Importing Bathroom Furniture from China in 2026: The Complete Customs & Duties Guide

Sourcing bathroom vanities directly from China remains one of the most profitable strategies for wholesalers, developers, and hotel contractors globally. As we head into 2026, the manufacturing hub of Foshan continues to offer unmatched quality and value, particularly in the stainless steel bathroom cabinet sector.

However, navigating the complex waters of international trade—specifically customs, duties, and HS codes—can be daunting for first-time importers. A single error in documentation can lead to costly delays at the port.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about importing sanitary ware from China in 2026, ensuring your shipment arrives on time and within budget.

1. Why Source from China (Foshan) in 2026?

Foshan is known as the "Ceramic Capital," but it is also the global epicenter for stainless steel and PVC bathroom furniture manufacturing. Factories here, like Langdeng Sanitary Ware, have moved beyond basic manufacturing to offer:

• Advanced R&D: Utilizing PVD coating technologies for colored stainless steel.

• Supply Chain Integration: Proximity to raw material suppliers (steel, ceramic, mirrors) lowers costs.

• Customization: Ability to handle complex OEM/ODM orders for hotel projects.

2. Decoding the HS Codes for Bathroom Vanities

The Harmonized System (HS) Code is the universal language of international trade. Using the wrong code can result in incorrect duty calculations or fines. Here are the essential HS codes for 2026 when importing from Langdeng:

*Note: HS codes can vary slightly by destination country (HTS codes in the USA). Always verify with your local customs broker.*

3. Key Import Duties & Taxes to Consider

When calculating your landed cost, the factory price (EXW) is just the beginning. You must account for:

• Import Duty: A percentage of the commercial invoice value based on the HS code.

• VAT / GST: Value Added Tax (Europe/UK) or Goods and Services Tax (Australia/Canada) is levied on the total value (CIF value + Duty).

• Anti-Dumping Duties (ADD): Some countries impose extra tariffs on specific Chinese ceramic or wooden bedroom furniture products. Good news: Stainless steel vanities often avoid the high anti-dumping duties that plague wooden cabinetry.

• Harbor Maintenance Fees (USA): Small fees applied to ocean freight.

4. Avoid These 3 Common Customs Mistakes

In our experience exporting to over 50 countries, we see new importers make the same errors that lead to expensive delays. Avoid these pitfalls to keep your costs low:

• The "Sets" vs. "Parts" Confusion: If you import a vanity with a sink and mirror packed together, check if your local customs requires them to be declared as a "Set" (one HS code) or as individual components. Misdeclaring this is the #1 cause of audits.

• Invoice Value Mismatch: Never ask a factory to undervalue the commercial invoice to save on taxes. Customs databases have reference prices for steel and ceramic. A mismatch triggers immediate red flags and fines.

• Ignoring Packaging Regulations: Even if you buy stainless steel cabinets, if they are shipped on raw wood pallets without an ISPM 15 stamp, your shipment could be rejected at the border (especially in Australia and the USA). Always request plywood pallets or treated wood from Langdeng.

5. Country-Specific Import Alerts (2026)

Region: USA Importers

Pay attention to specific HTS Codes. While general duties apply, ensure you check for any active Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods. Don't forget the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF).

Region: EU Importers

VAT is payable upon importation. For cabinets with LED mirrors, ensure your supplier provides a valid CE Certificate and RoHS compliance documents to avoid customs rejection.

Region: Australia

Biosecurity is strict. While stainless steel doesn't need fumigation, packaging must be ISPM 15 compliant. Ensure taps/mixers have mandatory WaterMark Certification.

6. Essential Documentation Checklist

To clear customs smoothly, ensure Langdeng provides you with the following documents:

1. Commercial Invoice: Must state the HS code, value per unit, and total value.

2. Packing List: Details net weight (NW), gross weight (GW), and carton dimensions.

3. Bill of Lading (B/L): The official shipping receipt (Telex Release is often faster).

4. Certificate of Origin (C/O): Essential for countries with Free Trade Agreements (e.g., Form E for ASEAN countries) to reduce or eliminate duties.

7. Choosing the Right Incoterms (2026 Updates)

Understanding Incoterms defines who pays for shipping and who handles the risk.

• EXW (Ex Works): You pick up the goods from our Foshan factory. Maximum control, maximum work for you.

• FOB (Free on Board): We handle trucking to the port (e.g., Shenzhen/Guangzhou) and export customs. You pay for ocean freight. This is the most common term for B2B buyers.

• CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): We pay for ocean freight and insurance to your destination port. You handle import customs.

• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Ideally for smaller buyers. We handle everything to your door.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I mix different models in one container?

Yes! At Langdeng, we support mixed container loading. You can combine PVC vanities and Stainless Steel models in a 40HQ container to maximize your inventory variety.

2. Does stainless steel furniture require fumigation?

No. Unlike solid wood cabinets, stainless steel and PVC vanities do not require fumigation certificates, speeding up customs clearance in Australia and the USA.

3. How long does shipping take from China to the US/Europe?

In 2026, expect ocean freight to take approx. 30-40 days to the US West Coast, 45-60 days to the US East Coast, and 35-45 days to major European ports.

Ready to Start Your Order?

Importing doesn't have to be complicated. With Langdeng Sanitary Ware, you get a partner who understands global logistics.

Request our 2026 Catalog & Price List Today and let us help you build your next best-selling bathroom collection.