Honest buyer note: Our lamps are handwoven by village artisans in Bali and Java, so expect natural colour variation and a size tolerance of roughly ±1–3 cm on larger shades. All prices, MOQs, lead times and container counts are indicative ranges (2024–2025, FOB Indonesia) and final pricing is by quote. Standard wiring is E27 at 220–240 V; we can supply CE-compliant wiring or shade-only (no electrics) so you meet UL/UKCA or local standards in your market — we don’t imply certification we don’t hold. Natural fibre is moisture-sensitive, so we dry, treat and pack appropriately and recommend acclimatisation on arrival. Rattan is generally not CITES-listed. We coordinate vetted workshops and handle export documentation.
How many rattan lamps per container depends on three variables: lamp size, design (solid vs. open weave, nesting or not), and how much assembly you do at destination. For most wholesale buyers, a 40ft HQ can take roughly 800–2,000 handwoven rattan lamps, while a 20ft is usually in the 350–900 piece range, assuming assorted sizes and export-safe packing.
What “how many rattan lamps per container” really means
Before talking exact counts, you need the basic constraints that drive container loading rattan lighting:
– Container sizes: 20ft (standard) and 40ft (standard or high cube, “HQ/HC”).
– Lamp types: pendants (most efficient to ship), floor and table lamps (more volume per piece).
– Packing method: nested / stacked vs. single-carton packing.
– Wiring choice: complete wired sets vs. shades-only.
– Quality risk: how much compression and nesting you accept without deforming the weave.
At Bali Rattan Lamps, we ship handwoven pendants, floor and table lamps FOB Surabaya or Semarang, made in Bali and Java (Cirebon), using rattan cane and peel from Kalimantan/Sulawesi. All container counts below are based on real mixed-orders shipped 2023–2024, adjusted conservatively for 2024–2025.
Typical container counts for 20ft and 40ft rattan lamps
The ranges below are indicative, not guarantees. Final stowage depends on your exact SKU mix, carton spec, and how aggressively we nest.
Indicative container loading by lamp size
| Lamp type & approx. size | Packing style | 20ft container (pcs) | 40ft / 40ft HQ container (pcs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small pendants Ø20–30 cm | Nested in master cartons | 800–1,400 | 1,800–3,000 |
| Medium pendants Ø35–45 cm | Nested 3–4 per carton | 600–1,000 | 1,300–2,200 |
| Large pendants Ø50–60 cm | Nested 2–3 per carton | 400–800 | 900–1,600 |
| XL pendants Ø70–90 cm | Nested 1–2 per carton | 250–500 | 600–1,100 |
| Table lamps (shade + base) | Individual cartons | 350–700 | 800–1,400 |
| Floor lamps up to 150 cm | Individual cartons | 200–450 | 450–900 |
| Floor lamps 160–180 cm sculptural | Individual cartons / partial nesting | 150–350 | 350–700 |
These are realistic working ranges for mixed wholesale orders (not lab-optimised). If you want a container plan tailored to your SKUs, plan your trip with us via email or WhatsApp – we can mock up a rough loading estimate before you commit to tooling and sampling.
Key factors that change how many rattan lamps per container
1. Diameter, height and shape
– Diameter is usually the main driver for pendants (Ø20 vs. Ø60 cm is a huge volume jump).
– Height and base footprint matter more for table and floor lamps.
– Organic / asymmetric shapes (waves, gourds, donut forms) tend to waste more “air” between pieces than clean cones or drums.
As a working rule for 20ft / 40ft HQ rattan lamps:
– Every +10 cm in diameter for round pendants can drop container capacity by ~15–25%.
– Adding solid wooden / metal bases to table or floor lamps typically halves the count vs. shades-only.
2. Nesting strategy: aggressive vs. conservative
Nesting (stacking lamps inside one another) is the main lever for container loading rattan lighting.
– Aggressive nesting:
– Maximum pieces per cbm.
