With the booming development of cross-border e-commerce and international trade, more and more merchants and individuals choose to export cosmetics to the Indonesian market. However, Indonesia's import regulation of cosmetics is more stringent, the customs clearance process is complex, a little carelessness may lead to delays, detention or even destruction of goods. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed analysis of the customs clearance and delivery process of cosmetics by sea to Indonesia, and answer frequently asked questions to help you pass customs smoothly!
First, the key steps of cosmetic sea transportation to Indonesia
1. Ensure that the products comply with Indonesian regulations
Indonesia has strict requirements for cosmetic ingredients, labeling, packaging, etc., some ingredients may be prohibited or restricted. Before shipping, be sure to confirm that the product meets the standards of Indonesia BPOM (Indonesia State Food and Drug Administration), to avoid failure of customs clearance due to non-compliance of ingredients.
2. Choose a reliable logistics service provider
Cosmetics are sensitive goods, it is recommended to choose a professional logistics company with experience in Indonesia customs clearance to ensure that the transportation, customs clearance and delivery of the whole process can be controlled. Some logistics companies provide double clearing and tax services, which can greatly reduce the risk of customs clearance.
3. Prepare complete customs clearance documents
The documents required for customs clearance usually include:
Commercial invoice (Commercial Invoice)
Packing List
Certificate of Origin
BPOM certification (if applicable)
Ingredient description and safety test report
Import license (if required)
Incomplete documents are the main reason for customs clearance delays, so be sure to check in advance!
4. Customs clearance and delivery process
After the goods arrive at the port, Indonesia Customs will carry out inspections, which may involve the opening of boxes for inspection.
After customs clearance is completed, the goods will enter the local delivery process, you can choose express or local logistics delivery.
It is recommended to track the logistics information in real time and keep communication with the recipient to ensure smooth signing.
Common problems and solutions for Indonesia customs clearance of cosmetics
1. Incomplete documents lead to customs clearance delays
❌ Problem: Lack of BPOM certification, ingredient list or import license, customs will not release.
✅ Solution: Consult the logistics company or customs clearance agent in advance to ensure that all documents are complete, and apply for pre-declaration if necessary.
2. Cosmetic ingredients do not meet Indonesian standards
❌ Problem: Containing prohibited ingredients (e.g. certain preservatives, whitening agents), the goods may be detained or destroyed.
✅ Solution: Check the list of cosmetic ingredients of BPOM Indonesia before shipment, or appoint a professional organization to test the compliance.
3. Broken packaging affects customs clearance
❌ Problem: Packaging is damaged during transportation, customs may consider the product unsafe and refuse to clear the goods.
✅ Solution: Use shock-proof materials to reinforce the packaging, fragile products with a “careful and light” labeling, sea transport is recommended to play the pallet.
4. Logistics information is not updated in time
❌ Problem: After the goods arrive at the port, the logistics is stagnant, and you can't know the progress of customs clearance.
✅ Solution: Choose a service provider that provides full logistics tracking and follow up the customs clearance status regularly.
5. Customs challenge or request for back taxes
❌ Problem: Customs considers the declared value to be too low and asks for back duty or penalty.
✅ Solution: Declare the value of goods reasonably, provide complete transaction documents, and appoint a customs clearance agent to coordinate if necessary.
6. Wrong delivery address or unable to contact the recipient
❌ Problem: Unknown address, wrong phone number, resulting in delivery failure.
✅ Solution: Confirm the address and contact information with the recipient before delivery, and provide an alternate contact person.
