How Indian Furniture Is Packed and Shipped Worldwide: Timber Rules, Crating and What to Plan For

Furniture moving between climates needs well-seasoned timber. Wood that is not properly dried can shrink, crack or warp when it reaches a drier or colder country. Ask your maker how the timber is seasoned and how the piece is built to move with the wood.

• Surfaces wrapped in protective film or cloth
• Corners and edges padded
• Glass, stone and brass protected separately
• Pieces that can be disassembled are packed flat to save space and reduce damage

Many countries require wooden packaging to meet the international standard ISPM 15, which means heat-treated and stamped wood. Some also have rules on timber products themselves. Check your country's import rules before you order, and ask your maker for the documents they can provide.

Sea freight is the usual choice for furniture: slower, but far cheaper per cubic metre. Air freight suits small, urgent or very valuable pieces. A shared container can suit a single piece or a few pieces; a full container suits large orders.

• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Bill of lading or airway bill
• Certificate of origin where needed
• Any timber or plant-health documents your country requires
• Import duty and taxes on arrival

Allow time for making, packing, shipping and customs clearance, and for delivery at the other end. Timelines depend on the piece, the route and your country, so ask for each stage separately rather than a single number.

Photograph the crate before opening, check each piece against the packing list and note any damage immediately. Keep the crate until everything is confirmed.

Beyond designs and makes furniture in-house in Bangalore. Tell us your country, the pieces you want and any size limits, and we will confirm packing, freight and paperwork for your order. Enquire here.