Your Ultimate Guide for Shipping Goods from China to Indonesia

So, you’re looking to ship goods from China to Indonesia? Smart move! It’s a bustling trade route, and whether you’re a seasoned importer or just starting, getting your head around the process can save you a ton of time, money, and headaches.

We’ve compiled our experiences and put together this guide just for you. We’ll cover the essentials, but more importantly, we’ll tackle those nitty-gritty details and potential “gotchas” that other guides sometimes miss. Think of us as your personal shipping sidekick for this journey!

Table of Contents

First Things First: Why Bother with the Details?

You might be thinking, “Can’t I just hand it over to Citra Mandiri Trans Group as my freight forwarder?” Well, yes and no. Yes, we’ll be happy to take away your headaches of moving your goods around, but no because understanding the basics yourself empowers you to make smarter decisions, ask the right questions, and avoid unexpected costs or delays. This guide is all about putting you in the driver’s seat.

From our POV as a freight forwarder, customers who know how things work is the best customers to work with.

Choosing Your Adventure: Shipping Methods from China to Indonesia

You’ve got a few main ways to get your goods across:

Sea Freight: The Workhorse

You have two main options if you choose to route your goods through sea:

- Full Container Load (FCL): You rent an entire container (20ft or 40ft). Best if you have enough goods to fill it or prefer your items to be isolated. It’s generally more cost-effective per cubic meter if you have the volume.
  - Typical Transit Time: Around 7-16 days port-to-port, but this can vary.
  - Cost Hint: $650-$1500+ depending on container size and current rates.
- Less than Container Load (LCL): You share container space with other shippers. Ideal for smaller shipments that don’t justify a full container.
  - Typical Transit Time: A bit longer than FCL, maybe 10-20 days, due to consolidation/deconsolidation at both ends.
  - Cost Hint: $60-$100+ per cubic meter (CBM).

Good for: Bulkier items, non-urgent shipments, cost-sensitive goods.

Keep in mind: Sea freight is reliable but can be subject to weather delays or port congestion.

Air Freight: The Speedy Gonzales

- How it works: Your goods fly cargo class.
- Typical Transit Time: Much faster, usually 2-7 days, including customs clearance.
- Cost Hint: Significantly more expensive than sea freight, often $2-$8+ per kilogram, depending on weight and urgency.

Good for: High-value, low-volume goods, time-sensitive items, samples, or perishables (though specialized handling is needed for perishables).

Keep in mind: While fast, air freight has more restrictions on what you can ship (e.g., hazardous materials are trickier).

Express Couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.): The Premium Dash

- How it works: Door-to-door service, often very quick.
- Typical Transit Time: Fastest, often 1-5 days.
- Cost Hint: The most expensive option, but can be worth it for very small, urgent packages.

Good for: Documents, very small parcels, last-minute urgent items.

Keep in mind: Costs escalate quickly with size and weight.

Which one is for you?

It’s a balancing act between cost, speed, and the nature of your goods. If budget is key and time isn’t critical, sea freight is your friend. If speed is paramount, air freight or express is the way to go.

Untangling Incoterms: Who Pays for What and When?

Okay, “Incoterms.” Sounds a bit like corporate jargon, right? But these little three-letter codes (like FOB, CIF, EXW, DDP) are super important. They define the responsibilities of you (the buyer/importer) and your seller/supplier in China. They tell you who pays for shipping, insurance, customs, and where the risk transfers from seller to buyer.

Why it REALLY matters for your China-Indonesia shipment: Choosing the wrong Incoterm can mean you suddenly find yourself responsible for unexpected costs or logistics headaches either in China or once the goods arrive in Indonesia.
Common ones you’ll see are:
- EXW (Ex Works): You pick up the goods from the supplier’s factory in China and handle everything else – export customs, shipping, import customs in Indonesia, all costs, all risks. Gives you maximum control but also maximum responsibility.
- FOB (Free On Board): Your supplier gets the goods to the designated Chinese port and handles export customs. You take over from there – main freight, insurance, Indonesian import customs, and delivery. This is a very popular and often recommended term for importers as it gives a good balance of control and cost visibility.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): Your supplier pays for the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight to the named Indonesian port. However, your responsibility for loss or damage starts once the goods are loaded onto the ship in China. You’ll also handle import customs clearance and duties/taxes in Indonesia and delivery from the Indonesian port. Be careful with CIF, as the insurance arranged by the seller might be minimal, and you have less control over the freight carrier and associated arrival charges.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Your supplier handles everything – shipping, customs (both ends), duties, and taxes, right to your doorstep in Indonesia. Sounds easiest, right? It can be, but it’s often the most expensive option as the seller includes all these costs (plus a markup) in your price. You also have less visibility and control.
My advice for China-Indonesia: Many importers find FOB to be a good starting point. It gives you control over the main leg of the journey and allows you to choose your own freight forwarder and get competitive quotes. However, discuss this with your supplier and your freight forwarder to see what makes the most sense for your specific shipment and experience level.

