Indonesia is well-known for its abundant supply of teak and its mature export ecosystem that supports global shipments. This is why buyers seek premium-quality furniture from Indonesia for commercial or retail use.
As a trusted Indonesian furniture supplier, we can help you understand how to import teak furniture from Indonesia and prepare the necessary documents for your business.
Why Indonesia Is the Best Source of Teak Furniture
Indonesia remains one of the top suppliers of teak because its tropical climate produces strong, stable wood fibers. This hardwood develops a beautiful grain and natural weather resistance, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Additionally, Indonesian teak naturally resists water and pests. Buyers from the US, Europe, and the Middle East seek Indonesian teak because of its reliable strength and the smooth finishes it produces.
Trusted global hub for teak exports
Teak from Indonesia is legally sourced from government-managed plantations. This system ensures that each log can be traced back to its origin and that harvesting practices are sustainable.
Exporters also adhere to international environmental standards, which gives overseas buyers more confidence. Major port hubs, such as Surabaya, allow for faster container processing and smooth distribution to global destinations.
Skilled craftsmanship & mature industry
This blend of traditional techniques and modern methods creates results that stand out, especially in custom furniture. Experienced woodworkers from Indonesia combine generations of techniques with modern machinery.
Our country also has a well-developed supply chain for producing teak furniture. The ecosystem supports large-scale orders and detailed custom work, from raw wood treatment to final finishing.
Access to premium teak and sustainable legal wood
Manufacturers in Indonesia use certified wood that carries the SVLK/FLEGT stamp. This certification shows that the wood is sourced from legal and well-managed plantations
The verification process provides transparency for buyers and helps ensure that your supply chain aligns with international import regulations.
What to Prepare Before Importing Teak Furniture
Before moving forward with the import process, Before moving forward with the import process, understanding how to import teak furniture from Indonesia is important for retailers who want consistent quality, legal wood certification, and dependable lead times from trusted manufacturers.
Determine your product requirements (size, material grade, finishing)
Start by listing the furniture you want to produce, including its size and design features. The wood grade and finishing style also affect the price. Providing clear information helps the manufacturer calculate material usage and production time, resulting in a more accurate proposal.
Decide between OEM, private label, or wholesale
Buyers who want to build a unique brand typically choose OEM or private label production. These options give you the freedom to create furniture that matches your company identity. If you want ready-made pieces that have already been tested in the market, wholesale is a practical choice.
Calculate target retail price and MOQ needs
Setting your ideal selling price helps you determine how much you can spend on each unit. It also helps the manufacturer propose materials and finishing that match your target. Different factories may require different minimum order quantities (MOQ) so understanding your market needs will help you make the right decision.
Prepare specifications or reference designs for custom items
If your project requires custom furniture, please provide sketches or sample references. These will help the manufacturers understand your expectations. Good references also make it easier for the factory to produce consistent samples and prevent misunderstandings.
Step-by-Step: How to Import Teak Furniture from Indonesia
Once you have completed the preparation, you can begin the import process by following the steps of how to import teak furniture from Indonesia in this section. This guide will walk you through each stage of the process, so you know what to expect before placing your order.
1. Shortlist Reliable Teak Furniture Manufacturers
When to buy teak furniture, start by shortlisting manufacturers with legal certification and a solid professional track record. Take time to review their production capacity, in-house production, and portfolio so you can understand how they manage different types of projects.
2. Request Quotation & Product Specifications
The next step is to request a quote by sharing the dimensions and joinery details of each piece you plan to order. It also helps to include your preferred finishing style, packing method, and MOQ since these elements play a role in the final pricing.
3. Review Samples or 3D Drawings
Many international buyers prefer to review samples or request 3D drawings before moving into full production, especially when working on custom collections. These previews give you a clearer picture of how the final piece will look and feel.
4. Confirm Pricing, Lead Time, & Payment Terms
Moving forward to review the final price with the proposed production timeline. In Indonesia, lead times typically range from 60 to 75 days since they depend on factors like raw material availability, weather conditions, and the level of customization requested.
Manufacturers usually offer common Incoterms such as FOB, CIF, or EXW based on what you prefer. These terms clarify who is responsible for each stage of the shipping process.
- FOB: The supplier handles everything until the goods are loaded at the port.
- EXW: Places most responsibilities on the buyer, including pickup from the factory.
