Vietnam vs China for flat-pack nursery furniture: lead time, MOQ and duties
Short answer: neither country is automatically cheaper or faster. China has the larger and more varied supplier base; Vietnam has an established wood-furniture industry and is often chosen to diversify supply. Compare quotes on the same specification, and confirm duties for your HTS code with a customs broker.
Lead time
Lead time depends on the factory's order book more than on the country. Ask every supplier for three figures in writing: sample time, production time counted from the deposit, and sea freight to your port. At Tan Phuoc a sample takes about 10 working days and production takes 40–60 days from the deposit, depending on the model.
MOQ
Minimum order quantities vary by factory and by product. Factory-direct OEM orders for cribs and beds often start at tens of units per model, and some factories set the minimum per container. Ask whether the MOQ applies per model or per container, and whether it changes when you supply your own design. At Tan Phuoc the MOQ is one 40HQ container with up to 3–4 models mixed.
Duties
US duties depend on the HTS classification, the country of origin and the trade actions in force, which changed several times in 2025–2026. Origin is set by where the product is substantially made, not by where the order is placed. Do not rely on a rate quoted by a factory. Wooden bathroom vanities and kitchen cabinets are covered by Section 232 wood-products duties; cribs, beds and dressers are classified differently. Confirm the current rate for your HTS code with a licensed customs broker before you order.
Safety standards are the same
The destination market sets the standard: ASTM F1169 / 16 CFR 1219 in the US, AS/NZS 2172 in Australia and New Zealand, EN 716 in the EU. A crib made in Vietnam and a crib made in China are tested to the same rules, and the same certificate and labelling duties apply.
How to compare quotes fairly
- Send the same drawings, material and finish to every supplier.
- Use the same Incoterm and port.
- Require a test report for the same standard and edition.
- Compare the packaging and the units per container.
- Add duties last, using your broker's figure for each origin.
FAQ
Is Vietnam cheaper than China for nursery furniture?
Not automatically. Price depends on the model, material, finish, volume and freight, so compare quotes on the same specification and add duties last.
Do cribs made in Vietnam need different testing?
No. Testing follows the destination market: ASTM F1169 for the US, AS/NZS 2172 for Australia and New Zealand, EN 716 for the EU.
How do I confirm the duty rate?
Ask a licensed customs broker, giving the HTS code and the country of origin, and check the trade actions in force on the date of import.