Navigating ships from China to Indonesia can be complex due to varying regulations and requirements in each country. This comprehensive guide offers a clear breakdown of logistics options, regulations, and key considerations for successfully importing goods between these two nations.
Shipping costs from China to Indonesia
To help you plan, we’ve compiled average shipping costs for different modes below:
Air freight charges per kg from China to Indonesia
| Airline | POD | 100kg+ | 300kg+ | 500kg+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AK | Juanda | $3.5/kg | $3.5/kg | $3.25/kg |
| CX | Juanda | $3.15/kg | $3.15/kg | $3.15/kg |
| GA | Juanda | $3.21/kg | $3.21/kg | $3.21/kg |
LCL shipping prices from China to Indonesia
| POL | POD | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | Jakarta | $10/CBM |
| Shenzhen | Semarang | $8/CBM |
| Shenzhen | Belawan | $8/CBM |
| Shenzhen | Surabaya | $20/CBM |
Container shipping costs from China to Indonesia
| POL | POD | 20GP | 40GP | 40HC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | Jakarta | $1000 | $2050 | $2100 |
| Shenzhen | Surabaya | $1110 | $2150 | $2115 |
| Shenzhen | Belawan | $1450 | $2700 | $2850 |
Keep in mind that shipping prices always depend on several factors, including:
- The shipping method (whether by air or sea, standard air freight, express service, or door-to-door delivery)
- The type of shipped goods
- The weight of the shipment
For an accurate quote, it’s best to consult our forwarding expert, who can provide specific pricing based on your unique shipping needs.
Shipping times from China to Indonesia
| Shipping Method | Lead Time |
|---|---|
| LCL Sea Freight | 17 to 30 days |
| FCL Sea Freight | 14 to 25 days |
| Air Freight | 2 to 5 days |
| Express Shipping | 1 to 3 days |
However, severe weather, port congestion, and customs delays can extend sea and air freight transit times. Contact our ASLG logistics experts for the most up-to-date delivery time to Indonesia.
China to Indonesia shipments: Air, sea, or truck?
Sea Freight
Ocean freight is one of the most commonly used shipping methods between China and Indonesia. It is cost-effective and ideal for transporting large quantities of goods over 15 CBM. This option is suitable for non-perishable items that do not require quick delivery.
Air Freight
Although more expensive than sea freight, air freight offers faster transit times and more reliable delivery schedules, making it the preferred choice for urgent shipments. It’s ideal for time-sensitive and high-value goods.
Road Freight
While less commonly used for shipments between China and Indonesia, road freight is an option, especially for cross-border deliveries between nearby regions in these two countries. Typically, this method takes around 14 to 21 days.
Import duty and tax from China
Customs duties and taxes, including VAT (typically around 10%), are determined by product classification. Therefore, you will need the HS code for the products you wish to import.
You can consult Indonesia’s Tariff Reduction Schedule, which organizes goods by HS code and provides specific tariff details. For instance, you can find no tariff barriers when importing electronic items like barcode readers from China, as shown in the picture.
The choice of shipping terms, such as FOB or CIF, also impacts tax responsibilities and the overall shipping price from China to Indonesia.
It’s important to note that dealing with customs duties can be complex if you’re unfamiliar with the process. If you require assistance, our DDP shipping services can deliver your shipment with all duty paid.
Customs clearance procedure in Indonesia
First, the importer and exporter must submit their respective portions of the Customs Declaration to the appropriate Customs Office. Meanwhile, comply and present all necessary documents, such as airway bills or Bills of Lading for sea freight, to the Customs Office.
The importer is responsible for self-assessing and paying any applicable duties and taxes to customs. However, as one of our members, we will precisely calculate the customs CIF value to give you peace of mind.
Next, customs officials review the declaration and verify the accuracy of the duties and taxes paid.
If everything complies with regulations, a release letter, known as the “Surat Pemberitahuan Pengeluaran Barang” (SPPB), is issued. The goods are then cleared from customs and delivered to the importer.
But if there are any discrepancies, the Customs Declaration is canceled, requiring the exporter and importer to revise and restart the process.
In addition, you should also take care of items that are either prohibited or restricted from importing into Indonesia:
Prohibited items
- Counterfeit goods
- Hazardous waste
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Pornographic materials
- Radioactive materials
- Weapons, ammunition, and explosives
- Toxic and hazardous substances
- Animal products and live animals (with exceptions for pets)
Restricted items
- Alcohol and tobacco products (limited quantities permitted for personal use only)
- Plants and plant products (must meet plant quarantine regulations)
- Food products (certification from the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture)
- Electronic products (certification from the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information)
- Medical devices and pharmaceuticals (certification from the Indonesian Ministry of Health)
- Cosmetics and personal care items (certification from the Indonesian Food and Drug Administration)
Best ways to ship from China to Indonesia
Partnering with a reliable freight forwarder like Airsupply is highly recommended to secure the most cost-effective shipping from China to Indonesia.
Leveraging extensive shipping volume, we offer competitive rates and a best-rate guarantee across all transportation modes.
We are equipped to manage shipments of any size, providing personalized solutions tailored to your needs, including express, rail, and air freight services from China.
FAQs:
What are Indonesia's top imported products?
According to statistics, Indonesia’s imports reached US$178.6 billion. The most commonly imported products into Indonesia include:
- Fuels
- Foodstuffs
- Chemicals
- Machinery and equipment
What are the main shipping ports in Indonesia?
Seaports:
- Port of Belawan (Medan)
- Port of Tanjung Priok (Jakarta)
- Port of Tanjung Perak (Surabaya)
Airports:
- Juanda International Airport (SUB)
- Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG)
- Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)
- Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
What are FCL and LCL in sea shipping from China to Indonesia?
FCL (Full Container Load) means using an entire container for your shipment, regardless of the cargo size. This option is ideal when your goods fill or require a full container.
On the other hand, LCL (Less than Container Load) is for shipments that don’t occupy an entire container. In this case, your goods are consolidated with those of other shippers in a shared container, making it a cost-effective choice for smaller volumes.
Do I have to pay VAT and Customs duties in Indonesia?
Yes, most imports into Indonesia are subject to VAT and customs duties, though essential goods may be exempt from VAT. Consult our experts with your shipment details to determine if customs duties and taxes apply.
How to safely ship from Taobao to Indonesia?
If you’re an Indonesian business purchasing goods from Taobao, we can ensure a seamless express delivery experience for your customers.
With partnerships across international delivery providers in Indonesia and beyond, we have the expertise to guarantee a smooth last-mile delivery. We can consolidate all Taobao goods in China into a single shipment, helping you save on costs and time.
How can I minimize costs and transit time from China to Indonesia?
- Choose the optimal shipping method: Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of LCL, FCL, and door-to-door services to select the most suitable option for your shipment.
- Negotiate competitive rates: Utilize Airsupply to compare quotes from multiple suppliers and freight carriers, increasing your leverage for better rates.
- Maximize Airsupply logistics solutions: Improve shipment tracking and management, allowing you to maintain the best control over your supply chain.
