How to import furniture from India
We build to your drawing and ship by the container to importers, distributors and hospitality groups worldwide. Here is exactly how an order runs — from a first enquiry to a container arriving at your port — when you are sourcing from a factory you cannot walk into.
The process at a glance
- 1Enquiry. Send your list, drawings or an FF&E schedule with quantities and destination. A person replies with a technical drawing and a quote — not an autoresponder.
- 2Quote. A project quote against your specification, not a shelf price — the same piece costs differently at five units and at five hundred.
- 3Sample. A prototype in your chosen wood and finish. Nothing goes to batch until you have held the real piece.
- 4Proforma invoice & deposit. A proforma invoice sets the terms in writing; a deposit opens production. Exact payment terms are agreed per order.
- 5Production. Cut, joined, woven and upholstered on our own floor in Jodhpur — not subcontracted out.
- 6Inspection. In-house QC on every piece; third-party inspection (SGS / Bureau Veritas) is welcome, and we can send photos and video.
- 7Export packing & documentation. Export packing, ISPM-15 fumigation and the documentation your market needs, prepared at our end.
- 8Freight. Loaded at Mundra or Nhava Sheva on EXW, FOB or CIF terms, by FCL or LCL.
- 9Delivered. You receive a container ready to unload.
1. Start with a specification, not a catalogue number
Importing well begins with a clear brief: what you are furnishing, the quantities, the finish and the destination port. Because we build to order rather than sell from stock, the more precise the drawing or reference, the tighter and faster the quote.
A first enquiry does not need to be perfect — send the piece, the rough quantity and where it is shipping, and a person follows up to fill the gaps.
2. Quote, sample, then commit
You get a project quote against your specification. Before a container is committed, order a sample run — from five units, priced so you can test the real product: joinery, finish, upholstery. Only once you approve the sample do we set a production date.
3. Proforma invoice & deposit
A proforma invoice confirms the specification, quantities, Incoterm and timeline in writing. A deposit opens production; the balance is settled per the terms agreed for your order. We keep the terms explicit so there are no surprises across borders.
4. Production & quality control
Everything is made on our own floor. Timber is kiln-dried in our own yard and logged by moisture content — typically 8–10% for sheesham and mango — so the last piece off a run behaves like the first. Every piece is checked for moisture, joinery, finish and dimension before it is packed.
You can invite third-party inspection (SGS / Bureau Veritas), and we can provide QC photos and a video walkthrough for your order.
5. Export packing, fumigation & documentation
Solid-wood shipments are fumigated to ISPM-15 and export-packed for the sea journey. We prepare legal-timber documentation and the market-specific paperwork your importer needs — see compliance by market. Every requirement is confirmed against your product and market per order.
6. Freight & Incoterms
We ship on EXW, FOB or CIF terms, by FCL or LCL, loading at Mundra or Nhava Sheva. If you are unsure which Incoterm or container to plan for, the ordering & logistics guide walks through the trade-offs, and the container calculator estimates how much fits a 20ft, 40ft or 40HC.
Frequently asked
- What is the minimum order to import furniture from India?
- Our MOQ starts at a five-unit sample run, with standard, volume and full-container pricing from there — so you can test the product before committing a container. Mixed containers are welcome.
- How long does an order take?
- A production date is set and held once you approve the sample; sea-freight transit is added on top and depends on your destination port. We confirm exact lead times against your specification and quantity.
- Which Incoterms do you work with?
- EXW, FOB and CIF. FOB from Mundra or Nhava Sheva is the most common for container shipments; CIF is simplest for first-time buyers. See the ordering & logistics guide for the differences.
- How do I start?
- Send your list, drawings or FF&E schedule with quantities and destination through Request a Quote or WhatsApp. A person replies with a technical drawing and a quote.
Planning an import order?
Send your list, drawings or FF&E schedule with quantities and destination — a person replies with a technical drawing, a quote and a timeline.