A Complete Guide to Import Hospitality Furniture from Vietnam to North America

Overview of Vietnam Furniture Market

The Vietnamese furniture industry has a rich history and has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, the industry was largely artisanal, with small-scale production focused on traditional designs. However, the Doi Moi economic reforms in the late 1980s opened up the country to foreign investment and trade, leading to a rapid expansion of the industry.

The growth was further fueled by the country’s abundant supply of timber and low labor costs, making it an attractive destination for furniture manufacturing.

In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as one of the world’s leading furniture exporters, with a strong focus on wooden furniture. Vietnam's furniture exports are rising, surpassing countries such as Germany and Poland. The country has become the world's second-largest furniture exporter and sixth-largest furniture producer, according to industry associations.At the same time, Vietnam will surpass China in 2024 to become the largest furniture exporter to the United States.

Factors such as lower tariffs, a relaxed trade environment, convenient shipping logistics, and a wide range of furniture manufacturing materials make Vietnam a future furniture manufacturing hub. Vietnamese furniture is exported to more than 120 countries, with the main markets being the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Japan.

The industry has also seen a shift towards more sustainable practices, with an increasing emphasis on using certified timber and reducing environmental impact. However, it continues to face challenges, including raw material shortages and the need to upgrade technology and improve design capabilities to move up the value chain.

Popular Types of Furniture Made in Vietnam

The furniture manufacturing scene in Vietnam is incredibly diverse. The country is known for producing a wide array of furniture pieces, from home essentials such as dining tables, chairs, and sofas to outdoor furniture and commercial office pieces and hospitality furniture.

Vietnam’s furniture industry uses a variety of materials, including various types of solid wood, engineered wood, bamboo, rattan, and metal. Vietnam is especially famous for its wooden furniture, made from both domestic and imported lumber, including rubberwood, oak, acacia, and teak.

Imports of Custom-Made Hospitality Furniture from Vietnam

The customization capability is another strength of the Vietnamese furniture industry. Many Vietnamese manufacturers offer custom-made services, allowing importers to order furniture tailored to specific designs, materials, and sizes. This is a great opportunity for businesses to offer unique, tailored products to their customers.

Managing a custom order might sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. When you work with a digital freight forwarder, you can easily streamline your custom hospitality furniture import operations, ensuring everything is handled efficiently and professionally.

What Is Hospitality Furniture

Hospitality furniture is durable, high-quality furniture designed for commercial spaces like hotels, restaurants, and bars. It's also known as commercial furniture. 

Features

*Durability: Hospitality furniture is made to withstand heavy use and last a long time. 

*Comfort: Hospitality furniture is designed to be comfortable for guests. 

*Aesthetics: Hospitality furniture is designed to complement the interior design of the space. 

*Ease of cleaning: Hospitality furniture is often designed to be easy to clean and maintain. 

*Safety: Hospitality furniture may be made with fire-retardant fabrics and finishes. 

Examples

*Seating options like sofas, lounge chairs, dining chairs, and ottomans 

*Tables like dining tables, bar tables, coffee tables, and TV stands 

*Other furniture like headboards, nightstands, vanities, and entertainment units 

Benefits

*Hospitality furniture can create inviting spaces that leave a lasting impression on guests. 

*Hospitality furniture can help protect guests and property in emergencies like fires. 

*Hospitality furniture can come with warranties and extended service plans. 

Advantages Of Hospitality Furniture From Vietnam

Guest room furniture is the main part of hospitality furniture, and is mainly made of wood.Currently Vietnam is the largest supply market for wooden furniture in the United States.

After years of development and improvement, Vietnam's hospitality furniture manufacturing industry has established a solid foundation in production capacity and technology and machine innovation. This will lead to the gradual improvement of enterprise QC management, understanding of product standards, improved design, and flexible production according to customer requirements.

Make Sure Your Supplier Complies with Vietnamese Export Regulations

Typically, in international trade, the exporter (in this case, the Vietnamese hospitality furniture supplier) is usually responsible for handling the export regulations of their home country. This includes securing necessary export licenses and ensuring that the goods comply with local laws and international standards. You don’t typically handle these responsibilities directly, but you should be aware of them. 

