Shipping from China to Indonesia

In 2024, bilateral trade between China and Indonesia reached an impressive $147.8 billion, with China exporting around $76.7 billion worth of goods, mainly heavy industrial products such as machinery, electronics, plastics, steel, automobiles, chemicals, and ships. With such vibrant trade between our countries, having dependable transportation services is crucial to ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently for everyone involved.

However, we understand that arranging transportation from China to Indonesia can feel overwhelming without the proper support. That’s why we’ve put together this easy-to-follow freight guide just for you! We’re here to guide you through each step, ensuring your transportation experience is as smooth and worry-free as possible. Inside, you’ll discover helpful tips on the best routes, budget-friendly solutions, and expert advice on choosing the right freight forwarder—all to help make sure your goods arrive safely and right on time.

Types of shipping from China to Indonesia

Air Freight from China to Indonesia

Air freight is usually faster, making it an excellent shipping option for time-sensitive and temperature-controlled cargo. Air freight services offer more flexibility in choosing shipping routes and destinations, even reaching remote or landlocked areas. This flexibility allows companies to diversify their supply chains, including importing goods from places without direct waterway access.

However, please note that air freight can be more expensive than ocean freight. Additionally, there are more restrictions on shipment size and weight when using air freight.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you might want to consider ocean transport, since air freight isn’t always the cheapest way to ship from China to Indonesia. Your final air shipping cost will depend on the size, weight, and urgency of your cargo’s arrival.

Sea Freight from China to Indonesia

Ocean freight transport is a cost-effective method for shipping large volumes from China to Indonesia. It’s an excellent choice for bulk cargo and large shipments that don’t require urgent delivery. If you’re looking to save on shipping costs and don’t mind waiting a bit longer for your goods, China-Indonesia ocean transport could be the perfect fit for you!

You have the flexibility to choose between Full-Container Load (FCL) or Less-Than-Container Load (LCL) shipping options. While sea transport is usually the most budget-friendly way to ship cargo, your final costs may vary depending on shipping schedules, fuel prices, and the time of year. Please note that higher demand during peak seasons may result in slightly higher fees.

There are several risks to consider, including potential shipping lane disruptions caused by unexpected events or natural disasters. These can sometimes cause delays or, in rare cases, damage to cargo. Planning ahead and selecting the right insurance can help provide you with peace of mind along the way.

Cost of Shipping from China to Indonesia (July 2025 update)

Shipping from China to Indonesia involves several factors that can affect the cost. These include factors such as fuel prices, cargo weight or volume, shipping distance, market demand, the time of year, and the urgency of your shipment. Here’s an overview of the costs for different shipping methods.

Shipping Mode	Destination Port	Container Type / Unit	Cost (USD)
Sea Freight (FCL)	Jakarta	20ft Container	$620
	Surabaya	20ft Container	$600
	Semarang	20ft Container	$675
Sea Freight (FCL)	Jakarta	40ft Container	$1,020
	Surabaya	40ft Container	$925
	Semarang	40ft Container	$1,020
Air Freight	Jakarta	Per kg (1000+ kg)	$2.00 per kg

Shipping from China to Indonesia Transit Time

Shipping to Indonesia by sea from China is typically straightforward and usually takes 7 to 14 days for Full Container Load (FCL) shipments from major ports, such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Ningbo, to destinations like Tanjung Priok or Tanjung Perak. If you’re shipping a Less-than-Container Load (LCL), it generally takes 10 to 18 days, as a little extra time is needed for cargo consolidation and handling. Please note that transit times may vary due to port, weather, and unforeseen delays. Rest assured, we’re here to support you every step of the way and will do our best to keep everything on track for you.

Air freight is a great option when you need to deliver your shipment quickly. While it’s a bit more expensive than sea freight, it offers much faster delivery times. Direct flights from major Chinese airports—such as Shanghai (PVG), Beijing (PEK), or Guangzhou (CAN)—to Indonesia Jakarta Airport (CGK) usually take just 5 to 6 hours. Once you factor in cargo handling and customs clearance, your shipment typically arrives within 2 to 4 days.

