International shipping can seem complex, especially when navigating customs paperwork, duties, and delivery timelines. Whether you’re a small online seller or a growing exporter in Indonesia, understanding how international logistics work is key to expanding globally.
At DHL Express, we simplify global shipping for businesses of all sizes, ensuring they reach customers worldwide, fast and hassle-free. For those planning to ship with DHL Express for the first time, we’ve answered the most common questions about how to ship internationally, from what documents to prepare for shipping to how you can track your shipment.
Customs clearance is the process of obtaining permission from a country's customs authority to allow goods to enter or leave that country. This involves submitting necessary documentation, calculating and paying duties and taxes (if applicable), and ensuring the goods comply with all local laws and regulations.
Only businesses that are legally incorporated in Indonesia are permitted to export goods from the country. To complete the export process, you should prepare the following documents for your shipment:
The commercial invoice provides details such as the seller and buyer’s information, item descriptions, quantity, value, and HS (Harmonized System) codes for classification.
The Air Waybill serves as both a receipt and a contract between the shipper and the international courier. It includes critical shipment details necessary to manage, transport, and track a package internationally. It contains information, shipper and consignee details, carrier information, shipment details, declared value for customs, and special handling instructions.
A Harmonized System (HS) Code is a standardized, international system of names and numbers for classifying globally traded products. It is a 6-digit code (which can extend to 10 or more digits for local variations) that helps customs authorities worldwide identify and apply the correct tariffs and controls to a shipment. You can find your items' HS code using DHL Express’s MyGTS, our global trade services tool.
Commodity classification refers to the standardized system used to identify and categorize goods in international trade. In Indonesia, this is done through the HS Code, developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Each HS Code represents a specific type of product and is used by customs authorities to determine import duties, taxes, and trade statistics.2
Different regions may introduce adapted schedules to achieve a more precise form. One such system is the ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN), which is used when exporting from or importing into Indonesia.
While the HS Code serves as a globally recognized standard for product classification, the AHTN Code is a regional adaptation that enables ASEAN countries to align and simplify their customs processes. This harmonisation supports smoother cross-border trade while ensuring compliance with regional trade rules and national customs policies.
For businesses in Indonesia, understanding and applying the AHTN Code correctly is essential to ensure compliance, avoid delays, and maintain efficient trade operations.
A Certificate of Origin verifies where your goods were manufactured. This document may be required to qualify for reduced tariffs under trade agreements, such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) or other bilateral pacts Indonesia participates in.
If you are planning to import or export goods, you must first obtain a Business Identification Number or Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB), which serves as proof of a company's legal existence and identity.3 After securing an NIB, businesses may also need to acquire an import or export license from the Ministry of Trade, depending on their industry and the nature of the goods being shipped.4
Ensure a smooth customs clearance process by:
The landed cost is the total cost of a product when it arrives at the buyer's door. It includes the product's original cost plus all expenses incurred to get it there. The basic formula is:
Landed Cost = Product Cost + Shipping + Customs Duties/Taxes + Insurance + Other Regulatory Fees
An Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number is a unique identifier issued by the customs authorities of the European Union (EU). Businesses or individuals that import or export goods into or out of the EU, or move goods between EU countries, must use this number in all customs declarations.5
Also known as a Restricted Party, Denied Party refers to an individual, organization, or entity that is restricted from engaging in certain export or trade activities. These parties are typically listed on government watchlists (such as those maintained by the US, EU, and UN) due to concerns about terrorism, criminal activity, or sanctions violations.
When you import goods into a country, two main charges may apply: import duty and import tax.
Import duty (also called customs duty) is a tariff imposed by the government to regulate the entry of foreign goods. In Indonesia, as of 2025, import duties range from 0% to 150% of the customs value, which is calculated based on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of the goods.
Import tax, on the other hand, is a government-defined percentage applied to the cost of any product brought into the country. An example of this is Value Added Tax (VAT).6
The De Minimis threshold is the minimum value below which shipments are exempt from import duties or taxes. For example, goods below a country’s De Minimis value may clear customs faster and at a lower cost.
The US de minimis exemption allows low-value shipments to enter the country without formal customs clearance or payment of duties or taxes.
Currently, the de minimis threshold for shipments into the US is $800, meaning that shipments valued at $800 or less (per person, per day) can enter tax-free with minimal documentation.
