Furniture exports from India: A guide on how to export furniture

Learn how to start a furniture export business from India easily through e-commerce and start selling your furniture products across the world.
Learn how to start a furniture export business from India easily with e-commerce and start selling your furniture products across the world.
India’s furniture industry is on a steady rise, earning global recognition for its handcrafted pieces that blend durability with rich artisanal tradition. From wooden desks and bedframes to handwoven carpets, Indian furniture is finding its way into homes and offices across the world. Many exporters are now opting for ecommerce exports to grow their businesses. In this blog, learn how to export furniture from India, the key products driving global demand, and how sellers can use ecommerce platforms to scale internationally.

Overview and trends of Indian furniture export

India’s furniture exports blends traditional craftsmanship with growing global demand. Handwoven carpets remain a major export focus for Indian furniture exporters, with Indian carpets comprising around 40% of worldwide exports of handmade carpets.1 Wooden furniture like tables and bedframes are also gaining traction, especially through ecommerce exports programs. The furniture market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.21% from 2023 to 2033.2

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Top countries to export furniture from India

Major export destinations for furniture export from India include3:
The Netherlands

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Learn how Amir Hamza, co-founder of Rug Barn, transformed a family legacy of kaleen-making in Bhadohi into a global brand.

Government bodies that promote furniture export from India

Several government bodies and export promotion organisations play a key role in supporting and promoting furniture exports from India. These include:

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)

Promotes the export of handicrafts and lifestyle products, including hand-crafted wooden and cane furniture in select categories. It also supports exporters through trade fairs, buyer–seller meets, market intelligence, and access to government export incentives and schemes.4

Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)

Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), The central government agency under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry that formulates and implements India’s foreign trade policy and export promotion measures; it also issues authorisations like IECs needed for exports.5

Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC)

Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) is an industry body under the Ministry of Textiles that promotes the export of carpets, all types of handmade rugs, floor covering, and other allied products from India. CEPC facilitates market access, trade promotion, and policy advocacy through exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, training sessions, and other programs.6

Government schemes that promote furniture export from India

A range of government schemes support furniture exporters by reducing export costs, improving market access, and encouraging capacity expansion. These include:

Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme:

Implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the MAI scheme supports export promotion activities such as participation in international trade fairs, buyer–seller meets, overseas branding, and market research. Furniture exporters, particularly those represented by bodies like the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), use this scheme to access and expand in global markets.

Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP):

The RoDTEP scheme reimburses exporters for embedded central, state, and local taxes that are not refunded through other schemes. This directly improves the cost competitiveness of Indian furniture exports in international markets.

Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme:

The EPCG scheme allows exporters to import capital goods such as machinery and equipment at reduced or zero customs duty, subject to export obligations. For furniture manufacturers, this supports technology upgradation, capacity expansion, and compliance with global quality standards.7

Documents required to export furniture from India

To export furniture from India, exporters must obtain certain documents. Some of these include:
Labeling compliance
GST registration8

How to start a furniture export business from India? Step-by-step guide

Here’s a simplified guide to help you get started with a furniture export business:

Step 1: Set up your business

Set up your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or company. Enroll with the Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) to access key export incentives.

Step 2: Complete market research and identify buyers

Study demand by market. Use export data and ecommerce platforms to identify trending products. Find buyers through trade shows and exhibitions, or through programs like Amazon Global Selling.

Step 3: Obtain product documentation

Obtain IEC, register to obtain GST for your business, and get your Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) from SGEPC. Also ensure your products are compliant and have the correct HS code.

Step 4. Manufacture and monitor quality

Manufacture products with strong global demand, such as handcrafted wooden furniture, floor coverings, or modern modular designs. Meet international requirements through certifications like ISO, FSC, CE, or ANSI/BIFMA to build trust and ensure market acceptance.

Step 5. Manage logistics and shipping

Decide between FCL, LCL, or air freight based on order size and timelines Understand customs procedures, documentation requirements, and delivery timelines for each target market. Use fulfillment solutions like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) that streamline cross-border delivery and reduce operational complexity.9

How to export furniture with Amazon Global Selling?

Here’s how you can start exporting your furniture globally in just a few steps:

Step 1: Register on Amazon Global Selling

Create an Amazon seller account on Seller Central to reach customers across 18+ Amazon global marketplaces. All you need to register is ID proof, address proof, and credit or debit card (international transactions enabled).

