The trade relationship between China to Indonesia has been flourishing, leading to a significant volume of goods being shipped between the two countries. Understanding the various shipping methods, associated costs, transit times, and customs clearance procedures is crucial for businesses and individuals involved in this international trade. This article will provide detailed insights into shipping from China to Indonesia, covering all the aspects mentioned in the outline.
Shipping Methods: Air Freight & Sea Freight
Sea Freight
Sea freight is a popular choice for shipping large volumes of goods from China to Indonesia due to its cost-effectiveness. It involves loading cargo onto container ships in Chinese ports and transporting them across the sea to Indonesian ports. Container ships come in different sizes, with 20 – foot and 40 – foot containers being commonly used. This method is suitable for a wide range of products, including bulky items like machinery, furniture, and large quantities of consumer goods.
Air Freight
Air freight offers a much faster alternative to sea freight. It is ideal for time-sensitive and high-value goods. Airlines transport cargo in specialized cargo holds or on dedicated freight aircraft. Goods are usually packaged and labeled according to airline regulations before being flown from Chinese airports to Indonesian airports. This ensures quick delivery, making it a preferred option for perishable items such as fresh fruits, seafood, and high-tech products that need to reach the market promptly.
How Long When Shipping from China to Indonesia by Sea Freight
The transit time for sea freight from China to Indonesia typically ranges from 7 to 15 days. However, this can vary depending on several factors. The shipping route chosen by the carrier is a significant factor. Some routes may make stops at other ports along the way for loading or unloading additional cargo, which can extend the journey. Weather conditions during the voyage also play a crucial role. Storms, rough seas, or adverse weather patterns in the South China Sea or the Java Sea can slow down the ship’s progress and lead to delays. Additionally, port congestion at either the origin or destination ports can cause longer waiting times for the vessel to berth and unload.
| Port of Loading | Port of Arrive | Transit Time |
| Shanghai | Jakarta | 9 |
| Shenzhen | Jakarta | 5 |
| Ningbo | Jakarta | 6 |
| Qingdao | Jakarta | 15 |
| Tianjin | Jakarta | 9 |
| Xiamen | Jakarta | 7 |
Shipping from China to Indonesia Major Port in China
In China, several major ports serve as departure points for shipments to Indonesia. Shanghai Port is one of the busiest and most important ports in the world. It has extensive facilities for handling various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and liquid bulk. Its strategic location and excellent connections to inland transportation networks make it a prime choice for exporters. Shenzhen Port is also significant, especially for goods originating from the southern manufacturing hubs. It has specialized terminals for different types of cargo, ensuring efficient loading and unloading. Ningbo – Zhoushan Port, with its large capacity and modern infrastructure, is another key port for shipping to Indonesia.
Main Indonesian seaports:
Indonesia has numerous seaports that handle imports from China. The Port of Jakarta is one of the most important. It is located in the capital city and has a wide range of facilities to handle different types of cargo, including containers, general cargo, and bulk cargo. The port has good connections to the city’s transportation network, facilitating the distribution of goods within Jakarta and to other parts of Indonesia. The Port of Surabaya is another major port. It is known for its large-scale container handling capabilities and has a significant role in Indonesia’s international trade. The Port of Semarang also plays an important role, especially for handling goods destined for Central Java. These ports are equipped with modern infrastructure, including cranes, storage facilities, and customs clearance areas.
Air Freight from China to Indonesia
Air freight from China to Indonesia offers a speedy solution for transporting goods. Major airlines such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, and Lion Air operate regular flights between the two countries. These flights connect major Chinese airports like Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport with Indonesian airports such as Soekarno – Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and Juanda International Airport in Surabaya.
The transit time for air freight is much shorter compared to sea freight, usually ranging from 2 to 5 days. This quick delivery time is beneficial for time-sensitive goods, as mentioned earlier. Additionally, air freight provides a higher level of security. Airports have strict security measures in place, reducing the risk of theft or damage to the cargo during transit. Airlines also offer advanced tracking systems, allowing shippers to monitor the location and status of their shipments in real – time.
Shipping Costs from China to Indonesia
Sea Freight Costs
The cost of sea freight from China to Indonesia varies depending on several factors. For a 20 – foot container, the cost can range from approximately $800 to $2,000. For a 40 – foot container, it usually falls between $1,500 and $3,500. These costs are influenced by the origin port in China, the destination port in Indonesia, the shipping line used, the time of year, and the type of goods being shipped. For example, if the goods require special handling, such as refrigeration for perishable items or extra security for high – value goods, the cost will be higher. Additionally, market conditions, including fluctuations in fuel prices and container availability, can impact the shipping cost.
