Minimise the hassle, work with industry leading manufacturers, and bring quality products to market fast. With Epic Sourcing in your corner.
Leverage the unique strengths of Asia's top furniture manufacturing destinations with our dual-market expertise
Established electronics powerhouse
39% of global furniture production capacity - unmatched scale and variety
Advanced technology and established supply chains across all furniture categories
Comprehensive material options and customisation capabilities
Competitive pricing for large-scale and volume projects
Asia's fastest-growing electronics hub
World's 2nd largest furniture exporter with £165M+ exports to UK in 2024
Expertise in wooden furniture using premium Acacia and Rubberwood
EVFTA trade benefits: up to 99% tariff reduction to UK
Sustainable sourcing with FSC-certified suppliers available
Reduced import duties from Vietnam (up to 0% on wooden furniture)
Understanding of British quality standards and preferences
Navigate UK import regulations and documentation
Dual supply chain through diversified sourcing options
Our expert sourcing process leverages both China and Vietnam's unique strengths
Tell us your requirements, and we'll recommend the optimal sourcing market (China or Vietnam) based on your product type, volume, and quality needs.
Access our vetted network of manufacturers across China's established hubs and Vietnam's growing centres of excellence.
Compare samples from both markets to make informed decisions on quality, pricing, and lead times.
Leverage each market's strengths - China for volume and variety, Vietnam for wooden furniture and sustainability credentials.
Whether you're importing existing designs or creating custom pieces, we'll help you source from the optimal market
Find the best furniture manufacturers in China and Vietnam and add high-quality, on-trend pieces to your range. We'll guide you through the sourcing process from start to finish, leveraging trade advantages like Vietnam's EVFTA benefits.
Bring a custom piece or range to life with our design and manufacture service. We'll connect you with the best manufacturers in China or Vietnam and guide you from concept to completion.
Vietnam excels in rattan and sustainable outdoor furniture. China offers comprehensive options for large commercial projects.
Access China's vast manufacturing capabilities for upholstered pieces and Vietnam's wooden furniture expertise.
Vietnam's premium hardwood expertise meets China's comprehensive bedroom solutions and customisation options.
Ergonomic and space-saving designs from both markets to meet the growing work-from-home demand.
China's scale for large projects combined with Vietnam's sustainable options for eco-conscious businesses.
High-quality, safe baby furniture options from both markets with stringent quality control processes.
Rigorous vetting process for manufacturers in both China and Vietnam, ensuring compliance with international standards.
Adapted quality control measures for each country's manufacturing standards and capabilities.
FSC certification and sustainable sourcing options available, particularly strong in Vietnam's forestry sector.
Ensuring all products meet UK safety standards and regulatory requirements before shipment.
With specialist teams on the ground in London, China, and throughout Asia, you'll be tapping into an expert sourcing ecosystem that's ready to roll.
We take care of all the little details, so you can get back to doing what you do best; growing your business.
Bamboo, plywood, wicker and rattan; quality materials make quality furniture.
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Turn that sketch into a fashionable piece. We'll help you navigate the procurement process across China and Vietnam.
Trusted by businesses across the UK for furniture sourcing excellence
TK is very professional and responsive. I'm glad to of found his services.
Highly recommend EPIC sourcing. Wonderful professional service TK provides.
Amazing service - very easy to deal with and delivered everything as promised.
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What is furniture sourcing from China and Vietnam?
Furniture sourcing from China and Vietnam means working with verified Asian manufacturers to produce furniture ranges under your brand. Chinese and Vietnamese factories typically offer manufacturing costs 40-65% lower than equivalent European production, with finishing capabilities that match premium market expectations.
The answer depends on your product type. Vietnam's UKVFTA 0% duty advantage makes it genuinely compelling for wooden furniture — but China dominates for upholstered, MDF, and metal categories.
| Factor | China | Vietnam (UKVFTA) |
|---|---|---|
| UK duty (wooden furniture) | 5.6% | 0% |
| Solid wood capability | Strong | Excellent - world-class |
| Upholstered furniture | Strong - wide factory base | Growing capability |
| MDF and flat-pack | Excellent - dominant | Good but less specialised |
| Rattan and natural materials | Available | Excellent - traditional strength |
UKVFTA saving example: On a £100,000 wooden furniture order, sourcing from Vietnam saves £5,600 in UK import duty versus China. Epic Sourcing operates in both countries and provides genuine landed cost comparisons for your product mix.
UK furniture compliance is more demanding than most importers expect. Getting it wrong means Trading Standards enforcement, product recalls, and potential liability.
Fire Safety Regulations 1988
All upholstered furniture sold to UK consumers must comply regardless of country of manufacture. Filling materials must pass ignition tests. Permanent compliance labels must be sewn in. Most Chinese factories don't know UK-specific requirements. Epic briefs all furniture partners before sampling.
UK Timber Regulation (UKTR)
The UKTR prohibits placing illegally harvested timber on the UK market. Always ask suppliers for FSC certification or equivalent. Epic verifies timber legality on all solid wood orders.
REACH and Formaldehyde
UK REACH restricts hazardous substances in furniture. Key concerns: formaldehyde from MDF and plywood (EN 717), heavy metals in coatings, and SVHC substances in foam components.
Lead time reality: Allow 4-6 months from initial brief to UK delivery on a first furniture order. Solid wood: 3-6 weeks sampling, 6-10 weeks production, plus 25-30 days sea freight from China or 30-35 days from Vietnam to UK ports.
Does UK fire safety law apply to furniture sourced from China?
Yes. The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations 1988 apply to all upholstered furniture sold to UK consumers regardless of country of manufacture. Chinese factories must use UK-compliant filling materials and cover fabrics. This is a very common compliance failure as most factories supply EU or US standard materials by default. Epic Sourcing briefs all furniture partners on UK fire requirements before any sampling begins.
Is furniture from Vietnam better quality than China?
For solid wood furniture, Vietnam's quality is genuinely world-class. Major global brands source solid wood furniture from Vietnamese factories. China has more established factories for MDF, engineered wood, and upholstered products. Vietnam's advantage is in solid wood craftsmanship, rattan and natural materials, and the UKVFTA 0% import duty on wooden furniture.
How do I claim 0% import duty on furniture from Vietnam?
Your Vietnamese supplier provides a Certificate of Origin (Form EUR.1) confirming the furniture was manufactured in Vietnam. Your UK customs agent uses this when filing the import declaration to claim the UKVFTA preferential 0% rate. The furniture must genuinely be manufactured in Vietnam. Goods transshipped from China do not qualify and HMRC actively enforces this.
What is the minimum order for furniture from China or Vietnam?
Most solid wood furniture factories accept from 20-50 pieces per SKU. For smaller volumes, LCL (Less than Container Load) sea freight is available though at higher per-unit cost. Epic Sourcing matches you with factories appropriate for your volume and advises on the most cost-effective logistics approach.
How do I verify my furniture supplier uses legal timber?
The UK Timber Regulation requires you as UK importer to conduct due diligence on timber legality. Request FSC certification or equivalent from your supplier. Epic Sourcing verifies timber legality documentation as standard practice on all solid wood furniture orders.
