Many global buyers choose to import wooden spoons from Vietnam for competitive manufacturing and strong export experience. However, successful importing requires a clear understanding of each step in the import process.
This article covers the essential information buyers need, including how to find reliable suppliers, calculate taxes and tariffs, and identify key considerations when sourcing wooden spoons from Vietnam.
Overview of Vietnam’s exports of wooden kitchenware
Vietnam is one of the established exporters of wooden kitchenware in Asia, supplying products such as wooden spoons, spatulas, bowls, and other tableware to global markets.
In 2023, Vietnam exported approximately USD 72.30 million worth of wooden kitchenware, with a total export volume of over 10 million kilograms. At the same time, global imports of wooden kitchenware reached around USD 1.9 billion. This performance reflects Vietnam’s growing manufacturing capacity and its ability to meet international demand for wooden kitchen products.
Vietnam’s wooden kitchenware was mainly shipped to Asian and North American destinations. The top importing countries in 2023 included Japan, with an import value of USD 26.53 million, followed by South Korea at USD 12.70 million, and the United States at USD 11.46 million. These markets are known for strict quality, food safety, and sustainability requirements, indicating that
Vietnamese wooden kitchenware products are increasingly aligned with international standards. Generally, this indicates that Vietnamese suppliers are capable of meeting international compliance standards for wooden products.
Why Vietnam is a key sourcing country for wooden spoons
Vietnam combines export scale, cost efficiency, legal wood supply, logistics readiness, and trade policy support.
The reasons below explain why Vietnam remains a practical sourcing option for B2B buyers.
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Competitive manufacturing costs
Cost efficiency remains a key reason to import wooden spoons from Vietnam. Wooden spoons are labor-intensive products that require shaping, sanding, and surface finishing. Labor cost, therefore, has a direct impact on FOB pricing.
According to the World Bank, average manufacturing wages in Vietnam are around USD 320 to 350 per month, while manufacturing wages in China often exceed USD 600 per month. This puts Vietnam’s labor cost at about 40 to 50 percent lower than China’s.
This cost gap allows Vietnamese factories to offer competitive pricing for bulk orders and OEM programs, while still meeting quality expectations for export markets.
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Legal and sustainable wood sourcing
Wood legality is a critical concern for global buyers serving the US and EU markets.
Vietnam has implemented a timber legality assurance system under the VPA FLEGT agreement with the European Union. This framework helps ensure that wood products exported from Vietnam originate from legally harvested and traceable sources, strengthening buyer confidence and reducing compliance risks.
In terms of raw materials, many Vietnamese manufacturers rely on FSC-certified wood. Vietnam currently has approximately 310,000 hectares of FSC-certified forests, providing a solid foundation for manufacturers to meet international sustainability requirements.
This positions Vietnam as a reliable sourcing destination for buyers seeking legally compliant and environmentally responsible wooden kitchenware.
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Export logistics infrastructure
Vietnam’s export infrastructure supports consistent shipments to major markets.
According to the World Bank Logistics Performance Index, Vietnam ranked 43 out of 139 countries, placing it among the strongest logistics performers in Southeast Asia. Major deep-sea ports such as Cai Mep Thi Vai handle over 8 million TEUs per year and offer direct shipping routes to the United States and Europe.
For wooden spoons, sea freight is the dominant transport method. Typical sea freight transit times are 18-22 days to the US West Coast and 28-35 days to major EU ports. Vietnam’s established shipping routes and frequent vessel schedules help importers plan lead times more accurately and reduce logistics risk.
How to import wooden spoons from Vietnam
Importing wooden spoons from Vietnam is a structured process that combines supplier selection, technical evaluation, contract management, quality control, and customs compliance.
The steps below reflect common practices used by B2B importers sourcing from Vietnam for regulated markets such as the United States, the European Union, Japan, and South Korea.
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Find a good supplier
The first step is identifying suppliers with proven export capability in wooden kitchenware.
There are several practical channels to identify reliable wooden spoon suppliers in Vietnam. B2B sourcing platforms, trade shows, and industry associations are common starting points.
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Evaluate samples
Sample evaluation is a mandatory step before placing any bulk order.
Wooden spoons vary in grain structure, moisture content, and surface finishing, even when made from the same wood species.
You should order at least 3-5 samples from the same supplier to evaluate properly.
Key considerations when reviewing wooden spoon samples:
- Surface finish: The surface of the spoon should be smooth and evenly sanded, with no splinters, sharp edges, or raised grain.
- Consistency across multiple samples: Check consistency in thickness, handle length, and spoon depth.
- Structural defects: Inspect carefully for hairline cracks, especially at stress points between the handle and spoon bowl.