Hospitality furniture exported from Vietnam needs to comply with various legal procedures and documentation. Although these rules and processes might seem overwhelming, they are essential to ensure smooth shipping operations and prevent any potential legal issues.

Some of these requirements include:

Customs Declaration

A document that provides details about the goods being exported, including the exporter’s information, description of the goods, and their value.

Export Licenses

Exporting hospitality furniture from Vietnam does not require a specific export license. However, businesses must comply with certain regulations and procedures. These may include registering with the Department of Planning and Investment, obtaining a business license, and registering with the tax department. Additionally, businesses should comply with international standards and certifications, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for wooden hospitality furniture. It’s also important to ensure that all exported goods are declared to Vietnam’s customs department and that necessary export taxes are paid.

Export Taxes

Exporting hospitality furniture from Vietnam is generally tax-exempt, as most goods and services being exported are not subject to tax. Export duties, which range from zero percent to 45 percent and are computed on free-on-board (FOB) price, are only charged on a few items, mainly natural resources such as minerals, forest products, and scrap metal. However, certain commodities are liable for export tax. Additionally, while many goods are subject to Value-Added Tax (VAT) within Vietnam, it’s important to note that in most cases, the VAT rate for goods being exported from Vietnam is zero percent. This means that, in practice, exported goods usually are not subject to VAT. However, tax rates and regulations can change, and it’s advisable to check the most recent updates on the Vietnam Customs website.

Trade Agreements

Vietnam has entered into multiple trade agreements, notably with the United States and Canada, which have implications for tariffs and regulations on exported goods. The Vietnam-USA Trade Agreement (BTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) are two such agreements that could potentially provide advantages for hospitality furniture exports from Vietnam to the US and Canada.

Negotiating Contracts and Incoterms with the Vietnamese Seller

Once you’ve ensured that your import process is compliant with Vietnamese regulations, it’s time to negotiate the contracts and terms of your shipment with your Vietnamese supplier. This step is crucial as it lays the groundwork for the shipment process, and the right terms can significantly affect the ease and cost of importing hospitality  furniture from Vietnam.

One of the most important aspects of your contract will be the Incoterms (International Commercial Terms). Incoterms are predefined commercial terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and widely used in international commercial transactions. They clarify the tasks, costs, and risks involved in the delivery of goods from sellers to buyers.

Common incoterms SMBs should be knowledgeable about when importing hospitality furniture from Vietnam to the USA or Canada include:

• EXW (Ex Works): The seller makes the hospitality furniture available at their premises or at another named place. The buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, duties, and insurance and bears all risks of loss or damage.

• FCA (Free Carrier): The seller delivers the hospitality furniture, cleared for export, to a specified location, typically a shipping terminal like a port or airport. Once the goods have been delivered to this location, the responsibility for the goods transfers from the seller to the buyer.

• CPT (Carriage Paid To): The seller pays for the carriage of the hospitality furniture up to the named place of destination. However, the hospitality furniture is considered to be delivered when they have been handed over to the first or main carrier so that the risk passes to the buyer upon handing over the hospitality furniture to that carrier at the place of shipment in the country of export.

• CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To): The seller has the same obligations as under CPT but has to procure cargo insurance against the buyer’s risk of loss of or damage to the hospitality furniture during the carriage.

• DAT (Delivered At Terminal): The seller is responsible for arranging all transportation and insurance to deliver the hospitality furniture to a terminal (which could be a port, airport, or freight station) at the destination city specified by the buyer.

• DAP (Delivered At Place): The seller is responsible for arranging the carriage and for delivering the hospitality furniture at the named place, ready for unloading by the buyer. This means the seller is responsible for all costs associated with delivering the hospitality furniture to a specified location, including the costs of export clearance, freight, and any other expenses related to the transportation of goods from the seller’s premises to the agreed-upon location.

• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Under this arrangement, the seller is responsible for ensuring that the hospitality furniture is delivered to the buyer at the specified destination, fully cleared for import, and all applicable taxes and duties paid.

• FAS (Free Alongside Ship): The seller delivers when the hospitality furniture is placed alongside the vessel at the named port of shipment.

• FOB (Free on Board): With this arrangement, the seller is responsible for the hospitality furniture until they are loaded on board a ship. After the items are on board, the buyer assumes responsibility for any risks, costs, or potential damage.

• CFR (Cost and Freight): Under CFR terms, the seller is responsible for arranging and paying for the transportation of the hospitality furniture to the named port of destination. However, the risk of damage to, or loss of, the items is transferred from the seller to the buyer as soon as the hospitality furniture is loaded on the ship at the port of origin. The buyer is responsible for securing insurance for the hospitality furniture from that point if they wish to be covered for potential loss or damage.

• CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): The seller has the same obligations as under CFR but also has to procure marine insurance against the buyer’s risk of loss of or damage to the hospitality furniture during the carriage.

Choosing Your Shipping Options and Handling Logistics

When it comes to importing hospitality furniture from Vietnam, you have multiple shipping methods at your disposal, primarily sea freight and air freight. While air freight might be quicker, sea freight is more economical and is generally the preferred method for transporting large, heavy items like hospitality furniture.

Sea freight offers two options: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL). FCL is when you rent an entire container for your goods, making it ideal for large orders. LCL, on the other hand, is when your goods share container space with other shipments, which can be a more cost-effective solution for smaller orders.

Another consideration in the logistics process is door-to-door shipping, a service that encompasses the entire transportation process from the factory in Vietnam to the final destination in the US or Canada. This service can be highly convenient, reducing the logistical burden on the importer.

Hospitality furniture items, given their size and fragility, often require special packaging to prevent damage during transit. It’s essential to adhere to packaging best practices and requirements to ensure the safe arrival of your goods.

You should also consider cargo insurance to protect your investment during transportation. Cargo insurance is particularly important for SMBs that import goods, such as hospitality furniture, from countries like Vietnam. The insurance provides financial protection and peace of mind in case your hospitality furniture is lost or damaged.

Finally, important documents such as the Bill of Lading and Waybill are another integral part of the process, as these serve as a contract between the shipper and carrier and detail the goods, their destination, and the terms of delivery.

How Freight Forwarders Streamline Your Shipping Operations

Managing all these aspects can be daunting for an SMB, but a freight forwarder can significantly simplify this process.

Freight forwarders help plan and coordinate the best shipping options, leveraging their extensive partnerships and networks with carriers and other service providers. This optimization and negotiation ability can result in a more efficient and cost-effective process.

Freight forwarders can also offer cargo insurance, adding an extra layer of protection for your goods. They can handle all documentation related to the carrier, ensuring everything is in order and making the process smoother for you.

Finally, a freight forwarder can execute the plan, coordinating the logistics and shipping to ensure the timely and safe transportation of your hospitality furniture from Vietnam. By partnering with a freight forwarder, you can focus on what you do best: running your business.

Import Regulations and Customs Duties When Importing Goods from Vietnam

For small to medium businesses (SMBs) planning to import hospitality furniture from Vietnam, it is crucial to understand and comply with import regulations and customs duties of your destination country, either the United States or Canada. These regulations encompass the necessary documentation required for importation, including the Bill of Lading, Waybill, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List, amongst others.

Understanding elements like tariffs, quotas, restrictions, and other elements of import compliance is crucial. Although these elements might seem complex, with the right assistance and guidance, they can be managed effectively.

Understanding Hospitality Furniture Import Regulations and Customs Duties in the United States and Canada

When importing hospitality furniture into the United States, you’ll need to provide several key documents, such as the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List. As mentioned in an earlier section, while a license to import hospitality furniture from Vietnam into the US or Canada is not necessary, there are important procedural requirements SMBs must be aware of, such as registering with the Department of Planning and Investment and complying with international standards and certifications such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for wooden furniture.

