Importing Brazilian furniture to the USA requires strategic planning, compliance with international trade laws, and proper logistics management. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth import process:

1. Research & Identify Brazilian Furniture Suppliers

Before importing, you need to find reliable Brazilian manufacturers or wholesalers.

Where to Find Suppliers:

Furniture Trade Shows in Brazil

• TOTH
• ABIMAD
• Movelsul
• ForMóbile

B2B Marketplaces 

• TOTH
• Alibaba
• Made-in-Brazil
• GlobalSources
• Brazil Exporters

Industry Directories

• ABIMÓVEL - Brazilian Association of Furniture Industries
  

Direct Manufacturer Contact 

• TOTH - Supplier Websites
• LinkedIn 
  
  

Referrals & Business Networks 

• Amcham Brasil - Engage with local business chambers

Key Factors to Consider:

• Material & Quality Standards – Ensure materials like wood, aluminum, and upholstery comply with US regulations.
• Sustainable Sourcing – Prefer suppliers certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) to ensure legal wood sourcing.
• Production Capacity & Lead Time – Check their ability to meet your order volume.
• Export Experience – Work with suppliers familiar with US import requirements.

 

2. Verify US Import Regulations & Compliance

Furniture imports must comply with US regulations from agencies like the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Key Regulations:

Wood Products & USDA/APHIS Compliance

• If furniture contains solid wood, it must comply with Lacey Act regulations.
• Ensure ISPM 15-certified wooden pallets are used for shipping.
• Some wood species may require permits and fumigation before import.

Fire Safety & Flammability Standards

• Upholstered furniture must meet the TB 117-2013 standard for fire resistance.
  
• Foam and fabric may need testing to meet California Proposition 65 regulations.

Labeling Requirements

• Country of Origin Labeling: Must say "Made in Brazil" on packaging & furniture.
• Consumer Safety Labels: Required for certain furniture materials.

Tariffs & Duties

• Furniture from Brazil may have import duties ranging from 0% to 10%, depending on the category.
• Check duty rates via the HTS Code Lookup (hts.usitc.gov).

3. Secure an Importer of Record (IOR) & Obtain an EIN

To import into the USA, you must be a registered importer.

• Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS if your business does not have one.
• Register with CBP (Customs and Border Protection) as an importer.
• Hire a Customs Broker (optional but recommended).

 

4. Arrange Logistics & Shipping

Shipping Methods:

Sea Freight (Best for Large Orders)

• Use FCL (Full Container Load) for large shipments (20ft or 40ft containers).
• Use LCL (Less than Container Load) for smaller orders.

Air Freight (Faster, Expensive for Large Items)

• Best for high-value, small-batch orders.

Freight Forwarders & Customs Brokers:

• Work with companies like DHL Global Forwarding, Flexport, or Maersk.
• Choose a provider with experience in Brazilian imports.

 

5. Required Import Documents

You need several documents to clear customs in both Brazil & the USA:

• Commercial Invoice – Must detail product type, quantity, and value.
• Packing List – Specifies packaging materials, dimensions, and weight.
• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB) – Provided by the freight company.
• Certificate of Origin (COO) – Proves the furniture is made in Brazil.
• Fumigation Certificate – Required for wood products.
• Lacey Act Declaration – Mandatory for all wood-based furniture imports.
• Customs Entry Form (CBP Form 3461) – For US customs clearance.

 

6. Customs Clearance in the USA

Once the shipment arrives, you need to clear it through US customs.

 

Steps to Clear US Customs:

• Customs Broker Submission – Your broker submits the entry form and import documentation.
• Duties & Taxes Payment – Pay any tariffs, duties, or customs fees.
• CBP Inspection (if required) – The furniture may be inspected for compliance.
• Release & Delivery – Once cleared, your freight forwarder delivers the shipment to your warehouse/store.
• Clearance Time: Typically 3–7 days (longer if inspections are required).

 

7. Warehouse Storage & Distribution

Once your furniture arrives, plan for storage and distribution.

• Inventory Management: Use a WMS (Warehouse Management System) to track stock.
• Retail/Online Fulfillment: Partner with third-party logistics (3PL) providers if needed.
• B2C or B2B Sales Channels: Distribute to retail stores, designers, or sell via e-commerce.

 

8. Market & Sell Brazilian Furniture in the USA

To maximize sales, focus on:

• E-Commerce Sales – List products on Amazon, Wayfair, or Shopify stores.
• Retail Partnerships – Collaborate with furniture showrooms or design firms.
• Social Media Marketing – Use Instagram & Pinterest for home décor promotion.
• SEO & Content Marketing – Target keywords like “Brazilian luxury furniture” to attract US buyers.

 

9. Handle Returns & Customer Service

• Offer a clear return policy to meet US consumer expectations.
• Inspect & repair damaged goods if needed before resale.
• Ensure fast, responsive customer support to build brand reputation.

 

10. Expand & Optimize the Supply Chain

As your import business grows, consider:

• Negotiating Better Terms: Bulk discounts from suppliers.
• Diversifying Products: Expand into new categories (e.g., outdoor furniture).
• Exploring Private Labeling: Brand the furniture under your own label.
• Optimizing Shipping Costs: Work with multiple freight providers for better rates.
  

Importing furniture from Brazil to the USA can be highly profitable, especially for high-end, sustainable, or handcrafted furniture. By following regulations, partnering with reliable suppliers, and optimizing logistics, you can build a successful import business and capitalize on the growing demand for Brazilian furniture in the US market.