Freight shipping between the UK and Indonesia

Are you looking to import goods from Indonesia? You may are not aware of the customs procedures, the available shipping option (like sea freight, air freight), and the transportation regulations if you want a smooth importation you need to know about them.

Furthermore, with the context in our world with COVID-19, the Ukrainian war, and Brexit, many things have changed. Whether you're a large business, small business, startup, or individual, DocShipper UK can organize your shipment from start to finish without your intervention. This is why our team has prepared this guide to help you import your goods smoothly.

Main ports of the UK

The Port of Felixstowe

The Port of Felixstowe is a major container port on the east coast of England near Felixstowe in Suffolk. It is the UK's busiest container port and one of Europe's busiest container ports, handling over 4 million TEUs (Twenty Foot Equivalent Units) of cargo each year. The port has good road and rail links throughout the UK, with direct service to major ports around the world. The Port of Felixstowe plays a key role in supporting UK trade and global supply chains and has a strong reputation for efficiency, reliability, and innovation in the container shipping industry.

The Port of London Gateway

The Port of London Gateway is a modern deep-sea container port at the mouth of the Thames, Essex, UK. Opened in 2013, the port is one of the UK's newest and most technologically advanced ports. The port is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as a large container terminal, automatic cranes, and a rail terminal. Designed to handle the world's largest container ships, it has the capacity to handle over 3.5 million TEUs of cargo per year. The Port of London gateway plays an important role in supporting international trade and is well-connected to major transport links.

The Port of Southampton

The Port of Southampton is a major container and cruise port on the south coast of England. It is the UK's busiest cruise port, handling over 1.8 million TEUs of containerized cargo each year. The port has good road and rail links throughout the UK, with direct service to major ports around the world. The port of Southampton has a long history and has played an important role in the development of the UK shipping industry. It is now a major hub for international trade and a popular destination for cruise ships and their passengers.

The Port of Tilbury

The Port of Tilbury is a major port on the River Thames in southeast England, about 40 miles east of central London. A major port for over 100 years, he is now one of Britain's busiest ports. The port handles a variety of cargoes such as containers, RO-RO (roll-on, roll-off) cargo, bulk cargo, and forest products. It is also an important hub for the UK construction industry, with large amounts of building materials being transported through the port. The port's strategic location and excellent transport links make it an important gateway to the UK and Europe and play an important role in supporting the country's economy.

Main ports of Indonesia

The Port of Tanjung Priok

Tanjung Priok is one of Southeast Asia's busiest and largest ports, he serves as a major hub for international trade in the region. Tanjung Priok Port plays an important role in the Indonesian economy, handling a significant portion of the country's imports and exports. It functions as a gateway for various products such as raw materials, consumer goods, and industrial materials. The port's strategic location near major shipping lanes makes it an important maritime hub connecting Indonesia with the rest of the world.

Tanjung Perak Port

Tanjung Perak is a port in Surabaya, the capital of East Java, Indonesia. It is one of the busiest ports in the country and serves as a major gateway for international trade in the region. Tanjung Perak Port has a long history and has played an important role in the economic development of Surabaya and the surrounding area. We handle a wide range of products such as raw materials, products, and agricultural products. The port facilitates both imports and exports, connecting Indonesia to various global markets. The strategic location of Tanjung Perak Port contributes to its importance. Located on the east coast of Java Island, it serves as a major hub for maritime traffic in the region. It is also well-connected with other domestic and international ports, enabling efficient movement of goods and facilitating commercial links.

Belawan Port

Belawan Port is a major port located in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. It serves as an important gateway for international trade in the region. The port handles a wide range of goods, including agricultural products, petroleum, coal, and industrial products. Belawan Port plays an important role in the export of palm oil, rubber, coffee and other agricultural products from North Sumatra. It also serves as a major import hub, serving the needs of the local economy. The port is equipped with modern facilities such as berths, container terminals, warehouses and distribution centers. Infrastructure is continuously improved to ensure efficient cargo handling. Belawan Port contributes to the local economy by providing employment opportunities and supporting related industries and businesses. The harbor area has a vibrant community and a range of facilities to meet the needs of workers and tourists. Overall, Belawan Port plays an important role in the trade and economic development of North Sumatra.

