How to Import Sofas from China: Complete Guide for European Buyers (2026)

Importing sofas from China offers European retailers and distributors a significant cost advantage — typically 40–60% below equivalent EU-made products at comparable quality levels. But the process involves multiple moving parts: supplier vetting, specification alignment, quality assurance, logistics, and customs clearance. Getting any one step wrong can erase your margin.

Step 1 — Supplier Qualification. Look beyond Alibaba storefronts. Request factory audit reports (BSCI, SMETA, or ISO 9001), ask for three recent European client references, and — if possible — commission a third-party factory audit. A legitimate manufacturer will have no problem sharing these. Red flags include reluctance to video-call from the factory floor or inability to name shipping lanes they regularly serve.

Step 2 — Specification Lock. Before placing a Purchase Order, lock down every variable in a Tech Pack: frame material and grade, foam density (kg/m³), fabric composition and colour code, leg finish, packaging type (compressed vs assembled), carton markings, and QC acceptance criteria. Ambiguity in the spec is the leading cause of container disputes. We recommend signing off on a sealed golden sample before production begins.

Step 3 — Payment Terms. First orders typically use 30% deposit / 70% against shipping documents (T/T). Established relationships may move to LC at sight or open account. Avoid paying 100% upfront regardless of the discount offered. Use a Hong Kong or Singapore corporate account for smoother currency handling if your supplier invoices in USD.

Step 4 — Logistics & Customs. Decide between FOB (you control freight from port) and CIF (supplier manages to destination port). For first-time importers, CIF simplifies the process — just confirm the forwarder and customs broker at your end. Budget roughly €1,800–€3,200 for a 20ft container from Shanghai/Ningbo to Rotterdam, depending on season and fuel surcharges. Add 7–12 days for customs clearance and inland delivery.

Step 5 — After-Sales. Agree on a defect rate threshold (industry standard is 2–3%), a claims window (typically 14 days post-delivery), and a remedy mechanism (replacement parts, credit note, or discount on next order). These terms should be in your sales contract, not just an email thread.