Buying and Exporting Furniture from Burundi: The Definitive Guide

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you’ll probably be aware that there is some really great furniture being made in Africa right now. Burundi is one of those places that is producing some very impressive pieces indeed. This small country in central Africa has a lot to offer visitors, with its lush greenery, beautiful lakes and rivers, and numerous waterfalls. It also has some very skilled artisans who produce excellent furniture using local materials such as wendoco and mpingo wood. The soaring costs of new buildings and homes have made second-hand furniture incredibly popular in the western world. Combine this with the growing demand for ethically produced goods and you have the perfect conditions for buying unique pieces from countries such as Burundi and exporting them to markets like the UK where they can be sold at a premium.

Why Burundi?

This is the first question you’ll need to ask yourself. Why Burundi, and not one of the many other African countries that produce furniture? Burundi is a relatively small and unknown country, despite being in the middle of a very volatile region of the world. It also has a very high rate of carvability, meaning that the vast majority of people there are involved in the furniture trade in some capacity. This means that there is a huge supply of furniture coming out of Burundi, but also that the price of that furniture is incredibly low. This means that you can buy a lot more while spending a lot less.

Buying Furniture in Burundi

There are a few things to bear in mind when buying furniture in Burundi. First and foremost, you’ll need to have a very clear idea of what you’re looking for when visiting a showroom. It’s not uncommon for people to buy entire rooms worth of furniture on their first visit to Burundi, so make sure you really know what you want to buy. Secondly, you’ll need to have a very clear idea of the style of furniture you want. Burundi is famous not only for its excellent quality, but also for its diversity. This means that you’ll be able to find anything from rustic, handmade wooden tables to ultra modern, brushed steel cupboards. Thirdly, you’ll need to know how much you want to spend. There is furniture in Burundi to suit all budgets, but you’ll need to be realistic with your expectations.

Exporting from Burundi

Exporting furniture from Burundi is actually a little easier than buying it. While you can get everything you need through Burundi’s trade portal, it’s worth noting that Burundi has no customs duty for most items (only for specific items like alcohol, cigarettes, and arms). The trickiest part of exporting from Burundi is making sure that your goods are in compliance with UK health and safety regulations, and to do this, you’ll need to employ a reputable customs broker. It’s also worth noting that you’ll need to be very careful if you’re using a broker who isn’t located in Burundi. This is because you’ll need to get your paperwork and documents verified by a Burundian government representative before they can be stamped.

Wrapping up: Know Before You Go

Before you jet off to Burundi with a suitcase full of cash, it’s important to remember a few key things. First and foremost, make sure you have a very clear idea of what you want to buy. Second, bear in mind that the price of the furniture will vary significantly depending on what you want to buy. Thirdly, remember that your money is going to help Burundians improve their lives, and in turn, this will enrich the world as a whole. It’s time to book your flights and pack your bags. And remember: Burundi is waiting for you!