Transit time between UK and Indonesian ports

Transit times beetween UK ports and Indonesian ports can vary a lot. It usually depends on several factors like vessel schedule, route, stops along the way and transshipment point or the shipping company. Generally it take aroud 25-40 days. If you precise information and up-to-date for the transit time , we recommend you to contact the freight forwarder or the shipping line who is taking care of the shipment.

	London	Southampton	Felixstowe
Tanjung Priok	26 days	22 days	26 days
Tanjung Perak Port	28 days	27 days	28 days
Beelawan Port	25 days	24 days	25 days

*Please note that these transit times are indicative and may vary according to various factors.

Advantages of sea freight

Sea freight has several advantages in transporting goods. Cost-effective for large shipments, with economies of scale. Sea freight provides extensive global reach by connecting companies to markets around the world. It has a lower carbon footprint and contributes to sustainable supply chain practices. Sea freight is versatile and accommodates many types of cargo. We offer reliable schedules and established delivery routes. Fewer handling processes reduce the risk of goods being damaged. Sea freight offers storage and consolidation options. Firms can enter into long-term contracts, which guarantees favorable terms. Flexibility in service options also adds to its appeal.

Disadvantages of sea freight

Despite the advantages of ocean shipping, there are also some disadvantages to consider. The major drawback is the long transportation time compared to air freight. This can be problematic for time-sensitive shipments and can impact supply chains and customer satisfaction. Additionally, sea freight is prone to weather disruptions such as storms and rough seas, which can result in delays and unpredictable delivery schedules. Another limitation is the lack of flexibility, as once the cargo is loaded onto the vessel, it becomes difficult to access or change the goods in transit.

FCL (Full Container Load)

FCL is a globally utilized abbreviation for "Full Container Load". It means that the whole space in the holder is used for only one client from the departure to the arrival. The container will be closed with a seal at the departure from the provider's premises until conveyance to the proctor, which limits the risks and the costs.

It is a great way of transportation for you to utilize if you plan to buy a very big amount of merchandise.

To conclude, a full holder FCL will be more secure and less expensive for a bigger volume, regardless of whether you just fill half of it. To be sure, from 15 m3, a full compartment can likewise enjoy the benefit of being less expensive than LCL.

Consolidation or LCL (Less than Container Load)

LCL transporting choice will be reasonable when you need more merchandise (volume or amount) to fill a full compartment. Moreover, it permits you to pay just for the space you really want, making it beneficial for your little shipments. Your products will be stacked with different shipments, from another importer, which are going to the same arrival.

We recommend you to use this method if:

You will transport a more modest volume
You expect to gather a few shipments and additionally plan to convey to a few beneficiaries inbound
Your products are not voluminous but rather too weighty, ocean combination will be more reasonable compares to airfreight.

Specialized maritime transport between UK and Indonesia

Refrigerated container (Reefer container)

A reefer container, short for the refrigerated container, is a specialized shipping container that is designed to transport perishable goods and products that require temperature-controlled environments. They play a critical role in global trade by enabling the safe and efficient transport of perishable goods around the world.

Roro

RO-RO, or Roll-On/Roll-Off, refers to a method of shipping cargo where wheeled vehicles such as cars, trucks, and trailers are driven onto a ship and secured in place for transport. This method is commonly used for transporting vehicles, heavy machinery, and other large cargo items. The popularity of RO-RO shipping has grown in recent years due to its speed, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility.

Vrac (Bulk)

Transport of non-embedded, solid or liquid goods in vraquier ships

OOG

It is the cargo that exceeds the standard size and dimensions for regular container shipping. This type of cargo may be too heavy, too tall, too wide, or too long to fit into a standard shipping container. As a result, special arrangements are required to transport it safely and securely. Typically, this involves using specialized equipment such as flat racks or open-top containers, or even breakbulk vessels to transport the OOG cargo.

How much does it cost to import goods in Indonesia or in the UK?