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Negotiate terms
After samples are approved, it is time to move into negotiation. Negotiation is not only about price. It is also about aligning expectations on timelines, quality tolerance, and responsibility at each stage of the transaction.
Your contract should define product specifications, unit pricing, minimum order quantity, lead time, payment terms, and Incoterms. It should also clarify inspection rights and remedies if products fail quality checks.
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Quality control
Quality control should be applied at defined stages, not only at the end of production.
A typical quality control process includes inspections before production begins, during production, when approximately 30% of the order is completed, after production is finished, and before shipment. These checks help identify issues early, reduce defects, and ensure the final products meet agreed specifications.
When on-site visits are not possible, you can appoint third-party inspectors to perform these checks on your behalf.
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Customs duties, taxes, and tariffs
The next step is managing customs duties, taxes, and tariffs.
Wooden spoons are generally classified under HS code 4419, which covers wooden tableware and kitchenware. Correct classification is essential, as it determines duty rates and documentation requirements.
If you import into the United States, you may need to provide accurate declarations about wood species and origin under timber legality rules. In the European Union, importers are responsible for due diligence related to legal wood sourcing.
To clear customs smoothly, you will usually need a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and relevant timber legality documents.
Tariff rates depend on the destination country and any applicable trade agreements. For example, under EVFTA, many wood products exported from Vietnam to the EU are eligible for reduced or 0 import duty.
Working with a customs broker can help you calculate landed costs accurately and avoid delays.
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Manage shipping
Sea freight is the most common shipping method for wooden spoons due to cost efficiency and suitability for bulk cargo. Vietnam has a strong advantage in this area due to its developed port infrastructure and established shipping routes.
Packaging plays an important role during shipping. Wooden spoons should be protected against moisture exposure, and all wooden pallets must comply with ISPM 15 standards to avoid quarantine issues at destination ports.
Where to find reliable Vietnamese wooden spoons?
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Work with sourcing agents
Working with sourcing agents in Vietnam can greatly simplify supplier identification and negotiation when you import wooden spoons from Vietnam.
These agents generally offer services such as supplier vetting, factory introductions, quality control support, and often logistics coordination.
Some of the more well-known names in Vietnam include:
Vietnam B2B Direct is a Vietnam-based sourcing and trade services company that has been operating in the country for nearly two decades. It has about 15 years of experience in providing end-to-end sourcing services, including =supplier identification, procurement support, quality control inspections, and logistics coordination. Its sourcing coverage spans multiple export-driven categories such as wooden products and wooden kitchenware, furniture, housewares, textiles, metal products, plastics, and rubber goods.
Address and contact:
- Head Office: 2A/20 Bach Dang Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Tel: +84 (0) 28 3844-7055
- Website: https://vietnamb2bdirect.com/
Seditex operates as a boutique sourcing, consulting, and quality assurance firm. Its sourcing categories include apparel, bags and luggage, furniture and wooden products, plastic injection items, metal products, and selected consumer electronics components. Their services are factory assessments, merchandising support, QA audits, and cross-border sourcing coordination.
Address and contact:
- Head Office: Hoang Anh River View A01-03, 37 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, 713000, Vietnam
- Tel: +84 2822400404
- Website: https://seditexvn.com/
Dragon Sourcing is a global procurement and sourcing services provider founded in 2004. The company operates on a global procurement model and supports sourcing across a wide range of industries. Its services include supplier identification, procurement intelligence, feasibility studies, cost analysis, and quality assurance. The company works with industrial goods, raw materials, consumer products, packaging, machinery, and custom-developed products.
Address and contact:
- Head Office: Room A1.03, Hoang Anh River View Apartment, 37 Nguyen Van Huong Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, HCM City, Vietnam
- Tel: +84 923 068 538
- Website: https://www.dragonsourcing.com/
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Use B2B marketplaces
Online B2B marketplaces are convenient starting points for finding wooden spoon suppliers when you import from Vietnam. These platforms vary in size, specialization, and supplier verification level.
| Platform | Main focus | Strengths for buyers | Limitations |
| Alibaba | Global B2B marketplace for all industries | Very large supplier base and RFQ tools | High supplier quality variance requires strong vetting, many intermediaries |
| VinaSources | Vietnam-focused sourcing ecosystem | Very large supplier base and RFQ tools | Smaller supplier pool compared with global platforms |
| Global Sources | Export-focused B2B directory | Strong vetting and detailed company profiles | Fewer small MOQ suppliers and a higher entry bar |
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Visit trade shows
Attending trade shows in Vietnam is an effective way to meet manufacturers in person, inspect product quality, and build direct relationships. Wooden spoons and related kitchenware are often part of broader wood products, furniture, and handicraft exhibitions.
