What Documents You Need When Importing Wooden Furniture

Importing wooden furniture involves more documentation than general furniture due to international wood regulations and customs requirements. Missing even one document can lead to delays, fines, or your shipment being held at the port.

This guide explains all essential documents required for a smooth import process.

1. Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice is one of the most important documents for customs clearance. It includes:

Product details (material, dimensions, SKU)
Quantity and unit price
Total value
Buyer and seller information
Payment terms (e.g., FOB, CIF, EXW)

Customs uses the commercial invoice to calculate import duties and taxes.

2. Packing List

The packing list provides shipment details such as:

Number of cartons or pallets
Gross weight and net weight
Packaging dimensions
Loading arrangement

This helps customs inspect the goods more efficiently.

3. Bill of Lading (B/L)

The bill of lading is issued by the shipping line and serves as:

A transport contract
A receipt of goods
A document of title (used to claim your cargo)

For air freight, the document is called an Air Waybill (AWB).

4. Fumigation Certificate (ISPM 15)

Most countries require fumigation or heat treatment for wooden furniture or wooden packaging materials.

It proves the following:

The wood is pest-free
The packaging follows ISPM 15 global standards
The shipment is safe to enter the destination country

Countries like the US, UK, EU, Australia, and Canada strictly enforce ISPM 15 compliance.

5. Certificate of Origin (CO)

The certificate of origin identifies the country where the furniture was manufactured.

This document is important for:

Import duty rate calculation
Trade agreement classification
Customs verification

Some regions accept Form E, Form F, or other preferential certificates.

6. Wood Compliance Documents

Because wooden furniture may involve specific species of wood, some countries require additional compliance papers.

May include:

CITES Certificate (if products use endangered wood species)
Lacey Act compliance documents (United States)
EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) documents
Australia Illegal Logging Prohibition compliance

Most wooden furniture uses common species such as pine, oak, ash, or rubberwood, which typically do not require CITES.

7. Quality Certificates (Optional but Useful)

Some buyers request additional certificates to ensure safety and durability:

SGS test report
FSC certification for sustainable wood
Strength and durability testing

These documents can be useful for retail or large projects.

8. Importer Registration or Permits

Depending on your country, you may need:

EORI number (UK & EU)
Customs importer number (US CBP)
Tax ID or business license

Your customs broker can guide you through these requirements.

9. Insurance Certificate (For CIF Shipments)

If the supplier provides insurance under CIF terms, the insurance certificate confirms:

Cargo value covered
Coverage type
Validity period

10. Additional Documents Requested by Buyers

Depending on your market, you may also need:

Product catalogues
Material safety declarations
HS code confirmation
Product installation manuals

Summary: Checklist of All Required Documents

✔ Commercial Invoice
✔ Packing List
✔ Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
✔ Fumigation Certificate (ISPM 15)
✔ Certificate of Origin
✔ Wood Compliance Documents (Lacey Act / EUTR / CITES)
✔ Quality Certificates (Optional)
✔ Importer Registration Numbers
✔ Insurance Certificate (If CIF)

A dependable manufacturer like Yijin Furniture prepares all documents accurately and ensures your shipment clears customs smoothly.

Why Work With Yijin Furniture?

Yijin Furniture provides complete documentation support for global importers, including:

Accurate packing lists and invoices
Compliance with ISPM 15 wood requirements
FSC materials available upon request
Custom certificates for projects and retail
Support from raw material processing to export logistics

With over 10 years of experience and our own raw-material processing facility, we help global importers avoid delays and ensure smooth customs clearance.