Shipping Mode	Transit Time
Sea Freight (LCL and FCL)	5 to 8 days
Air Freight	1 to 3 days
Express Shipping	1 to 2 days

Factors affecting transit time

Getting your goods from China to Indonesia on time depends not only on the mode of transport you choose, but also on a few other important factors:

Customs clearance efficiency: Indonesia customs typically process shipments within 2 to 5 days; however, it’s best to ensure your documents are complete to avoid any unnecessary delays.
Seasonal factors: Peak seasons—like Chinese New Year, Black Friday, and Christmas—can lead to congestion, so planning is always a good idea.
Transportation routes: Shipping directly is often quicker than using routes with transfers, though it might cost a bit more.
Cargo type: Special goods—such as hazardous materials or food—require extra inspection, which can add a little more time to the delivery process.

Import taxes and tariffs in Indonesia

Import Duties:

Tax Exemption (Below USD 3): Goods in this category are exempt from import duties and taxes.
Tiered Rates (USD 3 up to USD 1,500): Tiered rates of 0%, 15%, and 25% apply on the same FOB value range, depending on the commodity
HS Code Based (Over USD 1,500): For shipments exceeding USD 1,500, the specific duty rate depends on the product’s Harmonized System (HS) code. This code categorizes goods internationally, and Indonesia uses it to determine import taxes. You’ll need to refer to the HS code and consult Indonesian customs authorities for the exact rate applicable to your product.

Value-Added Tax (VAT):

All imported goods are generally subject to an 11% Value-Added Tax (VAT), in line with Indonesia’s standard tax policy. However, a higher VAT rate of 12% is imposed on certain luxury goods.

In specific cases, VAT exemptions apply to ease the import process for particular categories of consigned goods. These include goods sent by Hajj pilgrims and prizes from international competitions or awards, provided they meet the eligibility criteria set out in the regulation. These provisions aim to alleviate the tax burden on personal or honorary imports while ensuring fair tax treatment for high-value luxury items.

Income Tax:

The applicable import duty rate determines income tax on imported goods. Items taxed at 15% or 25% import duty are subject to a 5% income tax, while goods with a 0% import duty are exempt from this tax.

Furthermore, for imported goods taxed according to their HS code classification, the applicable income tax rate depends on whether the importer holds a Tax Identification Number (NPWP). If the importer possesses an NPWP, a 10% income tax will apply; otherwise, the rate increases to 20% for those without an NPWP.

Documents for customs clearance from China to Indonesia

Are you planning to export goods from China to Indonesia? Here’s a friendly guide to the key documents you’ll need for smooth customs clearance:

Commercial Invoice: This handy document lists the name, quantity, unit price, total price, country of origin, and trade terms for your shipment.
Packing List: This helps customs by showing the number of packages, their weight, volume, and a description of the items being shipped.
Bill of Lading (B/L): Issued by the shipping company, this document confirms your goods have been received and are on their way. It’s important for customs clearance.
Certificate of Origin: This document helps you qualify for special tariff rates. It’s provided by an authorized party or declared by the exporter, and should match the details on your invoice and bill of lading.
Import Permit: If you’re shipping regulated items like food or chemicals, you’ll need this permit.

What items are restricted or prohibited from import into Indonesia?

Indonesia imposes import restrictions or bans on certain goods, primarily for reasons of national security, public health, animal and plant quarantine, and environmental protection. The following is a list of the main categories of goods currently subject to import restrictions or bans in Indonesia, along with a brief description of each category:

Prohibited Items:

Illegal drugs and psychotropic substances
Hazardous and toxic materials (B3)
Ozone-depleting substances
Obscene and pornographic content
Counterfeit items and those that infringe on intellectual property rights
Second-hand clothing, electronics, and other used items
Weapons, including firearms, ammunition, and explosives without proper authorization
Certain food and beverage products containing harmful additives or not meeting health standards
Wildlife products such as human skeletons, specific sea shells, beef, animal fats and oils, exotic birds (except a few specified ones), wild animals, their parts, and certain live birds and animals

In addition, antiques and certain chemicals face a complete import ban to protect cultural heritage and public safety.

