Metal furniture foreign trade import and export: A comprehensive guide.

On the grand stage of global trade, the import and export business of metal furniture is showing vigorous development momentum. For enterprises and practitioners engaged in metal furniture foreign trade, it is crucial to gain an in-depth understanding.Import and export processGrasping market opportunities and responding to various challenges are essential.

I. Professional documentation processing and logistics arrangements

1. Document processing
   Documents are the key link in international trade, and the same applies to metal furniture import and export. From commercial invoices, packing lists to bills of lading, certificates of origin, etc., each document carries important information to ensure the legal and compliant circulation of goods internationally. When exporting metal furniture, the commercial invoice must specify the furnitures specifications, quantity, value, etc., which is not only a necessary document for customs declaration but also an important basis for settlement between buyers and sellers. The packing list must accurately record the specific contents of each package to facilitate customs inspection and the consignees verification of the goods.
   For imports, the bill of lading is a crucial document of title. Ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of the bill of lading and timely exchange for the delivery order are prerequisites for smooth cargo pickup. Professional knowledge and extensive experience are indispensable in document processing. For example, when filling out a certificate of origin, it is necessary to ensure that the product complies with the rules of origin under different market trade agreements to enjoy corresponding tariff preferences. Taking metal furniture exported to the EU market as an example, if the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Certificate of Origin (FORM A) can be correctly applied for and filled out, the tariff costs in the importing country can be reduced to a certain extent, enhancing the products competitiveness.
2. Logistics arrangement
   The logistics link is like the main artery of international trade, directly affecting whether metal furniture can arrive at its destination on time and safely. Since metal furniture is usually large in size and heavy in weight, sea freight is often the first choice for logistics. When booking space, it is necessary to reserve suitable space with the shipping company in advance based on the expected shipping time of the goods. At the same time, considering that metal furniture may be damaged during transportation due to collisions, friction, etc., reasonable packaging is crucial. Generally, wooden crates or pallets are used for packaging, with cushioning materials such as foam boards or sponges added inside to ensure the safety of the goods during long-distance transportation.
   After the goods are loaded onto the ship, it is necessary to track the cargo dynamics in a timely manner, grasp the ships sailing trajectory, estimated arrival time, and other information, so as to notify the consignee in time to prepare for customs clearance and cargo pickup. For some urgent orders or situations with high delivery requirements, air freight can also be considered, but the cost and efficiency must be weighed comprehensively.

II. Unique Advantages of the Russian Market - VTB Settlement Convenience

Russia, as an important import market for metal furniture, contains huge business opportunities. In trade with Russia, foreign exchange settlement is a key link. Comprehensive Agency Service has unique VTB foreign exchange settlement convenience for the Russian market.

1. Overview of the Settlement Process
   Foreign exchange settlement, simply put, is the process where export enterprises sell the foreign exchange income obtained from export goods to designated foreign exchange banks at the current exchange rate, and the banks collect the foreign exchange and exchange it for RMB for the enterprises. In trade with Russia, VTB Bank, as an important financial institution in Russia, has established a good cooperative relationship with Comprehensive Agency Service. When metal furniture is exported to Russia and the goods are delivered and customs clearance is completed, the Russian customer pays the payment to the designated account of VTB Bank. Relying on the cooperative advantages with VTB, Comprehensive Agency Service can complete the foreign exchange settlement procedures more quickly and conveniently, reducing the time funds are in transit and improving the efficiency of fund utilization.
2. VTB Settlement Advantages
   Compared with other foreign exchange settlement channels, VTB foreign exchange settlement has many advantages. On the one hand, VTB has a solid position and good reputation in the Russian financial system, ensuring higher fund security. On the other hand, it has rich experience in handling Sino-Russian trade foreign exchange settlement business, and the process is relatively simplified, effectively avoiding delays in foreign exchange settlement caused by cumbersome procedures. For example, under traditional foreign exchange settlement methods, enterprises may need to provide a large number of complex trade background documents for review, while VTB, based on the long-term cooperative trust relationship with Comprehensive Agency Service, can simplify the submission of some documents under the premise of compliance, greatly shortening the foreign exchange settlement cycle.