Your Essential Shipping Document Checklist (China to Indonesia Focus!)

Getting your paperwork right is crucial for smooth sailing (or flying!). Missing or incorrect documents are a top reason for delays and extra costs at Indonesian customs.

Commercial Invoice: This is like the bill for your goods. It must be detailed, including seller/buyer info, clear description of goods, quantity, unit price, total value, currency, Incoterms, and country of origin. Indonesian customs will use this to assess duties and taxes.
Packing List (P/L): Details the contents of each package – what’s in each box/pallet, weights, dimensions. Essential for customs to verify the shipment.
Bill of Lading (B/L – for sea freight) or Air Waybill (AWB – for air freight): This is your contract with the carrier and acts as a receipt for the goods. It’s also a document of title for sea freight.
Certificate of Origin (COO): States where the goods were manufactured (i.e., China). This is particularly important if you want to take advantage of any preferential tariffs under free trade agreements.
- Spotlight on Form E for ACFTA: For goods originating from China and being imported into Indonesia (both members of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area), you’ll likely need Form E. Submitting a valid Form E can lead to reduced or even zero import duties on eligible products! Make absolutely sure this form is correctly filled out by your supplier, as Indonesian customs are very strict about it. Any errors can lead to its rejection.
Import License/Permits (if applicable): Certain goods require specific import licenses or permits to enter Indonesia. This could include food products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronics, steel, and more. It is your responsibility as the importer to check if your goods need a license and to obtain it before shipping. Check with Indonesian authorities (like the Ministry of Trade or relevant bodies) or a knowledgeable customs broker. Your freight forwarder should also be able to guide you.
Insurance Policy/Certificate: If you’ve arranged insurance, have this document handy.
Indonesian Importer ID (NIB – Nomor Induk Berusaha): You’ll need this to import into Indonesia.
Tax ID (NPWP – Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak): Also required for customs purposes.

Tip: Always send copies of these documents to your freight forwarder and customs broker in advance so they can check them.

Navigating Indonesian Customs: No Need to Panic!

Customs clearance can seem daunting, but it’s a standard part of international shipping. Here’s the lowdown:

Pre-Clearance: Your forwarder/broker will usually submit documents electronically before the shipment arrives.
Arrival & Declaration: Once your goods arrive, a formal customs declaration (Pemberitahuan Impor Barang – PIB) is lodged.
Document Review & Inspection: Indonesian Customs (Bea Cukai) will review your documents. They may also physically inspect your goods (this is more common for first-time importers or certain types of goods).
Duty & Tax Assessment: Based on your Commercial Invoice, the HS Codes of your goods, and customs valuation, they’ll calculate the import duties, VAT (PPN), and any other applicable taxes (like luxury tax – PPnBM, or income tax – PPh Pasal 22).
- HS Codes: Make sure you or your supplier correctly classify your goods with the Harmonized System (HS) code. This 6 to 10-digit code determines the duty rates.
- Import Duties: Vary widely based on the product. The ACFTA (with Form E) can significantly reduce these for eligible Chinese goods.
- VAT (PPN): Currently 11% on most imported goods.
- Income Tax (PPh Pasal 22): An advance income tax payment, often 2.5% to 10% of the import value, depending on whether you have an Importer Identification Number (API) and other factors.
Payment & Release: Once all duties and taxes are paid, customs will issue a release order (Surat Persetujuan Pengeluaran Barang – SPPB), and your goods can be moved out of the port/airport.

Prohibited & Restricted Items for Indonesia (Vigilance Needed!):

Every country has them. Don’t get caught out!

Generally Prohibited: Narcotics, psychotropic substances, firearms, ammunition, explosives, pornography, politically sensitive materials, counterfeit goods.
Often Restricted (requiring special permits/licenses):
- Food and beverages (may need BPOM registration)
- Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics (BPOM registration)
- Certain electronics
- Hazardous materials
- Waste products
- Animals and plants (quarantine requirements)
- Used goods (often heavily restricted or banned)
Always double-check the latest regulations with Indonesian Customs or a reliable customs broker before you even think about shipping, especially for items coming from China. Regulations can change!