– Higher risk of shape deformation, especially for intricate weaves and thin rattan peel.
– Better only for simple open-weave pendants, not tight basket-weave.
– Conservative nesting:
– Fewer units per container.
– Safer for high-value designs and tight weaves.
– Preferred for OEM where brand standards are strict and re-steaming/re-shaping at destination is not desired.
We usually propose two options during RFQ:
– “Volume-optimised” loading plan.
– “Shape-protection” loading plan.
3. Wiring vs. shade-only
You can ship either:
– Shade-only (most efficient): just the rattan shell.
– Complete sets: shade + E27 cable set + ceiling cap/hardware.
Shade-only:
– Better nesting; cables and hardware shipped in separate cartons.
– Higher piece count per container.
– Buyer arranges wiring compliance locally or uses our OEM label cables.
Complete sets:
– Slightly lower piece count (more cartons, more void fill).
– More convenient for smaller distributors and hospitality projects.
Wiring compliance honesty:
– We typically supply E27, 220–240V sets suited to EU/AU/UK markets, with CE-conform components where specified by buyer.
– For North America, we strongly recommend the buyer either:
– Imports shades-only and sources UL-certified kits locally, OR
– Has their own UL-listed assembly programme.
– We do not claim UL certification for the complete lamp unless explicitly arranged and documented by the buyer.
4. Carton design and export packing
More compact carton design increases capacity but also risk. We balance:
– Single-wall vs. double-wall cartons.
– Corner protection for rigid frames.
– Shrink-wrap and paper wrap around the weave.
– Palletised vs. loose-loaded (most rattan lighting is loose-loaded to maximise volume).
For big retail programmes (national chains), we often adopt a standard master carton (e.g. 2–4 pieces per carton, fixed dimensions) and work backward from the container. For independent wholesalers, we’re more flexible and will adapt packing to your storage and picking system.
FOB price ranges, MOQ and how this interacts with container loading
All prices below are indicative 2024–2025 FOB Surabaya/Semarang ranges, last verified June 2026, and confirmed only by formal quotation.
Typical FOB ranges by lamp segment
- Small pendants Ø20–30 cm (simple open weave)
- ~US$6–11 FOB per piece at 200–400+ pcs per SKU.
- Medium pendants Ø35–45 cm
- ~US$9–16 FOB per piece at 100–300+ pcs per SKU.
- Large pendants Ø50–60 cm
- ~US$14–26 FOB per piece at 80–200+ pcs per SKU.
- XL pendants Ø70–90 cm / sculptural forms
- ~US$22–45+ FOB per piece at 50–120+ pcs per SKU, depending on frame complexity.
- Table lamps (shade + simple rattan/wood base)
- ~US$14–32 FOB per piece at 80–200+ pcs per SKU.
- Floor lamps up to 150–180 cm
- ~US$35–85+ FOB per piece at 40–120+ pcs per SKU.
MOQ ranges and mixing in one container
Minimums vary by complexity and finishing:
– Generic catalogue pendants: often 30–50 pcs/SKU, 200–300 pcs per mixed order.
– OEM/custom pendants: typically 50–100 pcs/SKU, depending on tooling and sampling.
– Table/floor lamps: usually 30–80 pcs/SKU.
– Mixed containers: we regularly mix SKUs, sizes and even collections, as long as the total order reaches our workable volume (often ~8–12 cbm minimum, depending on season).
You do not need to fill a full 20ft or 40ft on your first order, but per-unit FOB improves as you approach full-container loads and MOQs.
Deposits, lead times and seasonality
Indicative terms and timings:
– Deposit: commonly 40–50% down payment on order confirmation, balance against documents.
– Production lead time:
– Standard designs: ~6–10 weeks after deposit and sample approval.
– OEM / new tooling: add 2–4 weeks for sampling and jigs.
– High season (Aug–Nov for pre-Christmas, Mar–May for northern-summer ranges) can stretch lead times and container space availability.