Air Freight Costs
Air freight costs from China to Indonesia are generally higher than sea freight costs. The cost per kilogram can range from $3 to $10. The rate depends on the type of goods, with high – value or specialized goods usually attracting higher prices. Airlines calculate the chargeable weight based on either the actual weight or the volumetric weight (calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the package and dividing by a specific factor). The airline carrier, the specific route flown, and any additional services required, such as temperature – controlled storage or expedited handling, also contribute to the overall cost.
What is the customs clearance process in Indonesia for goods imported from China
When goods are imported from China to Indonesia, the customs clearance process is a crucial step. The following are the main steps involved:
Documentation Preparation
The importer needs to prepare several documents. A commercial invoice is essential, providing details of the goods, including the description, quantity, value, and terms of sale. A packing list should also be provided, which lists the contents of each package, including the quantity, description, and weight of each item. The bill of lading (for sea freight) or airway bill (for air freight) serves as a receipt for the goods and a contract with the carrier. Additionally, a certificate of origin is often required to determine if the goods are eligible for any preferential trade agreements.
Submission to Customs
Once the documents are prepared, they are submitted to the Indonesian customs authorities. The customs officers will then assess the goods based on the provided information. They will check the classification of the goods according to the Harmonized System (HS) codes, which determine the applicable import duties and taxes.
Inspection
In some cases, the customs authorities may require an inspection of the goods. This could be a random inspection or a targeted inspection based on the nature of the goods or any suspicion of non – compliance. The inspection may involve physical examination of the goods, checking for proper packaging, and verifying the contents against the packing list.
Payment of Duties and Taxes
Based on the assessment and inspection results, the importer is required to pay the applicable import duties and taxes. The amount of duty and tax depends on the type of goods, their value, and the relevant tariff schedules. After payment, the goods are cleared for release and can be distributed within Indonesia.
Door to door services between China and Indonesia
Door – to – door services provide a convenient and comprehensive solution for shippers. In this service, the shipping company takes care of everything from picking up the goods at the sender’s location in China to delivering them to the recipient’s address in Indonesia. This includes transportation, handling, customs clearance, and local delivery.
For example, if a business in Indonesia is importing goods from a Chinese supplier, the door – to – door service eliminates the need for the importer to coordinate with multiple parties for different stages of the shipping process. The shipping company will handle all the logistics, making the process much simpler. However, it’s important to note that the cost of door – to – door services will include all these services and may be higher than just the basic shipping cost.
Get a Quote
To get an accurate quote for shipping from China to Indonesia, you should provide detailed information to the shipping company or freight forwarder. This includes:
Type of Goods
Describe the nature of the goods you are shipping. Are they perishable, hazardous, high – value, or general merchandise? Different types of goods have different handling requirements and may attract different rates. For example, shipping hazardous materials will require special packaging and handling, which can increase the cost.
Quantity and Weight
Specify the quantity of the goods and their weight. This information is crucial for calculating the cost, especially for air freight where the chargeable weight concept is used. If you are shipping a large volume of goods, sea freight options may be more cost – effective.
Dimensions of Packages
Provide the dimensions of the packages. This is important for both air and sea freight. In air freight, the volumetric weight may be calculated based on the package dimensions. In sea freight, it helps determine how the goods can be efficiently loaded into containers.
Origin and Destination Addresses
Clearly state the pickup address in China and the delivery address in Indonesia. This includes details such as city, province, or region, and specific street addresses. The location can affect the cost, as transportation to and from certain areas may have different charges.
Desired Shipping Date and Time Sensitivity
Let the shipping company know when you want the goods to be shipped and if there’s a specific time sensitivity. If you need urgent delivery, air freight or express services may be more suitable, but they come at a higher cost.
By providing all this information, you can obtain a more accurate quote that takes into account all the relevant factors for your shipment from China to Indonesia.
Conclusion
Shipping from China to Indonesia involves a complex set of decisions regarding shipping methods, costs, transit times, and customs clearance procedures. By understanding these aspects and working with reliable shipping providers, businesses and individuals can ensure a smooth and efficient shipping process, facilitating the continued growth of trade between the two countries.