Sea freight costs are determined by many factors, and each operator and shipper set their own rates, which can be higher or lower depending on the volume of the shipment. The quantity, not the volume, of the container is the most important information. It is always calculated according to the global "equivalence law". Great for optimizing space without worrying about adding bulk.

According to sea freight equivalence rules, the weight-to-volume ratio is 1 tonne = 1 CBM.

For LCL options, the base price is always calculated according to the weight/volume ratio basis. Due to this ratio, the maximum weight, also known as "Rechargeable Baggage", is used in the fare calculation. The FCL option is usually priced per container depending on the size/type of container used and the carrier that provides it.

Additional charges

Some additional charges may apply when importing goods into Indonesia. These fees are charged to cover various fees and taxes associated with the import process. Common surcharges for importing into Indonesia are:

Import tax: Import duty is a duty or tax levied on imported goods. Import duty rates vary depending on the type of goods and their classification in Indonesian Customs.
Value Added Tax (VAT): VAT is levied on the value of imported goods, including the value of the goods, freight charges, insurance, etc. The current standard VAT rate in Indonesia is 10%.
Income tax: Certain products may be subject to income tax due to their classification. Fees vary by product type and tariff code.
Consumption tax: Excise duty is levied on certain goods such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco products and certain luxury goods. The rate of excise duty varies depending on the type of goods.
Management fee: Administrative fees such as document processing fees, handling fees, inspection fees, etc. will be charged for import procedures.
Port charges: Port charges are charged for the use of port facilities including handling, storage and other related services.
Customs fees: Customs fees cover the cost of customs inspection and document processing.

It is important to note that specific fees and rates may vary depending on the product type, classification and regulations in force at the time of importation. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on import charges, we recommend contacting Indonesian customs authorities or authorized customs brokers.

Port and Shipping Surcharges

Importing goods into Indonesia may incur additional charges such as port fees and shipping charges. These charges are set to cover various costs associated with the handling and transportation of goods. Common port and transportation surcharges for importing into Indonesia are as follows:

Terminal Fee (THC): THC is a fee charged by port terminals for the handling and processing of cargo. This includes activities such as container loading and unloading, storage and administrative tasks.
Port service charge: Port service charges are collected by port authorities for the use of port facilities and services. This includes maintenance and operation of port infrastructure.
Mooring fee: A mooring charge is a charge for using a berth or quay within the harbor. The price depends on the size of the ship and the arrival time.
Container stagnation and stagnation: Container demurrage charges are charges incurred when a container is not picked up from the port within the allowed free time. On the other hand, if the container is not returned to the port within the agreed time after being emptied, a container detention fee will be charged. These charges facilitate the timely removal and return of containers.
Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) is the bunker adjustment factor. For customization. This surcharge is based on oil price fluctuations at the cargo yard. After the 1973 oil crisis, power companies started using it. It has been paid ever since. Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF) is a term that refers to the factor that determines a currency amount. This surcharge is also based on fare + BAF and is subject to dollar exchange rate fluctuations. Since most sea freight is billed in USD, this surcharge protects companies from exchange rate risk.

It is important to note that specific Indonesian port and shipping surcharges and charges may vary depending on port of entry, shipping company and other factors. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your port authority, shipping company or licensed customs broker familiar with Indonesia's import regulations.

Conventional or express air freight?

2 distinct forms of transportation in terms of air freight exist :

Conventional air freight: In this method, goods are transported by regular flights. The idea is to make use of the space inside the aircraft. It is used by many companies such as Quatar Airways, Thai Airways, British Airways, Air China. This option is best for packages that are not urgent and can be transported within a reasonable time frame.

Express air freight: This method, a more expensive alternative, uses aircraft specifically built for air transportation to transport the goods. The business of providing door-to-door services, such as picking up luggage from airlines and delivering it to customers, is performed by an organization called a 'courier company'. UPS, FedEx, TNT and DHL are using it for example. For an additional fee, carriers can transport packages and documents of any size and weight with guaranteed delivery times. This method of delivering products to customers allows personal delivery of those products anywhere in the world. This option is recommended for urgent shipments that require fast delivery.

Why choose air freight?

Fastest shipping method

Comparing air freight and sea freight, the advantage of airship freight is that the products can be transported quickly. Having the product readily available is very important.