For time-sensitive projects (hotel openings, retail roll-outs), we strongly suggest locking SKUs and approximate container loading at least one season ahead.
How 20ft and 40ft rattan lamps shipments usually look
20ft container profiles
A typical 20ft mixed shipment might be:
– 400–700 medium pendants (Ø35–45 cm), nested.
– Plus 80–150 larger pendants (Ø50–60 cm).
– Plus 40–80 table lamps.
This sort of load gives:
– A reasonable spread of SKUs for a new market test.
– Space to experiment with a few sculptural or oversized hero pieces without killing the overall count.
For pure small pendants (e.g. hospitality corridors, small rooms):
– You might reach 1,000–1,400 pcs in a 20ft if designs are fairly simple and nesting is optimised.
40ft and 40ft HQ container profiles
Most mature buyers move to 40ft HQ because:
– Freight per cubic metre is usually more efficient than two 20fts.
– You can spread fixed import costs and compliance work across more units.
Typical 40ft HQ loads:
– 1,200–1,800 mixed pendants (small–large), plus
– 150–300 table lamps, plus
– 80–150 floor lamps,
or
– 1,800–2,500 small/medium pendants only.
For XL statement pieces (Ø80–90 cm, tall floor lamps 180 cm):
– A 40ft HQ might carry “only” 350–700 of these, but FOB per piece is higher and they drive good ticket prices at retail or in hospitality projects.
HS codes, documents and compliance context (US, EU, AU)
Typical HS codes for rattan lighting
Actual classification is the importer’s responsibility and must be confirmed with your customs broker, but in practice, buyers often use:
– Rattan lamp shades without electrical fittings:
– HS 9405.99 (parts of lamps), OR
– HS 4602.xx (basketwork of vegetable materials), depending on local guidance.
– Complete electrical lamps:
– HS 9405.19/9405.29 (lamps and lighting fittings, non-electrical parts excluded), subheading varies by exact product and jurisdiction.
We provide:
– Commercial invoice.
– Packing list with CBM and carton count.
– HS suggestion (for reference only).
– Certificate of Origin (Form D / RCEP / GSP where relevant and available).
– Fumigation certificate if required by the destination or carrier.
Rattan (Calamus spp.) used for our lamps is generally not CITES-listed; standard plant-health rules apply, not endangered-species permits.
Fumigation and phytosanitary
For US, EU and Australia:
– Most importers request:
– ISPM 15-compliant pallets (if pallets are used).
– Fumigation or heat-treatment certificate for the container load, especially when mixed with wooden items.
– Some EU buyers rely on company risk assessments and skip fumigation for rattan-only consignments, but this is policy-specific.
Australia and New Zealand:
– Tend to be stricter on biosecurity.
– Your broker may ask for:
– Fumigation certificate.
– Detailed packing list indicating materials used (rattan, bamboo, wood).
– We can coordinate standard fumigation at port of loading with the forwarder, costed separately in your quote.
Wiring, CE/UL and labelling
To keep this transparent:
– E27/220–240V sets we supply can be configured with CE-marked components where specified, but the final assembled lamp’s compliance rests with the importer.
– For US/Canada, if you market “UL listed” fixtures, that certification normally has to sit with:
– Your in-house assembly programme, or
– A UL-listed factory under your scheme.
– Many US buyers import shades-only and add locally sourced, UL-listed pendants.
We can:
– Leave shades unwired and design the neck/opening to suit your chosen lampholders.
– Pre-cut and pre-bind cable exits and mounting loops to streamline your assembly.
Moisture, mould and handmade variance in shipping
Rattan is a natural fibre; container loading decisions have to respect that.
Moisture and mould risk
Risks increase when:
– Goods are loaded during wet season with high ambient humidity.
– Containers sit at port or in transit without ventilation.
– Voyage routes involve large temperature swings (e.g. tropical to cold northern winter).
Mitigation we typically use:
– Drying and resting finished goods before packing.
– Silica gel or desiccant bags inside cartons.