HAWAEXPO 2026, taking place March 4-7, 2026, at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, gathers large numbers of furniture and wood products manufacturers and exhibitors, offering another sourcing opportunity.
VIFA EXPO 2026 (Vietnam International Furniture & Home Accessories Fair) is one of the largest and most established trade shows in Vietnam. It will be held from March 8-11, 2026, at WTC EXPO (Binh Duong Ward) and SKY EXPO (Trung My Tay Ward) in Ho Chi Minh City. The event is expected to feature more than 2,800 booths showcasing furniture, home accessories, wood products, and handicrafts. This scale provides a broad view of Vietnamese wood manufacturers and related suppliers.
VIFA ASEAN 2026, scheduled for September 2-5, 2026, at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City. This fair brings together around 1,000 booths with a focus on furniture, home décor, household items, and handicrafts from Vietnam and the ASEAN region, which may include kitchenware producers.
How to evaluate reliable suppliers when importing wooden spoons
When you import wooden spoons from Vietnam, supplier selection determines long-term cost, compliance risk, and supply stability.
The table below explains the core evaluation factors and provides you with some ideas to assess the suppliers
| # | Factors | Why it matters | How to evaluate |
| 1 | Legal compliance | Non-compliant suppliers expose importers to customs delays, fines, and product seizure under US and EU timber laws | Check business licenses, export licenses, timber legality documents, and FSC Chain of Custody certificates |
| 2 | Credibility and reputation | Suppliers with proven export history are more likely to meet international standards and delivery expectations | Review export markets served, years of experience, trade references, and transaction records |
| 3 | Product quality and consistency | Quality defects in wooden spoons cannot be fixed after shipment and lead to rejection or recalls | Inspect samples, request quality specs, and conduct third-party inspections before shipment |
| 4 | Product quality and consistency | Insufficient capacity causes delays and unstable supply during demand growth | Verify monthly output, lead time history, and ability to scale production |
Quality certifications for importing wooden spoons
When importing wooden spoons, you should ensure that suppliers comply with relevant certifications and regulatory standards to meet market entry requirements and reduce compliance risks.
The most important certifications typically fall into three categories:
- Food contact safety: FDA 21 CFR Food Contact Materials (for the US market), EU Framework Regulation EC No 1935/2004 (for the EU market), and LFGB Standard.
- Wood legality and sustainability: FSC Certification, PEFC Certification, EU Timber Regulation, and EU Deforestation Regulation
- Quality management and factory systems: ISO 9001, BSCI, or SMETA Audit Reports
Regulations vary by market, so verifying these requirements in advance helps prevent customs delays, compliance issues, or product rejection at the port of entry.
What is the typical MOQ for wooden spoons?
Most Vietnamese manufacturers set MOQs to optimize labor and machine utilization.
For standard wooden spoons with common designs, MOQs usually range from 500 to 2,000 pieces per SKU.
For OEM or custom designs, such as engraved logos or special shapes, MOQs often increase to 2,000 to 5,000 pieces, since tooling and setup costs must be amortized over larger volumes.
What is the lead time for wooden spoon production?
Lead time includes production, finishing, packing, and export preparation. For standard wooden spoons, the production lead time after sample approval is typically 25-40 days, and it often extends to 45-60 days for customized products.
What is the typical FOB cost for wooden spoons?
Most Vietnamese suppliers quote prices on a Free On Board (FOB Vietnam port) basis. This means the cost covers manufacturing, packaging, and delivery to the departure port before international freight.
Bulk wooden spoons often start around USD 0.30 to USD 1.74 per piece for simple designs, such as basic cooking or serving spoons.
Some listings show FOB prices up to USD 3.00 or more per piece for spoons with a better finish and high-quality wood.
Handcrafted or specialty wooden spoons can be quoted above this level, such as custom shapes or sets.
Partner with VinaSources for Reliable Sourcing
VinaSources is a reliable and efficient solution if you want to source wooden spoons from Vietnam. With 12 years of experience in the e-commerce sector, our platform serves as a bridge connecting global buyers with Vietnamese wooden spoon suppliers. All suppliers on the platform are carefully verified, giving buyers greater confidence in product quality, export readiness, and factory standards.
By browsing the kitchen utensils catalog, you can easily compare designs, materials, and pricing to find options that match your specific requirements. Our team also brings extensive experience in sourcing procedures and provides hands-on support throughout the process, from supplier evaluation and product verification to ongoing communication, ensuring a smooth and efficient sourcing journey from start to finish.
Visit VinaSources to explore verified manufacturers and connect with the right partner for your next wooden spoon import project. You can reach our team via the quotation form or contact customer support at 1900 4356 for direct assistance.