Reliable flight and arrival times

Flight departure and arrival times are displayed, and in most cases the airline will arrive on time. Nevertheless, departures are made hourly.

Send packages anywhere

Mobile operators have large databases covering almost the entire world. This allows you to carry your luggage to almost any destination.

Reduce premium spending

Due to the relatively short transit time of airship cargo, the protective effect is reduced. Despite the fact that airship fees are expensive, you can save money by reducing your protection costs.

High security level and reduced risk of theft or damage

Security is important. Therefore, air freight can reduce the risk of cargo theft and injury with high security and strict management.

Low capacity and low inventory

Due to the short cargo transit time of airships, smaller volumes can be transported more frequently, so they may not need as much extra space. Duty-free, cargo determination and handling are also more efficient as most goods are delivered within hours. Due to the short cargo season for airships, small volumes can be transported without excess space. After the cargo clears customs, the product will be delivered within a few hours, so tax exemption and efficient handling can be achieved.

Less stuff to pack

On average, air shipments require less packaging than ground shipments. This means you save time and money by avoiding urgent assistance. under most airlines have apps that allow you to track your progress from departure to arrival.

Exactly what DocShipper is an expert of!

How much cost air freight between the UK and Indonesia cost?

When transporting by air freight, in the future it will be important to consider all costs incurred during transportation. In particular, consider airport fees, document registration fees, duties and taxes.

Air freight charges are calculated by weight and kg. Note that conventional air mail does not have such high fixed costs, so the freight per kilogram is always significantly cheaper than courier. Finally, carriers, whether airlines or post offices, consider the most important value between gross weight (on the balance) and volumetric weight (by dimensions).

How to calculate your volumetric volume ?

For air freight, the weight-to-volume ratio is 1 due to the air equivalence rule 6 (1 ton per 6 CBM) with a ratio of inches to net weight of 1:6 or less. So divide the actual volume by 6 to get the volumetric weight, which is used as the reason for the charge.

For express cargo, the standard is 1:5.

If the total volume of goods is 1 CBM, the model is:

For conventional air freight:

1 CBM corresponds to = 167 kg (1:6)

For Express Air Freight:
1 CBM corresponds to = equivalent to 200 kg (1:Five)

The consequence of Brexit for freight shipping in Indonesia

The impact of Brexit on imports into Indonesia can be explained by several factors. First, the United Kingdom (UK) was a member of the European Union (EU) before Brexit. In other words, trade between the UK and Indonesia was governed by EU trade agreements.

But now that the UK has left her EU, these trade agreements no longer apply directly to the UK. As a result, the UK and Indonesia have agreed to a partnership beetween 2022 to 2024.

No specific trade agreement exists between the UK and Indonesia, which could lead to changes in import duties, customs procedures and regulations. Previously, imports between the UK and Indonesia were subject to EU rules, but after leaving the EU, the UK will have its own rules that may differ from EU rules.

In addition, Brexit has introduced new control requirements for companies importing and exporting to the UK. This includes customs paperwork, compliance with new regulations, and possibly increased bureaucratic processes. Such changes could affect the efficiency and import costs of Indonesian companies engaged in trade with the UK.

How can I find my HS code ?

Customs duty is calculated by amount based on the CAF value of the item. We advise you to regularly check his website of the Indonesian Government for the calculation of charges and duties.

Does DocShipper impose any duties ?

You can visit this site to search for information about the type of product you are sending.

When shipping internationally, each item in the package must have an HS code or product code and must be included on the commercial invoice. It is important that you enter the correct code, as it determines the amount of import duties and other taxes you must pay.

The British HS tariff code helps to identify products the code and also the product names, it is use for import and export. It shows if there is a tariff quota or if you need a permit to move your goods.

Process customs

When importing goods from the United Kingdom (UK) into Indonesia, certain customs procedures must be followed. Here's an overview of the process:

Obtain an Importer Identification Number (API)

Before importing goods into Indonesia, it is necessary to apply for an API from the Indonesian Ministry of Commerce. This number identifies you as the importer and is required for customs clearance.