III. Southeast Asian market import/export processes and solutions

1. Export Process
   • Market research and customer developmentBefore exporting metal furniture to the Southeast Asian market, in-depth market research is essential. Understand local consumption habits, market demand, competitive situation, etc. For example, in Vietnam, with the acceleration of urbanization, the demand for simple and modern-style metal office furniture is increasing; while in Thailand, under the influence of religious culture, metal furniture with specific design elements is more popular. Develop customers and establish business connections by participating in local furniture exhibitions and using e-commerce platforms.
   • Contract SigningAfter reaching a cooperation intention with the customer, sign a detailed trade contract. The contract must specify key terms such as product specifications, quantity, price, delivery period, and payment method. In terms of payment method, for new customers, a letter of credit (L/C) can be used to ensure the interests of both parties. A letter of credit is a written document issued by a bank at the request of the importer, guaranteeing the payment responsibility to the exporter. As long as the exporter submits the documents that comply with the letter of credit requirements, the bank will fulfill the payment obligation.
   • Production and inspectionArrange production according to the contract requirements to ensure that the product quality meets customer standards. During the production process, strict quality control must be carried out, such as raw material inspection, semi-finished product inspection, and final product inspection. For metal furniture, focus on inspecting the firmness of welded parts, the adhesion of surface coatings, etc. At the same time, a third-party inspection agency can be invited to conduct inspections and issue inspection reports to increase product credibility.
   • Customs Declaration and ShipmentAfter the goods are produced, prepare the necessary documents for customs declaration, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, customs declaration forms, contracts, etc., and declare the export to customs. During the customs declaration process, accurately fill in the commodity codes, as different metal furniture may correspond to different codes, which will affect tariff rates and regulatory conditions. After customs clearance is approved, arrange for the goods to be loaded and shipped, and obtain the bill of lading.
   • Settlement and After-Sales ServicesAfter the goods are shipped, settle the payment according to the method agreed in the contract. After payment settlement, promptly communicate with the customer about the transportation status of the goods and provide high-quality after-sales services, such as handling customer feedback on product issues and providing maintenance suggestions, to establish long-term and stable cooperative relationships.
2. The settlement process typically involves: After completing exports and submitting required documents, enterprises apply for settlement. VTB Bank reviews documents and, upon confirmation, exchanges foreign currency into RMB at current rates. Compared to other banks, VTB has broader Russian market coverage and deeper understanding of local trade regulations and financial policies, enabling faster, more accurate settlement processing.
   • Procurement and Contract SigningFor importing metal furniture from Southeast Asia, first find suitable suppliers. Through on-site inspections, supplier qualification assessments, and other methods, select suppliers with reliable quality and reasonable prices. When signing the import contract, clearly specify all terms, especially the quality standards of the goods, inspection methods, delivery periods, etc.
   • Obtain an import license (if required)Some Southeast Asian countries may require import licenses for specific metal furniture products. For example, for products involving environmental protection or safety standards, importers need to apply for licenses from relevant departments in advance to ensure the legal import of the goods.
   • Transportation and InsuranceArrange for the transportation of goods, choosing between sea or land transport based on the actual situation of the goods and delivery requirements. At the same time, to reduce risks during transportation, purchase cargo transportation insurance to ensure compensation in case of loss or damage to the goods.
   • Customs clearanceAfter the goods arrive at the destination port, prepare the necessary documents for import customs declaration and declare to customs. Customs will inspect the goods and levy taxes. During the customs clearance process, cooperate with customs and truthfully declare the goods information. For metal furniture requiring inspection and quarantine, schedule an inspection with the relevant department in advance, and the goods can only be released after passing the inspection.
   • Cargo pickup and salesAfter customs clearance is completed, pick up the goods with the delivery order. Once the goods are transported to the designated warehouse, they can be sold according to market demand. During the sales process, focus on product promotion and after-sales services to increase market share.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Current International Trade Situation

1. challenge
   The current international trade situation is complex and volatile, and the metal furniture foreign trade faces many challenges. The rise of trade protectionism is a prominent issue, with some countries restricting imports by increasing tariffs and setting up trade barriers. For example, the U.S. has recently imposed high tariffs on imported metal furniture, directly increasing costs for exporters and weakening the competitiveness of products in the local market. At the same time, exchange rate fluctuations also pose risks to import and export companies. Unstable exchange rates can affect profit calculations, such as the appreciation of the RMB potentially reducing exporters earnings when settling payments. Additionally, the ongoing impact of the global pandemic has disrupted logistics supply chains, significantly increased freight costs, and prolonged transportation times, all of which have put considerable pressure on metal furniture foreign trade.
2. Opportunities
   Despite the challenges, there are also many opportunities. With the gradual recovery of the global economy, consumer demand for home products continues to grow, and metal furniture, as a durable consumer good, has broad market prospects. The rise of emerging markets provides new growth opportunities for metal furniture exports, such as Southeast Asia and Africa, where rapid urbanization is driving fast-growing demand for metal furniture. At the same time, the development of digital trade offers companies more convenient trade channels. Through e-commerce platforms, companies can directly reach global consumers, expand sales markets, and reduce marketing costs.

V. Product certification service assistance.

In the import and export process of metal furniture, product certification is an essential step. Different markets have varying certification requirements for metal furniture. For example, exporting to the EU market requires CE certification, which mainly involves product safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. Exporting to the U.S. may require UL certification, among others.
Although Zongdai Services does not directly provide certification services, it has a professional team that can assist clients in understanding the detailed requirements of necessary certifications, provide information on relevant certification bodies, and guide clients in preparing the required documentation. During the certification process, the team offers necessary technical support and consulting services to ensure clients can successfully complete product certification and legally enter target markets with their metal furniture.
In summary, the import and export business of metal furniture is full of opportunities and challenges. Through professional documentation handling, reasonable logistics arrangements, leveraging the advantages of different markets, actively responding to changes in the international trade situation, and providing assistance in product certification, companies can achieve better development in the metal furniture foreign trade sector.