Thailand has a long-established furniture manufacturing base, and buying direct from a Thai factory can make sense for hotel groups, retailers and private-label brands across Asia and beyond. Upholstered furniture, though, is bulky and soft — it ships differently from flat-pack. This guide covers the decisions an overseas buyer has to make.
Factory Source Thailand ships export orders to markets including Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong, alongside domestic work.
Choose your shipping terms
- FOB Bangkok — we deliver the goods, cleared for export, onto your forwarder’s vessel. You control freight and import. Best if you already have a forwarder.
- CIF — we arrange sea freight and insurance to your destination port. You handle import clearance and delivery from the port.
- Door-to-door — arranged through a forwarder to your site. Simplest for a first order or a hotel project without an import team.
Whichever you choose, agree the Incoterm in the quotation so there is no ambiguity about who pays for what.
Packing for sea freight
Upholstery is vulnerable to crushing, humidity and dirt. Export orders are wrapped and crated for shipping rather than sent in light retail cartons. Discuss with us early whether pieces can be designed with detachable legs or modular sections — it reduces volume and damage risk, and volume is what you pay for in a container.
Documents you will typically need
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading (sea) or airway bill
- Certificate of origin — may reduce duty under free-trade agreements; check with your customs broker
- Any phytosanitary or fumigation documentation your country requires for timber components
- Fabric composition and, where required, fire-performance documentation
Import rules differ by country. Your customs broker should confirm tariff classification and duty before you order; upholstered seats are generally classified under HS heading 9401.
Fabric and fire rules travel with the sofa
Several markets regulate the flammability of upholstered furniture, especially for hotels and public spaces. Requirements vary by country and by building type, so tell us the standard your project must meet before fabric is chosen — it changes the fabric, sometimes the foam, and the documentation. See our commercial fabric guide.
Timeline
Production lead time is typically 8–12 weeks from sample approval, depending on volume and fabric sourcing. Add inland transport, port handling and ocean transit to your destination, plus clearance at arrival. Ask your forwarder for current transit times on your route before committing to an opening date.
Reduce risk on a first order
- Approve a physical sample — shipped to you, or reviewed on a factory visit
- Start with one or two models at the minimum quantity
- Agree QC documentation and photos before crating
- Keep the specification on file so the second order matches the first
Frequently asked questions
Which countries do you export to?
We regularly ship to Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong, and quote for other destinations on request.
Can I mix models in one container?
Yes. Each model still has its own minimum of 10 pieces, but several models can ship together.
Do you handle customs at the destination?
Import clearance is normally handled by your broker or forwarder; with door-to-door shipping the forwarder coordinates it.