- CIF: Includes shipping arrangements handled by the supplier, although insurance coverage may vary.
Before confirming your order, make sure the payment terms align with your project schedule so both parties can move forward comfortably.
5. Production Process & Quality Control
To maintain the quality and condition of each furniture, factories usually go through three stages of inspection before shipping as part of how to import teak furniture from Indonesia properly . These include in-house QC, mid-production checks, and a final inspection.
In-house checks focus on ensuring every production stage follows the required standards, while mid production inspections help keep the results consistent and allow the team to fix any issues early on. Once the items are fully completed, a final inspection is carried out before packing to confirm that every piece matches your specifications and is ready for shipment.
6. Shipping, Logistics & Export Documents
The manufacturer will prepare the necessary export documents, including the packing list, invoice, certificate of origin (COO), and bill of lading (BL). Depending on the regulations in your destination country, FLEGT documents may also be provided to support the shipment.
After all paperwork is ready, the container is loaded according to strict safety standards to protect the furniture during transit and minimize the risk of damage.
7. Track Shipment & Manage Import Clearance
Once the container has been shipped, you can track its movement through the carrier’s system, which provides regular updates and an estimated arrival time.
When the shipment reaches your port, your customs broker will help manage the import clearance process and verify all required documents, ensuring the furniture enters your country without issues.
Important Documents Needed for Importing Teak Furniture
How to import teak furniture from Indonesia? You need several official documents to complete the import process. These documents also confirm that the furniture meets international regulations.
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice lists the price of the furniture, the quantity ordered, and the agreed-upon payment terms. It is used for payment processing and calculating import taxes.
Packing List
A packing list shows how each item is packed, including the number of boxes and the total weight. This helps shipping lines and customs officials inspect your container efficiently.
Bill of Lading (BL)
A Bill of Lading (BL) is a document issued by the shipping line. It confirms that your furniture has been loaded onto a ship. You will need this document to claim your goods at the destination port.
Certificate of Origin
A Certificate of Origin (COO) verifies the country where the furniture was manufactured. Importers typically need this document to comply with trade regulations and, in some cases, to qualify for reduced tax rates.
SVLK / V-Legal Document (mandatory for wood products)
The SVLK or V-Legal Document confirms that the wood used to make your furniture was sourced legally. This certification promotes transparent, responsible, and sustainable sourcing practices.
Shipping Options for Teak Furniture (FOB, CIF, EXW)
There are three common Incoterms used for exporting Indonesian furniture: FOB, CIF, and EXW. Each option offers a different level of cost control and responsibility, so buyers can choose based on their budget and comfort with logistics.
When to choose FOB
FOB (Free on Board) is the most widely used option for Indonesian furniture exports. The seller manages inland transportation and export clearance, and their responsibility ends once the furniture is safely loaded onto the vessel.
After that, the buyer takes over all shipping costs and handles transportation in their own country. This option works well for buyers who want control over international freight but still rely on the seller for export handling.
When to choose CIF
CIF includes the cost of freight and insurance to the destination port. The seller handles everything covered under FOB, with the added responsibility of arranging ocean freight and insurance. The buyer only needs to take care of import clearance and local delivery.
This option is ideal for buyers who want the convenience of having most of the process handled by the seller and still learning how to import teak furniture from Indonesia without managing too many operational steps.
When EXW makes more sense
EXW (Ex Works) gives the buyer full control from pickup to final destination. All costs and risks are handled by the buyer from the moment the goods leave the factory. This option is suitable for buyers who already have a reliable freight agent in Indonesia and prefer to manage every part of the logistics process themselves.
Container sizing (20ft vs 40ft) & loading examples
After considering the Incoterms, you should know that containers are an important part of how to import teak furniture from Indonesia. A 20ft container is suitable for small shipments or compact items. It offers lower shipping costs but has limited space, and some suppliers require a minimum order of one 20ft container.
A 40ft container provides significantly more capacity and is ideal for large furniture pieces or high-volume orders. It offers better value for buyers with bigger shipments.
Common Challenges When Importing Teak Furniture (and How to Avoid Them)
Understanding these challenges will help you prepare effective solutions, prevent delays, and learn how to identify fake teak wood so you can avoid costly mistakes.
Miscommunication about specifications
Many buyers face misunderstandings due to language barriers or incomplete details. This often leads to incorrect sizes, finishes, or designs. To avoid this, MPP works with international clients daily and offers responsive communication to ensure every specification is clear and confirmed.