Necessary Documents for Importing Goods

Documents required for both countries include:

• Bill of Lading: This serves as a contract between the owner of the hospitality furniture and the carrier. It details the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being shipped.

• Commercial Invoice: This document provides information about the transaction, including a description of the hospitality furniture, prices, delivery and payment terms, and the names and addresses of the buyer and seller.

• Packing List: This details the specific contents of each package, including the size, weight, and type of packaging used.

Documents specifically required for the United States:

• Arrival Notice: This is sent by the carrier to notify the recipient that the shipment has arrived.

• Customs Bond: This is a contract used to guarantee that a specific obligation will be fulfilled between customs and an importer for any given import transaction.

• CBP Form 3461: This is a US Customs and Border Protection document that is used to request the admission of imported goods into the United States. It provides details about the importer, consignee, shipment, and merchandise.

Documents specifically required for Canada:

• Canada Customs Invoice: This document provides detailed information about the hospitality furniture, including the buyer, seller, and terms of sale.

• Import Declaration (Form B3): This is a customs declaration form used in Canada to provide the necessary details about the goods being imported.

• Certificate of Origin: This document certifies the country in which the goods were manufactured.

• Import Permit: This may be required for certain goods, and it authorizes the importation of the hospitality furniture into Canada.

Quotas and Restrictions Regarding  Hospitality Furniture Imported from Vietnam

Import quotas control the volume of various commodities that can be imported into the US during a specific period. These quotas are established by legislation, Presidential Proclamations, or Executive Orders. For hospitality furniture imported from Vietnam, especially those made from wood, you need to ensure compliance with the Lacey Act, which prohibits trade in wildlife, fish, and plants that have been illegally taken, possessed, transported, or sold.

Canada does not typically impose quotas or restrictions on the importation of  hospitality furniture. However, certain materials used in furniture, such as certain woods or animal products, may be subject to restrictions or prohibitions. It’s essential to verify the materials used in your hospitality furniture and check for any potential restrictions with CBSA.

Tariff Classification

The Harmonized System (HS) code is a standardized method used around the world to classify products for customs purposes. You’ll need to determine the correct HS code for the hospitality furniture you’re importing into the US and into Canada. This code will affect the amount of duty you’ll need to pay.

Calculation and Payment of Duties

When importing hospitality furniture from Vietnam into the US and Canada, the calculation and payment of duties are subject to the specific regulations of each country.

For both countries:

• Duties are typically calculated based on the value of the goods.

• The rates may vary depending on the type of goods and the country of origin.

• Additional taxes may apply depending on the goods or their value.

For the US:

• The Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) provides duty rates for virtually every item that exists.

• Duties are calculated based on the price paid for the goods, or their fair market value, in the country of export.

• In addition to duties, goods imported into the US are subject to a Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and, in some cases, a Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF).

• Certain goods may be subject to additional duties depending on the country of manufacture.

• The duty rate can be obtained by contacting the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or by visiting the CBP website.

For Canada:

• Any item sent to Canada may be subject to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and/or duty.

• Unless specifically exempted, you must pay the 5% GST on items you import into Canada by mail.

• The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) calculates any duties owed according to the value of the goods in Canadian funds.

• The duty rates change according to the type of goods imported and the country in which they were made or imported from.

• Depending on the goods or their value, additional taxes may apply, such as excise duty or excise tax on luxury items.

How a Freight Forwarder Can Streamline Import Regulations, Tariffs, and Customs Duties Process

Navigating import regulations and handling customs duties can be complex. This is where the expertise of a freight forwarder can be invaluable.

Freight forwarders assist in navigating through import regulations and handling customs duties, ensuring that documentation is in order and facilitating the payment of duties. They offer streamlined and effective solutions, making the import process from Vietnam to the United States or Canada smooth and efficient. By managing these operations, they allow SMBs to focus on their core business activities, taking the stress out of international shipping.

As a custom hospitality furniture manufacturer in Vietnam, Fusion Vina Cabinetry exports high quality wooden hospitality furniture to North America, including USA, Canada.