Importing Furniture from China to Poland: Essential Standards and Certifications

Furniture imported from China to Poland must meet stringent EU regulations, which Poland enforces as an EU member state, alongside any national requirements. These rules ensure consumer safety, environmental protection, and fair trade, covering everything from chemical restrictions to fire safety. Failing to comply risks customs delays, product recalls, or penalties, while outdated competitor platforms often leave importers confused. PortGlo’s modern tools make compliance seamless, addressing challenges like language barriers with Chinese suppliers and the need for “everything written the right way.”

Key Standards and Certifications for Importing Furniture to Poland

Here are the essential EU and Polish requirements for furniture imports, based on the latest regulations and industry practices:

1. General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)

What: Effective since December 13, 2024, the GPSR (Regulation (EU) 2023/988) requires all consumer furniture to be safe, with no risks to health or property. Importers must conduct risk assessments and maintain technical documentation.

Applies To: All furniture (e.g., sofas, tables, beds) sold in the EU, including Poland.

Requirements:

Appoint an EU-based responsible person (e.g., importer or authorized representative) to handle compliance.

Provide safety information and warnings in Polish.

Ensure traceability with batch/serial numbers and contact details on products or packaging.

PortGlo Solution: Use our documentation generator to create GPSR-compliant technical files and labels in Polish, ensuring seamless customs clearance.

2. REACH Regulation

What: The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) (Regulation (EC) 1907/2006) restricts hazardous substances in furniture, such as formaldehyde in wood or phthalates in upholstery. Annex XVII limits substances like lead or flame retardants, and furniture may need to report Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) above 0.1%.

Applies To: All furniture components (e.g., glues, paints, foam, textiles).

Requirements:

Obtain supplier test reports confirming REACH compliance, often via third-party labs (e.g., SGS, Intertek).

Ensure formaldehyde emissions meet limits (e.g., E1 class for wood panels).

Submit SVHC notifications to the ECHA SCIP database if applicable.

PortGlo Solution: Our supplier communication templates help request REACH test reports from Chinese suppliers in Mandarin, overcoming language barriers.

3. EU Timber Regulation (EUTR)

What: The EUTR (Regulation (EU) 995/2010) prevents illegal timber in furniture, requiring due diligence to ensure wood is legally sourced. It applies to wooden furniture under CN codes like 9403 (e.g., office, kitchen, bedroom furniture). Recycled wood is exempt.

Applies To: Wooden furniture (e.g., oak tables, pine chairs).

Requirements:

Maintain supply chain documentation (e.g., purchase records, supplier certifications).

Verify wood isn’t from endangered species under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which may require permits.

Provide heat or chemical treatment certificates for pest prevention (e.g., ISPM 15 for pallets).

PortGlo Solution: Our compliance checklist streamlines EUTR documentation, ensuring legal timber sourcing.

4. CE Marking (When Applicable)

What: The CE mark indicates compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental standards. It’s not typically required for most furniture but is mandatory for items with electrical components (e.g., lighted mirrors, motorized recliners) under directives like RoHS, EMC, or LVD.

Applies To: Furniture with electrical or moving parts.

Requirements:

Conduct conformity assessments and obtain test reports from notified bodies.

Issue a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and affix the CE mark.

PortGlo Solution: Use our HS code finder to identify if your furniture requires CE marking and our documentation generator for DoCs.

5. Fire Safety Standards

What: EU harmonized standards like EN 1021-1/2 (upholstered furniture) and EN 597-1/2 (mattresses) set fire safety requirements for ignition resistance (e.g., smouldering cigarette, match flame). Poland enforces these for consumer safety.

Applies To: Upholstered furniture (e.g., sofas, armchairs) and mattresses.

Requirements:

Obtain test reports confirming compliance with fire safety standards.

Include fire safety warnings in Polish on labels or manuals.

PortGlo Solution: Our regulatory hub provides updates on fire safety standards, and our labeling tools ensure Polish-language compliance.

6. Additional Polish Requirements

Labeling: Furniture must include Polish-language labels with the manufacturer’s or importer’s contact details, material composition (e.g., “oak wood, polyester upholstery”), and safety instructions.

VAT and EORI: Importers need an EORI number for customs clearance and must account for Poland’s 23% VAT on furniture imports.

Phytosanitary Controls: While finished furniture is usually exempt, semi-finished wood or packaging may require phytosanitary certificates under Council Directive 2000/29/EC to prevent pests.

Challenges and How PortGlo Helps

Importing furniture from China to Poland involves unique challenges:

Language Barriers: Chinese suppliers may not provide REACH or EUTR-compliant documentation in English or Polish.

Complex Regulations: Navigating GPSR, REACH, and EUTR requires expertise, unlike competitors’ “not updated” platforms.

Supplier Verification: Ensuring Chinese manufacturers meet EU standards demands rigorous checks.