How to import furniture from indonesia is a common question for businesses looking to source high-quality, competitively priced furniture from Southeast Asia. Indonesia is one of the world’s leading furniture manufacturing hubs, known for skilled artisans, sustainable materials, and strong export experience.
This guide explains the full process in a clear, practical way from choosing reliable furniture manufacturers and understanding export regulations to shipping, documentation, and customs clearance, so you can import with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
How to Import Furniture from Indonesia?
Importing furniture from Indonesia offers exceptional quality and strong business potential, and this step-by-step guide will help you navigate every stage smoothly.
Below is a clear, step-by-step explanation of how to import furniture from Indonesia effectively and safely:
1. Find an Indonesian Furniture Supplier
Importing furniture from Indonesia begin by researching Indonesian furniture suppliers through official websites, trade directories, exhibitions, or referrals.
At this stage, focus on identifying furniture company that regularly export furniture and have experience serving international buyers.
A reputable supplier should provide clear company information, product catalogs, and responsive communication.
2. Find a Direct Indonesian Furniture Manufacturer (For the Best Price)
When importing furniture from Indonesia alternately you can working directly with a furniture manufacturer, rather than a trading agent, allows you to obtain best price and better production control.
Direct manufacturers can also offer greater flexibility in furniture customization, production timelines, and quality adjustments, making them ideal for long-term sourcing partnerships.
Indonesia furniture manufacturer like Republic Furniture also provide greater flexibility in furniture customization, production timelines, and quality adjustments, making them ideal for long-term sourcing partnerships and scalable indonesia furniture import.
By working directly with Republic Furniture, buyers gain access to competitive factory pricing, custom manufacturing services, and experienced export support from production to shipping.
3. Choose Indonesian Furniture That Fits Your Needs
Select Indonesia furniture based on your target market, whether for residential, hospitality, or commercial use.
Consider material selection, durability, climate suitability, design trends, and compliance with your country’s regulations.
Choosing the right product at this stage ensures strong market acceptance and minimizes post-import issues.
4. Request Custom Furniture Options (If Available)
Ask if your furniture supplier or manufacturer offers customization, discuss design modifications, dimensions, finishes, fabrics, or branding options.
Custom furniture allows you to differentiate your products in the market, but it also requires clear technical drawings, samples, and confirmed specifications to avoid production errors.
5. Confirm Shipping and Logistics Costs
Shipping costs significantly impact total import expenses.
Confirm whether prices are quoted as EXW, FOB, or CIF, and understand what each term includes.
Discuss container size, packaging methods, and estimated transit time to avoid unexpected logistics costs later.
6. Request Furniture Usage and Care Documentation
Ask the furniture supplier or manufacturer for product usage guidelines, care instructions, and material information.
These documents help ensure proper handling, storage, and maintenance, and they are especially valuable for end customers, retailers, or hospitality projects that require long-term durability.
7. Request a Detailed Quotation
A formal quotation should include product descriptions, unit prices, total order value, MOQ, production lead time, payment terms, and shipping terms.
Reviewing a detailed quotation allows you to accurately calculate landed costs and compare offers from multiple suppliers.
8. Finalize Details and Place Your Order
Once all terms are agreed upon, confirm the order in writing through a proforma invoice or purchase contract.
This document serves as the official agreement and should reflect all finalized specifications, pricing, delivery schedules, and payment conditions before furniture production begins.
9. Prepare All Requirements for Import Shipping
Ensure that all requirements for Indonesia furniture import shipping documents are prepared correctly, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and SVLK documents for wood-based furniture.
Proper documentation is essential to avoid delays, penalties, or shipment rejection during customs inspections.
10. Arrange International Freight (Sea or Air Shipping Options)
Choose between sea freight and air freight based on shipment volume, urgency, and budget.
Sea freight is commonly used for bulk furniture orders due to cost efficiency, while air freight is suitable for urgent or small-volume shipments.
Coordinate closely with freight forwarders to ensure smooth transport.
11. Handle Customs Clearance in Your Destination Country
Work with a licensed customs broker to manage furniture import duties, taxes, and regulatory compliance in your home country.
Understanding local import regulations helps prevent clearance delays and ensures your furniture enters the market legally and efficiently.
12. Receive Your Furniture and Arrange Local Delivery
After customs clearance, coordinate local transportation from the port or airport to your warehouse, showroom, or project site.
Proper handling furniture import during this stage helps prevent damage and ensures timely delivery to your final destination.
13. Inspect Furniture Condition Upon Arrival
After success importing furniture from Indonesia, carefully inspect all furniture upon arrival to check for damages, quantity accuracy, and product conformity.
Prompt inspection allows you to address any issues immediately with the supplier or shipping company and protects your investment.
Required Documents for Importing Furniture
Importing furniture from Indonesia involves more than selecting the right products and suppliers, it also requires careful preparation of mandatory documents to ensure smooth customs clearance and legal compliance.
Understanding which documents are required, why they matter, and how to prepare them correctly can help importers avoid costly delays, penalties, and shipment rejections.
