由 caicai8478 The following is a detailed answer about the export of solid wood furniture to the United States, covering key requirements and steps to help you complete the export process smoothly:
- Feasibility of solid wood furniture export to the United States
It can be exported, but it must comply with the strict regulations of the United States on wood products, environmental protection, safety and tariffs. Focus on the following aspects: - Core compliance requirements
Wood material treatment standards (key!)
ISPM 15 fumigation treatment: All solid wood packaging materials (such as wooden boxes and pallets) must be fumigated or heat-treated and affixed with the IPPC mark (International Plant Protection Convention certification), otherwise they may be rejected or destroyed.
Legality of the source of logs: The US Lacey Act prohibits the trade of illegally harvested wood, and proof of legal harvesting of wood (such as FSC certification) must be provided.
EPA formaldehyde emission standards
If solid wood furniture contains adhesives (such as splicing boards and veneer furniture), it must comply with EPA TSCA Title VI formaldehyde emission limits (≤0.11 ppm) and provide a third-party test report (such as CARB certification).
Product Safety Certification
CPC Certification (Children’s Products): If exporting children’s furniture (such as cribs and high chairs), it must pass CPSC-approved laboratory testing to ensure compliance with ASTM F963 safety standards.
Lead content limit: The lead content of the surface coating must be ≤90 ppm (16 CFR 1303).
Labeling and packaging requirements
Products must be labeled with the origin label (Made in China), material composition, and applicable age (children’s furniture).
Warning label: Folding furniture must have a “hand pinching risk” prompt.
- Export process steps
Factory qualification preparation
Obtain the “Registration of Outbound Bamboo, Wood and Grass Products Production Enterprises” (customs filing, the qualification code must reflect the fumigation capability).
Document processing
Fumigation certificate: issued by customs or certification agencies (cost about ¥300-500/batch).
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (specify HS code: 9403.60.30XX, tax rate about 0-6%).
Proof of non-endangered species: If redwood, walnut, etc. are used, a CITES certificate is required.
US customs clearance
Submit ISPM 15 certificate and EPA test report to US Customs (CBP).
May trigger CBP wood traceability inspection, and supply chain documents must be provided.
IV. Cost and time reference
Fumigation cost: about ¥800-1200/cubic meter (including labeling).
Shipping time: about 18-25 days from major Chinese ports to the West Coast of the United States (full container is better to avoid the risk of contamination from LCL).
Tariff: about 6% for ordinary solid wood furniture, which may rise to 20% if it is determined to contain plywood (HS code must be confirmed in advance).
V. Common risks and avoidance
Quarantine failure: ensure that the entire fumigation process is recorded and retained to avoid certificate fraud.
Patent infringement: avoid imitating American brand designs (such as Ethan Allen styles).
Demurrage fees: confirm in advance whether EPA documents need to be pre-declared (Lacey Act Declaration).
VI. Practical suggestions
Recommended certification: FSC-certified wood is preferred to increase buyers’ trust.
Cooperative agent: It is recommended to entrust a freight forwarder with experience in US furniture customs clearance (such as OEC Group, Flexport).
Market research: American consumers prefer environmentally friendly water-based paint furniture, and products can be optimized in a targeted manner.
Through compliance preparation, Chinese solid wood furniture can smoothly enter the US market. It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive pre-inspection by a third-party testing agency (such as SGS) before the first export to reduce the risk of return shipment. If a specific certification agency or document template is required, further detailed information can be provided.