– Container desiccant strips for long voyages or sensitive markets.
– Avoiding plastic wrapping that traps residual moisture against the weave.
Even with these measures, a small percentage of cartons may need airing or light cleaning on arrival. We do not promise zero mould in all conditions; we engineer to keep incidents low and manageable.
Handmade variance and deformation
Each piece is handwoven; expect:
– ±1–2 cm variation in diameter/height on many models.
– Slight colour differences between batches (rattan from different harvests).
– Minor weave irregularities that do not affect structural integrity.
On aggressive nesting for high counts:
– Some lamps may need re-shaping (gentle hand pressure, light steaming) at your warehouse.
– We design frames to help the lamp spring back, but pure organic shapes without frames are more sensitive.
If you are a design-sensitive OEM buyer, we strongly recommend approving PP (pre-production) samples, including a packing sample, before locking in large container orders.
Planning your first container: practical steps
1. Start from target retail and reverse
Work backward:
– Expected retail price points.
– Margin structure (landed cost, distribution, retail).
– Then map to FOB ranges and container counts that make sense.
We’re happy to run ballpark landed-cost-per-unit scenarios if you share your port, estimated duties and freight cost assumptions.
2. Decide shade-only vs. wired
– If you have solid wiring/compliance capacity: shades-only maximises container loading and flexibility.
– If you are a smaller wholesaler: complete sets may be simpler, trading a few percentage points of container capacity for convenience.
3. Build a balanced SKU mix
To use a container effectively:
– Combine:
– A base of medium pendants (your volume drivers),
– A smaller layer of XL / sculptural pieces (brand and project drivers),
– Limited quantities of floor and table lamps to round out your range.
– Target:
– 10–25 SKUs on first trial container, rather than 50+ micro-variants.
4. Co-design the packing spec
Before you finalise POs:
– Confirm:
– Minimum nesting levels you accept.
– Carton labelling format and barcodes.
– Any retailer-specific packaging standards.
Once that’s locked, we can simulate how many rattan lamps per container your exact assortment will yield and give you a written loading estimate.
At this stage, it’s easiest to plan your trip with our team through email or WhatsApp – we can share typical packing photos and a draft container plan for your review.
FAQs on container loading rattan lighting
Can I mix rattan lamps and other furniture in one container?
Yes, mixed containers are common. Many buyers combine rattan lamps with mirrors, chairs or small furniture. The main trade-off is that boxes of heavy furniture can limit how much nesting flexibility we have for lamps. We usually suggest planning the floor layout first (heavier items low, lamps on top and toward the doors) and then estimating a realistic lamp count within that mixed load.
How many SKUs do you recommend per 40ft rattan lamps shipment?
For a first 40ft, 15–25 SKUs is usually efficient. It keeps MOQ per SKU achievable and still gives a meaningful assortment for your market. Going beyond ~40 SKUs on a first order often means very small runs per SKU, which can push unit costs up and complicate QC and replenishment planning.
Can you guarantee an exact number of lamps per container?
No. We can give a detailed estimate based on your final packing spec and SKU list, and we usually come quite close, but the final count is confirmed only after actual packing. Handmade variance, last-minute mix changes and carton tolerances all affect the real loading. Our quotations clearly separate product pricing from estimated container utilisation.
Are rattan lamps affected by weight limits on containers?
Rarely. Rattan is light relative to its volume, so most shipments “cube out” (run out of space) long before they “weigh out” (hit the container’s weight limit). The exception is if you mix very heavy furniture or solid wood items in the same container; then your customs broker or forwarder should confirm road weight limits at destination.
Do you offer pre-packed retail boxes that still ship efficiently?
Yes, for larger volumes we can design flat retail cartons that still allow nesting inside a master carton. This usually reduces the maximum lamp count per container compared to bulk packing, but it can save time and labour at your warehouse. We recommend testing 1–2 SKUs with retail-ready cartons first to see how the economics work with your logistics setup.