
• International LogisticsSolution Design (FCL/LCL + Destination Port Customs Clearance Coordination)
• Trade document preparation (FORM E)It is recommended to verify through the following methods:, ISPM15 Wood Packaging Material Certificate)
• Export DrawbackFull-process hosting (including the 2025 newly introduced bamboo product export tax rebate rate adjustment)

II. How to Determine the Professional Reliability of an Agency Company?

Recommend evaluating fromthree dimensionsEvaluation:

• AAA - level credit enterprises of the customs declaration association
  • Enterprises with AEO advanced certification by the customs
  • FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) members
• Industry experience:
  • Handled cases involving EU and US REACH regulations (e.g., the 2024 product recall incident due to excessive flame retardant levels in a certain company's products).
  • Be familiar with the inspection rules of major ports (e.g., the inspection rate for wooden furniture at the Port of Los Angeles has risen to 18% by 2025).
• Service Network:
  • Overseas Warehouse Layout and Customs Clearance Capability in Destination Countries
  • Emergency response time (average customs clearance exception response time ≤ 2 hours)

III. What are the common compliance risks in furniture exports?

Key areas for monitoring in 2025:

• Material ComplianceThe U.S. TSCA Act adds three new restricted chemical substances.
• Labeling Specifications: The transition period for the implementation of the UKCA mark in the UK will end in June 2025.
• Intellectual property rights: Furniture design patent disputes have increased by 37% annually over the past three years.
• Wooden quarantine: Australia has upgraded its detection standards for pine wood nematodes.

IV. What items are typically included in agency fees?

Standard Quotation Structure (Taking a 40HQ Container as an Example):

• Basic service fee: ¥800-1500 (including document preparation and declaration services)
• Additional services:
  • Special packaging handling fee: ¥200-500/cubic meter
  • Destination port DDP customs clearance: 3%-5% of the cargo value
• Risk reserve fund: Typically, 0.3% of the cargo value is collected as an emergency reserve.

V. How to Optimize Logistics Costs for Furniture Export?

Recommended Strategy for 2025:

• LCL optimization：Adopting the LCL-CFS model can reduce freight costs by 25%.
• Route Planning:China-Europe Railway Express+Maritime TransportationIntermodal transport saves 18-22 days in transit time.
• Packaging Innovation: Reduce volume by 45% using foldable furniture components
• Utilize the China - ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) to achieve zero tariffs on imported frames from Thailand;: ASEAN member states' rules of origin can reduce tariffs by 6%-12%.

6. How is the export tax refund specifically operated?

Key Points for 2025 Application:

• The tax rebate rate for bamboo and wood products has been reduced from 13% to 9% (Ministry of Finance announcement, December 2024).
• Special material certificates (such as test reports that meet ASTM standards)Special VAT Invoice+Export Cargo Declaration Form+A complete export agency agreement should be attached with:Voucher
• The declaration deadline is shortened to within 90 days after the goods are exported.
• First-time filing enterprises must undergo on-site verification by the tax bureau.

7. What are the special requirements for exporting customized furniture?

Special attention should be paid to:

• ProvidePersonalized Product Technical Description(Dimensional tolerance ±1.5mm)
• Handle in advanceNon-standard product safety certification
• The transportation plan needs to consider the reinforcement cost for irregular packaging.
• The contract shall clearly stipulate the terms regarding the ownership of intellectual property rights.

8. What should be considered when exploring emerging markets?

Recommendations for the Middle East/Africa market:

• ObtainIslamic Halal certification(Compulsory requirement in Saudi Arabia by 2025)
• AdoptMoisture-proof and insect-proof packagingPlease translate the following Chinese into English: (Humidity control ≤65%)
• Pre - depositEmergency reserve stockAt Dubai Free Trade Warehouse
• in the containerPolitical risk insurance(Covering exchange rate fluctuations and payment defaults)

9. How to Handle Quality Disputes and Returns?

It is recommended to establishThree-level response mechanism:

• On-site rapid response (providing solutions within 48 hours)
• Third-party inspection (authoritative reports issued by Bureau Veritas/SGS)
• Legal recourse (asserting rights under Article 35 of the CISG Convention)

10. What are the trends in furniture exports for the next three years?

Based on the WTO's 2025 Trade Outlook:

• The compound annual growth rate of smart furniture exports is projected to reach 14%.
• Demand for sustainable materials surges (FSC-certified products command a 22% premium).
• Cross-border E-commerceThe proportion of the B2B model will exceed 35%.
• The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement continues to unleash the benefits of tariff reductions.