Restricted items:

Importing these requires special permits and adherence to specific regulations. This category includes:

Iron and steel products
Textile and textile products (fabrics, garments, and home textiles)
Footwear (shoes, sandals, and boots)
Electronics and telecommunication devices
Cosmetics and personal care products
Children’s toys for under 14 years
Food and beverage products (processed foods, beverages, and supplements)
Agricultural products including rice, sugar, and horticultural products
Second-hand machinery and equipment
Waste and scrap materials

Key Ports in China and Indonesia for Shipping

Major Chinese Ports

Shanghai Port: China’s largest container port and a core hub connecting major Japanese ports.
Shenzhen Port: A key gateway for exporting electronic products and manufactured goods from southern China.
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port: With its enormous throughput capacity, it is suitable for the transport of heavy equipment and bulk cargo.
Qingdao Port: An important northern port, often used for freight routes to northern Japan.
Guangzhou Port: A key port for manufacturing exports in the Pearl River Delta, serving southern China.

Major Indonesian Ports

Port of Tanjung Priok: Indonesia’s busiest and most advanced seaport, located on Jakarta’s northern coast. It handles over half of the country’s transshipment cargo, making it a key hub for international trade.
Port of Tanjung Perak: Indonesia’s second-busiest seaport and main gateway for eastern Indonesia, located in Surabaya. In 2023, it handled about 4.1 million TEUs, a 3.2% increase from the previous year.
Port of Belawan: A key gateway for western Indonesia near the Malacca Strait, Belawan is vital for international trade and especially important for exporting palm oil, rubber, and coffee from Sumatra.
Port of Tanjung Emas: This port is Central Java’s key gateway, located on Semarang’s northern coast. It plays an important role in international trade.
Batu Ampar Port: located near the Malacca Strait and Singapore, supports Batam’s industry and is poised to become a major transshipment hub in Southeast Asia.
Boom Baru Port: located on the Musi River, is a key gateway for southern Sumatra, supporting cargo movement and connecting the region to Indonesia’s port network.

Freight Forwarders from China to Indonesia

Freight forwarders are your helpful partners in international logistics, making the shipping process smoother by connecting shippers and transportation service providers. Here’s how they can support you when shipping from China to Indonesia:

Help you find and hire the best transportation carriers for your cargo.
Take care of coordinating the transportation of your cargo, including pickup and delivery.
Prepare all the necessary documentation to ensure your cargo clears customs quickly and easily.
Discover the optimal routes for delivering your goods quickly and efficiently.
Spot and solve any issues along the way to prevent delays.
Ensure that all regulatory matters are addressed to ensure your goods meet the necessary requirements.
Handle the payment of duties, taxes, and fees for you.
Keep you updated in real time on the status of your shipment.

By consolidating all these services, freight forwarders simplify and enhance the shipping process, enabling your international trade to run smoothly and with greater peace of mind.

How to Import from China to Indonesia: Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Partner with a freight forwarder

To ensure a smooth international shipping process, hire a reliable and experienced freight forwarder. They will handle logistics from your factory to the final destination, simplifying the complex shipping process.

Step 2: Choose the right shipping method

Select the most suitable shipping method based on the type, weight, and quantity of your goods. If you have any questions, consult an expert.

Step 3: Find reliable suppliers

Establish strong partnerships with Chinese suppliers who can provide the products you need. You can find reliable suppliers through various means, such as online B2B platforms, trade shows, and reputable freight forwarders or purchasing companies.

Step 4: Understand taxes

Importing goods to Indonesia may involve various costs, including import duties, taxes, and potential consumption taxes. Understanding these costs can help you accurately estimate the total cost of importing and plan your budget accordingly.

Step 5: Define international trade terms

Familiarize yourself with the Incoterms (International Commercial Terms), which are internationally recognized rules governing the responsibilities and obligations of international trade. Clearly define the Incoterms applicable to your goods to clarify the responsibilities of both the buyer and seller.