Discover the essential paperwork every furniture importer must prepare to ensure a seamless and successful import process:
1. Commercial Invoice (Sales Invoice)
The commercial invoice of Indonesia furniture is the primary financial document issued by the exporter to the Indonesian furniture importers.
It details the seller and buyer information, product descriptions, quantities, unit prices, total value, payment terms, and Incoterms.
Customs authorities use this document to assess import duties, taxes, and shipment legitimacy, making accuracy and completeness essential.
2. Bill of Lading (Shipping Document)
The bill of lading (B/L) of Indonesia furniture import serves as a contract of carriage, a receipt of goods, and a document of title. It contains shipment details such as consignor, consignee, port of loading, port of discharge, and container information. Without a valid bill of lading, importers cannot claim their furniture from Indonesia upon arrival.
3. Detailed Packing List
A packing list of imported Indonesian furniture provides a breakdown of all items in the shipment, including product names, quantities, weights, dimensions, and packaging types.
This document helps customs officers and logistics providers verify cargo contents, streamline inspections, and ensure accurate handling during transportation.
4. Certificate of Origin (Country of Manufacture)
The certificate of furniture manufacturer in origin confirms that the furniture was manufactured in Indonesia.
It is often required to determine tariff rates, eligibility for trade agreements, and compliance with import regulations.
For wood furniture, this document also supports legal sourcing and transparency.
5. Valid Import License (If Required by Destination Country)
Depending on your country’s regulations, an import license may be required to bring imported Indonesian furniture into the market.
This license ensures that the importer complies with local trade laws, safety standards, and environmental regulations.
Importers should confirm licensing requirements before shipment to avoid clearance delays.
Why Import Furniture from Indonesia?
Why has Indonesia become one of the most preferred destinations for sourcing furniture worldwide?
With its rich woodworking heritage, premium natural materials such as teak wood, skilled craftsmanship, and competitive production costs, Indonesia offers strong advantages for international buyers.
Here’is the key reasons why importing furniture from Indonesia can provide long-term value:
1. Indonesia Is a Leading Exporter of Solid Wood Furniture
Indonesia is globally recognized for its abundance of premium solid wood, particularly teak wood from Jepara.
This natural advantage enables consistent production of durable, high-quality furniture for international markets.
2. Strong Historical and Global Market Legacy
Furniture making in Indonesia dates back centuries. Jepara, in particular, has a rich heritage in wood carving and furniture craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.
This historical legacy contributes to Indonesia’s strong global reputation in furniture manufacturing.
3. High-Quality Materials and Superior Craftsmanship
Indonesian furniturer manufacturers use carefully selected raw materials combined with strict production standards.
The result is furniture that offers excellent durability, structural integrity, and refined finishing.
4. Mastery of Artisan Technique
Many Indonesian furniture makers apply hand-crafted techniques passed down through generations.
These artisanal skills add unique character, detail, and authenticity that distinguish Indonesian furniture from mass-produced alternatives.
5. Modern, Elegant, and Timeless Designs
Indonesian furniture seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design trends.
This balance produces furniture that is elegant, versatile, and suitable for both classic and modern interiors.
6. Competitive Pricing and Cost Efficiency
Lower production costs, skilled labor availability, and efficient supply chains allow Indonesian furniture manufacturers to offer competitive pricing without compromising quality.
This makes Indonesia an attractive sourcing destination for global buyers.
7. Commitment to Sustainability and Legal Compliance
Indonesia enforces legal wood verification systems such as SVLK to ensure responsible sourcing.
Many manufacturers also hold international certifications, supporting environmentally conscious purchasing decisions.
8. Customization and Production Flexibility
Indonesian furniture manufacturers are well-known for their ability to customize designs, materials, dimensions, and finishes.
This flexibility allows buyers to meet specific market demands and branding requirements.
9. Diverse Furniture Product Range
From indoor and outdoor furniture to hospitality, residential, and commercial collections, Indonesia offers a wide variety of furniture styles and materials.
This diversity enables buyers to source multiple product categories from a single country.
Importing furniture from Indonesia offers a powerful combination of quality materials, skilled craftsmanship, sustainable production, and competitive pricing, especially when it comes to premium teak wood furniture.
To ensure you receive products that meet international standards and long-term durability, choosing the right manufacturer is essential.
Choose Republic Furniture as Indonesia Furniture Import Partner
As a direct Indonesian furniture manufacturer based in Jepara, Republic Furniture offers international buyers a reliable and transparent import partnership. We specialize in solid teak wood furniture, particularly teak crafted by skilled artisans and manufactured to meet global quality and export standards.
By choosing Republic Furniture, you benefit from factory-direct pricing, custom furniture manufacturing, and complete export support, including production management, documentation, and shipping coordination.
Whether you are sourcing for retail, hospitality, or large-scale projects, Republic Furniture is your trusted partner for importing high-quality furniture from Indonesia.
Reference:
- https://nusantaralifestyle.com/importing-furniture-from-bali/
- https://mobelindo.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-importing-furniture-from-indonesia
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9CtpHn7o68
- https://www.indonesiatradedata.com/blogs/import-furniture-from-indonesia
- https://www.uniaircargo.co.id/blog/export-import/how-to-import-or-buy-teak-wood-furniture-from-indonesia