Determine import eligibility and restrictions

Please check if the goods you want to import from the UK are suitable for importing into Indonesia. Certain products may be subject to import restrictions, licensing requirements, or other regulations. For specific information, please contact the relevant government agency or customs office in Indonesia.

Determine import duties and taxes

Find out about import duties, taxes, and other charges that apply to the items you want to import. Fees vary depending on the type of product and the harmonization system "HS". Classification codes to which they apply.

Arrange delivery and transportation

I will arrange to ship the item from England to Indonesia. This includes choosing a carrier or carrier to handle logistics, paperwork and customs clearance on your behalf. Prepare the necessary documents.
Collect the necessary documents for customs clearance. Specific documents may vary depending on the goods being imported, but typically this include:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Packing list
- Certificate of Origin
- Import Permit or License
- Submission of customs declaration
It is necessary to information and documents to Indonesian customs through electronic customs declaration system. This includes product details, its value, country of origin and other relevant information.

Payment of import duties and taxes

You will be notified of any import duties, taxes or other charges incurred once your customs declaration has been processed. Make the required payment through a designated bank or electronic payment system.

Customs management and clearance

Customs officers can inspect imported goods to ensure they comply with regulations and documents. Once inspection is complete and all duties and taxes are paid, the goods can be imported into Indonesia.

It is important to note that the import process may vary depending on the specific goods being imported, regulatory changes, and other factors. Working with a customs broker or seeking assistance from the Indonesian customs authorities can ensure compliance with all requirements and facilitate a smooth import process.

What documentation is required for freight shipping between England and Indonesia ?

Documents of conformity ( CE standard)

The country of origin of the items being transported is confirmed by a certificate of origin. The country of manufacture is stated in this document , but should not be confused with the country of origin of the product. This is a requirement of international trade.

Certificate of Origin

An original invoice issued in the UK or Indonesia is required to clear customs on your goods. Please make sure the amount on the packing list and the original invoice are the same.

* Note that this document is an example and can vary for an importation in Indonesia

Bill of Lading

Delivery of the specified product by the exporter is evidenced by a bill of lading which serves as a shipping document. The bill of lading is also a legal document and should be considered. Additionally, we provide all the information you need to process and properly bill your fares.

* Note that this document is an example and can vary for an importation in Indonesia

Packing list

A "packing list" is a document created by the shipper for each party in the supply chain. All air and sea shipments require this official document detailing all products and packaging included in each shipment.

FAQ | Freight shipping between the UK and Indonesia: Rates -Transit time - Duties & taxes

What is the difference between an FCL and an LCL ?

A full container load means that the entire airline is handled by one trader, unlike LCL, where goods from multiple traders are bundled together.

Air or Sea Freight ?

If you have more than one CBM and want the cheapest but not the fastest way to transport your goods, we recommend using sea freight. However, if the quantity to be transported is less than 2 CBM and you want to receive the goods immediately, you must use air freight.

Where my goods will depart and arrive ?

For sea freight you they are several ports from where your goods can depart in UK like the port of Felixstowe , the port of London Gateway , the port of Southampton or the port of Tilbury. Considering for where they will arrive in indonesia they could arrive in the port of the the port of Tanjung Priok , Tanjung Perak , the port of Tanjung Benoa or the port of Belawan .For air freight your goods can depart from England there are the Heathrow airport , the Gatwick airport , the manchester airport , the Birmingham airport , the Glasgow airport or the Belfast International airport.For their arrival in indonesia they can arrive at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport , the Ngurah Rai International Airport , Juanda International Airport , Hasanuddin International Airport or the Sentani International Airport .

What are the required document to import goods in Indonesia?

To import goods in Indonesia , several documents are required, the first one is the certificate of Origin, the second one is the bill of landing who serves as a shipping document, the third and last one is the packing list who is a document created by a shipper for each party.

How much DocShipper services cost ?

Understanding the concept of fees can be difficult. Certain services are fixed price and others are customized, so prices may vary from project to project. If you have any questions or would like to request a quote from one of our experts, feel free to contact us.

Freight shipping between the UK and Indonesia: Rates -Transit time – Duties & taxes

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