Inconsistent quality from third-party factories
Quality issues often arise when production is outsourced without proper supervision. Without a structured QC process, the final product may not match what was promised. MPP prevents this by handling in-house production and implementing strict quality checks at every stage.
Poor packaging that leads to damage
Furniture can arrive damaged when suppliers use weak or inconsistent packaging. This not only increases costs but also delays your project. MPP maintains stringent quality control from the first inquiry to the final container loading, ensuring your furniture is packed securely and arrives safely.
Unclear lead times
Vague timelines or overloaded production schedules can disrupt your planning. Buyers may end up waiting longer than expected without clear updates. MPP provides realistic timelines based on material availability, design complexity, and container readiness, with a standard lead time of 45 to 60 days.
Lack of documentation compliance
Missing or incorrect documents can result in customs delays or additional fees. To prevent this, MPP ensures all required paperwork is complete and accurate, giving buyers a smooth and compliant import process.
Why Work With an In-House Manufacturer Like MPP Furniture
Working with an in-house manufacturer gives you more control, transparency, and reliability throughout your entire purchasing journey.
With MPP Furniture, you get a business partner with a dedicated team that understands global buyer expectations and provides complete support for long term partnerships.
Complete in-house production
MPP Furniture manages the entire process from raw wood selection to final packaging under one roof. With 100 percent in-house production, every step is monitored closely to maintain high standards and predictable timelines.
Because all production schedules are managed internally, buyers receive consistent updates and can trust that their orders are progressing efficiently and transparently.
Custom & OEM capability for retailers and commercial projects
Today’s buyers often need more than standard catalog pieces. Custom designs and OEM options have become essential for retailers and commercial projects. From our experience, clients seek Indonesian manufacturers who support customization because it helps them build unique collections and increase sales potential.
MPP Furniture offers flexible custom solutions that adapt to your brand identity, project needs, and market trends. These capabilities make MPP Furniture a strategic partner for brands that want to scale effectively, especially for buyers who are studying how to import teak furniture from Indonesia while building collections that match their market identity.
Skilled craftsmanship with precise detailing
MPP Furniture blends modern technology with skilled manual craftsmanship to deliver high precision results. Every stage from log processing and kiln drying to assembling and finishing is handled with expertise and attention to detail.
This combination ensures that each piece of teak furniture meets structural durability requirements while showcasing refined craftsmanship.
Reliable QC system & strict finishing standards
Buyers depend on consistent quality, and MPP Furniture’s QC system is designed to guarantee that reliability. Every production phase is monitored to ensure structural accuracy, proper moisture content, and uniform finishing.
Our strict quality standards help prevent defects and ensure your furniture arrives exactly as specified, ready for retail or installation.
Smooth export handling for global buyers
MPP Furniture provides seamless export support for international clients, delivering orders within 45 to 60 days, which is faster than the typical 60 to 75 day market range. We use FOB to give buyers cost clarity and more control over their shipping arrangements.
This streamlined workflow helps buyers stay on schedule and reduces the risk of delays, making the entire journey of how to import teak furniture from Indonesia more predictable and hassle-free.
Ready to Import Teak Furniture from Indonesia?
Importing teak furniture can be a major opportunity for your business, especially when you work with a manufacturer that prioritizes quality, consistency, and transparent communication.
MPP Furniture is committed to helping you stay competitive in today’s demanding market by supplying top grade teak furniture that meets global standards. Our 99 percent client satisfaction rate and low 0.56 percent complaint ratio demonstrate the effectiveness of our precise, end to end quality control system.
If you are planning to source teak furniture from Indonesia, our team is ready to support you at every step how to import teak furniture from Indonesia. From consultation and customization to export handling, we make the entire process smooth and reliable. Start planning your Indonesian teak purchase with us!
Get a Free Consultation for Your Teak Furniture Project
Whether you are launching a new collection or expanding your existing line, our team is ready to guide you how to import teak furniture from Indonesia with expert support. MPP Furniture excels in handcrafted teak furniture production, powered by more than 200 in-house craftsmen who create pieces with an artisanal touch.
We also prioritize responsive communication to ensure a seamless experience for clients across the United States, Spain, Dubai, and many other countries.
Let us help you move forward with confidence. Schedule a free consultation now and get tailored recommendations for your project.
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