Step 2: List your products

Once registered, list your products on Amazon global marketplaces. Use the latest tools and expert support to make your listings more visible to customers.

Step 3: Ship and deliver globally

Choose to manage your own logistics through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or get expert support from Amazon to store, pack, ship, and deliver internationally with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). If you are an FBA seller and opt for Amazon SEND, partnered carriers will handle customs clearance for you.

Step 4: Receive payments and grow your business

Receive payment in INR directly in your bank account and use tools like Brand Registry and Amazon Ads to grow your business.

Conclusion

India’s furniture exports are gaining momentum due to skilled craftsmanship, distinctive designs, and competitive pricing. The rise of ecommerce exports has further accelerated this growth by enabling Indian sellers to reach global customers more efficiently and at scale. With increasing demand for handmade furniture and easier access to international markets through digital platforms, Indian furniture exporters are well positioned to unlock long-term global growth.

Amazon Global Selling: Easy e-commerce exports and hassle-free shipping

If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce export program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your export journey, connecting you to Amazon’s Service Provider Network for tailored compliance, payments, and logistics support.

Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is furniture export from India profitable?
Profitability varies widely by product category, scale, target market and logistics costs. Indian wood furnishings, floor coverings, and other products usually see high demand and profitability.10
2. Which furniture products are most exported from India?
Some of the most exported furniture products include beds and sofa beds, kitchen cabinets, tables and chairs, dining chairs, dressing tables, and TV units.11
3. Who are the largest buyers of Indian furniture?
The largest buyers of Indian furniture include the United States, followed by key European markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands.12
4. Do I need certifications to export furniture from India?
Yes, exporters often need a combination of national and market-specific certifications depending on product and destination. Key ones: mandatory/safety standards (BIS where applicable), FSC (sustainable timber) for eco-sensitive buyers, CE for certain European requirements, ANSI/BIFMA for US office furniture, and ISO 9001 for quality systems.13
5. What are the shipping options for furniture export?
Furniture can be exported using Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL) sea freight, air freight for urgent shipments, or through Amazon Global Selling via Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA).14
6. How can I find buyers for Indian furniture exports?
Indian furniture exporters can find buyers through export promotion councils, B2B marketplaces, international trade fairs, and platforms like Amazon Global Selling, which help connect sellers with overseas buyers.15
7. What are the biggest challenges in furniture export from India?
Indian furniture exporters face significant logistical and compliance hurdles, including high shipping and transportation costs due to bulky goods and infrastructure bottlenecks, as well as challenges related to regulatory compliance and varying quality standards across markets.16
Last updated on February 26, 2026.

Sources:
1. https://www.ibef.org/exports/carpet-industry-in-india
2. https://www.sphericalinsights.com/reports/india-furniture-market
3. https://www.seair.co.in/blog/furniture-export-from-india.aspx
4. https://epch.in/
5. https://exportexpertsglobal.com/list-of-government-organisations-in-india-for-import-export-business
6. https://www.cepc.co.in/about-us
7. https://epces.in/uploads/highlight/Handbook%20on%20Foreign%20Trade%20Policy-Incentives%2C%20Schemes%20%26%20Related%20FAQs%20-%20Nov%20%282nd%29%202025%20Edition%20%281%29202512151765781611.pdf
8. https://www.corpseed.com/knowledge-centre/export-furniture-from-india#Documents+Needed+for+Furniture+Export
9. https://www.happilytrade.com/blog/furniture-export-from-india
10. https://www.happilytrade.com/blog/furniture-export-from-india
11. https://www.exportimportdata.in/blogs/furniture-export-from-india.aspx
12. https://www.exportimportdata.in/blogs/furniture-export-from-india.aspx
13. https://www.happilytrade.com/blog/furniture-export-from-india
14. https://www.freightos.com/freight-resources/how-to-ship-furniture/
15. https://www.bajajfinserv.in/how-to-find-buyers-for-export
16. https://www.lakdi.com/blogs/news/furniture-industry-factors-challenges-affecting-supply-chains?srsltid=AfmBOoq5wcnCpGFDOCbrKaedoRLchvCe9e2OGWr-f7rF5sGvJtS0zm7t

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