Your Shipping Partner: Finding a Great Freight Forwarder (China-Indonesia Specialist)

A good freight forwarder is more than just a booking agent. They are your logistics coordinator, problem-solver, and guide. For the China-Indonesia route:

Look for Experience: Do they have a proven track record on this specific lane? Can they provide references?
Network Strength: Do they have strong offices or reliable agents in both China and Indonesia? This is crucial for smooth handovers.
Service Range: Can they handle both sea and air? What about customs clearance in Indonesia (or do they partner with a good broker)? Do they offer door-to-door if you need it?
Transparency in Quotes: Make sure their quotes are all-inclusive or clearly itemize all potential charges. Ask about local charges in Indonesia – these can sometimes be a nasty surprise.
Communication: Are they responsive? Do they provide clear updates? You need a partner you can reach.
Knowledge of Indonesian Customs: This is vital. They should be up-to-date on the latest regulations and documentation requirements, especially regarding Form E.
Ask them specifically:
- “What are common challenges you see when shipping from China to Indonesia, and how do you mitigate them?”
- “Can you help ensure my supplier correctly prepares the Form E?”
- “What are the typical all-in costs I can expect for [your type of goods] from [Chinese port] to [Indonesian port/your door]?”

Don’t just go for the cheapest quote. Reliability and expertise are often worth paying a little extra for.

Citra mandiri Trans Group is known for our expertise in handling imports, not just from China, but from more than 70 countries til the date. We have reliable agents in every large cities accross China.

Packing, Insurance, and Tracking: The Supporting Trio

Packing Your Goods Securely for the Long Haul:
- Goods from China to Indonesia have a journey ahead. Proper packing is vital to prevent damage.
- Use sturdy boxes, crates, or pallets suitable for the weight and nature of your goods.
- Cushion items well internally.
- Consider the tropical climate in Indonesia – protect against moisture if necessary.
- Label everything clearly with shipper/consignee details, port of destination, and handling instructions.
Don’t Skip on Shipping Insurance!
- Seriously, don’t. Whether it’s sea or air, things can go wrong – damage, loss, general average (a sea freight term you don’t want to learn about the hard way).
- You can usually get insurance through your freight forwarder or a third-party provider.
- Ensure the coverage is sufficient for the value of your goods plus freight and other costs (often CIF value + 10%).
- Understand what the policy covers and what it excludes.
Tracking Your Shipment: Most forwarders and carriers offer online tracking. Get the tracking number and check in regularly for updates.

Dealing with Delays & Other Curveballs

Even with the best planning, delays can happen: port congestion, customs inspections, bad weather, holiday rushes (like Chinese New Year – plan way ahead for that!).

Proactive Measures:
- Work with reliable suppliers and forwarders.
- Ensure your documentation is flawless.
- Ship well in advance of your deadlines, especially during peak seasons.
- Communicate clearly with all parties.
Reactive Measures:
- Stay in close contact with your freight forwarder. They should be your first point of contact and help you understand the cause and expected resolution time.
- Be prepared for potential extra costs if delays are significant (e.g., demurrage or detention fees at ports).

The Real Cost: Understanding All Potential Charges

To budget effectively, you need to see the full picture:

Cost of Goods (from your supplier in China)
Export Haulage (factory to Chinese port/airport) – if not included by supplier (e.g., under EXW)
Export Customs Clearance in China – usually handled by supplier under FOB, or your forwarder.
Origin Port/Terminal Handling Charges (THC)
Main Freight (Sea or Air) – China to Indonesia.
Fuel Surcharges & Other Carrier Fees
Shipping Insurance
Destination Port/Terminal Handling Charges (THC) in Indonesia
Indonesian Customs Clearance Fees (brokerage fee)
Import Duties (check with Form E for reductions!)
VAT (PPN – 11%)
Income Tax (PPh Pasal 22)
Any other specific taxes/levies for your goods.
Inland Transportation in Indonesia (port/airport to your final destination)
Forwarder’s Service Fees

You can always ask us, Citra Mandiri Trans Group, for a detailed door-to-door quote if that’s what you need, and make sure you understand what’s included and what’s not.

You’ve Got This!

Shipping from China to Indonesia might seem like a lot, but by breaking it down step-by-step, understanding the key elements, and partnering with the right people, you can navigate it successfully. This guide is here to help you ask the right questions and prepare thoroughly.

Remember to always seek the most current information, as regulations and rates can change.

Happy shipping! If you have more specific scenarios or questions as you go, feel free to think them through – planning is everything!