Note that Vietnamese and Canadian furniture will receive preferential treatment under CPTPP.

DNHN - The Vietnam Trade Office in Canada has taken note of the regulations and specifications that imported furniture products must meet to maintain consumer satisfaction and confidence.

The Canadian Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) is a prominent regulation whose primary objective is to protect consumers from product-related safety risks. In addition, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) restricts the use of potentially harmful chemicals, such as heavy metals and formaldehyde, to ensure that products are not harmful to the environment.

Wooden products necessitate special care. Unprocessed products may not require a phytosanitary certificate, but the Canadian Food Safety Authority must impose phytosanitary quarantine on unprocessed products. Wood products thicker than 1.5 centimeters are required to have a certificate of plant diversity protection to ensure their origin and protection. For CITES-restricted rare wood, a CITES certificate is also required.

Not only must upholstered and fabric/foam products be labeled with their ingredients, but they must also be tested for cigarette flammability and chemical residue. Products made with glass must ensure heat and force safety. In addition to usage instructions and warnings, chemical and heavy metal regulations as well as physical tests must be strictly adhered to for children's products.

The Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Act and the BIFMA sustainable furniture standard are in effect in the office sector. To reduce resource waste, the market is particularly interested in products with a sustainable design and upgradability.

To ensure that users have access to complete and accurate information, products imported into Canada must include a bilingual user manual with information on installation, use, specifications, and recycling.

In contrast, due to its concern for social responsibility and sustainability, Canada prioritizes the purchase of products made from recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable materials. Manufacturers must adhere to standards such as ISO 14001, BIFMA, LEED, SCS, Greenguard, FSC, and MAS to ensure product quality and satisfy stringent market demands.

In addition to the federal regulations for furniture products, each province may also have its regulations. Importers play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with these regulations and requirements, including maintaining pertinent documentation, conducting inspections at reputable inspection agencies, and being accountable for information and product quality.

Since the CPTPP Agreement, Canadian importers have expressed interest in Vietnam's furniture production capacity. This represents new export opportunities for Vietnamese furniture manufacturers in the Canadian market.

Importing furniture products into Canada necessitates not only a focus on product quality but also strict compliance with safety and environmental protection regulations. This is an important step to ensure consumer confidence and demonstrate companies' commitment to sustainable business practices.

P.V (t/h)