Step 6: Handle Customs Clearance

Customs clearance is a critical step managed by the shipper or their authorized representative. This process involves data entry, document preparation, cargo assessment, obtaining permits, paying fees, warehousing, and final release.

Step 7: Arrange Final Delivery

After customs clearance, arrange the last-mile delivery to the final destination—whether it’s a company address, warehouse, or customer location. Your freight forwarder or local logistics provider can assist with this step.

Door to Door Shipping from China to Indonesia

Door-to-door transportation from China to Indonesia provides a convenient and hassle-free logistics solution, delivering your goods directly from the shipper’s location to your chosen address. By choosing door-to-door transportation, you can skip the middlemen and enjoy a simpler, more efficient sea freight experience.

Our door-to-door shipping service covers all the steps required for shipping cargo from origin to destination:

Pick-up: Goods collection from an indicated address to delivery at the port of origin.
Shipment: Ocean freight shipping from the port of origin to the port of destination.
Customs: Customs clearance at both the port of origin and the port of destination.
Delivery: Cargo delivery from the destination port to the indicated final address.
Ground transport: All ground transportation expenses at the origin and destination.
Handling costs: Local and cargo handling costs at both origin and destination ports.
Surcharges: Ocean freight and surcharges.
Customs clearance fees: All customs clearance fees (excluding applicable duties and taxes).
Documentation: Costs of documentation management and delivery.

Advantages of Door-to-Door Services

Choosing door-to-door shipping services for transporting goods from China to Indonesia makes the entire process much smoother and more convenient. Let’s take a look at some of the great benefits you can enjoy:

Simplified Logistics: With door-to-door shipping, you don’t have to worry about any complicated steps—everything is taken care of, from picking up your goods in China to delivering them right to your doorstep in Indonesia. This means fewer middlemen, less hassle, and a lower chance of anything going wrong.
Reduced Handling of Goods: Since your shipment isn’t passed around as much, there’s less chance of damage or loss along the way. This is especially helpful if you’re shipping fragile or valuable items.
Potential Cost Savings: Door-to-door services might look a little pricier upfront, but they often save you money in the end. By avoiding surprise costs, such as storage and demurrage fees, that can arise with other shipping methods, you keep your budget in check.

Cost of door-to-door shipping from China to Indonesia

Door-to-door sea freight services are a great option for shipping bulk items and goods that aren’t time-sensitive, making them a budget-friendly choice. To give you an idea, sending a 20-foot container from China to Indonesia usually costs between $300 and $500. If you require a 40-foot container, the price typically ranges from $700 to $900. There are additional charges—such as port fees, customs clearance, and final delivery—that typically add around $300 to $500 per container. So, altogether, you can expect the total door-to-door cost for a 20-foot container to Indonesia to fall in the range of about $800 to $1,000.

Top shipping routes from China to Indonesia

Sea freight from China to Malaysia usually passes through the Strait of Malacca. Specifically, the main shipping routes depart from major Chinese ports, cross the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca, and finally arrive at Malaysian ports such as Port Klang and Port Tanjung Pelepas. These routes mainly use container ships, bulk carriers, and roll-on/roll-off ships.

Tips for Keeping Down Costs and Shipping Time from China to Indonesia

Book in advance: Sea shipping is the most affordable option, but it can take a while. Booking ahead helps you save money and avoid last-minute stress if any delays come up.
Ship off-peak: Shipping during less busy times usually means lower prices and faster deliveries. Try to send your shipments during off-peak seasons.
Get your documentation in order: Having all your paperwork ready makes clearing customs much smoother and quicker!
Know your HS Codes: Customs fees can sometimes be a surprise, so it’s helpful to look up your HS Codes in advance. This way, you can plan your budget with confidence!
Compare quotes from different providers: Prices can differ quite a bit, so it’s a great idea to compare a few offers before you choose.
Understand what’s included in your quote: Is your quote for port-to-port or door-to-door service? Double-check what’s covered to avoid any unexpected fees later on.