However, starting August 29, 2027, the de minimis exemption will be phased out, and shipments will be subject to additional duties ranging from 10% to 50%, depending on the country’s tariff rate.7
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) define responsibilities between buyers and sellers in global trade, specifically, who pays for shipping, insurance, and customs duties. Common Incoterms include DDP and DAP.
Under DDP, the seller assumes responsibility for paying all duties and taxes, so the buyer receives the goods without additional customs charges. It’s convenient for e-commerce businesses looking to offer a seamless delivery experience.
DAP (Delivered At Place) or commonly known as DTP (Duties and Taxes Paid) is an Incoterm where the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to a specified destination, ready for unloading. This means the seller assumes all risks and costs up to the point of unloading, after which the buyer becomes responsible for any further risk or cost.
In this agreement, the seller is responsible for export clearance, but does not handle import clearance, pay import duties, or complete import customs formalities. These remain the buyer’s responsibility.
For online sellers, using DHL Express international shipping ensures your parcels reach customers quickly and reliably. Their global network guarantees fast delivery, while e-commerce integration tools let you automate label creation, tracking, and customs documentation. This not only saves time but also reduces errors, helping you maintain a professional and seamless customer experience.
Shipping insurance is highly recommended for valuable or fragile items. DHL Express offers options such as extended liability for important documents and shipment value protection for goods, giving you peace of mind in case of loss or damage. By protecting your shipments, you safeguard your business reputation and ensure your customers receive their shipments securely.
DHL Express offers Time Definite International (TDI) services, providing secure door-to-door delivery of goods to nearly every country and territory. Whether you need shipments delivered at the start, middle, or end of the business day, our services include full track-and-trace visibility, so you always know exactly where your parcels are.
The cost depends on the shipment’s weight, dimensions, destination, and service type. You can get a quick quote on DHL Express’s website or through MyDHL+. It also provides real-time duty and tax estimations for transparency.
Most DHL Express deliveries from Indonesia to major global destinations typically arrive within one to two business days. However, it's important to remember that delivery times for international shipments may also depend on customs clearance and destination location. If you want to know how many days it may take to have your package shipped, feel free to talk to our team.
You can easily track your DHL international package using your Air Waybill (AWB) number via the DHL Express website or mobile app. You’ll get real-time updates on your shipment’s status, from pickup to delivery.
DHL Express’s customs clearance fees depend on factors such as shipment type, value, and regulatory requirements. Charges may apply for non-routine clearance, permit processing, and broker notifications, among others. You can find a detailed breakdown of these services on DHL Express Indonesia’s website.
Reverse Logistics refers to the process of moving goods from their typical final destination (the customer) back to the manufacturer, often to recapture value or ensure proper disposal. This typically includes:
"Last-mile" delivery is the final leg of the delivery process, when a package is transported from a local hub to its final destination, usually the customer's home or business.
The cold chain is a temperature-controlled supply chain that involves maintaining a specific temperature range for products from the point of origin to the final consumer. It helps preserve the quality and integrity of temperature-sensitive goods, such as:
DHL Express Indonesia provides quick and reliable delivery of mission-critical air cargo shipments, whether it’s an urgent document or a time-critical medical shipment. From next-flight out to charter services and onboard courier, we deliver across the globe in the fastest way possible.
On-Demand Delivery (ODD) is a free, interactive service from DHL Express that provides recipients with a high degree of control over their shipment's delivery. Once a shipment is on its way, the recipient is notified and can choose from multiple flexible delivery options, such as:
DHL Express provides a range of digital shipping tools designed to make shipping easier for both businesses and individuals:
With DHL Express’ GoGreen Plus, customers have a more sustainable shipping option that allows customers to actively reduce the carbon emissions associated with their shipments by using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The weight limit varies depending on the DHL Express service option you choose:
DHL Express does not serve the following countries:
DHL Express restricts or prohibits the shipment of several commodities, including:
Yes, you can send a package without a DHL Express account. You can typically:
Yes, DHL Express Indonesia offers domestic shipping services. We provide services for domestic shipments dropped off at our DHL Express Service Points. Furthermore, for our account customers, we integrate domestic last-mile delivery as a part of our complete international shipment solutions.
Shipping internationally doesn’t have to be complicated. With DHL Express Indonesia, you gain a trusted logistics and shipping partner that helps your business thrive in global markets. From customs clearance assistance to real-time tracking and fast international delivery, DHL Express ensures your shipments reach their destination safely and on time. Whether you’re a small e-commerce store or a large exporter, DHL Express offers flexible services designed to match your business needs. Open a business account with DHL Express and experience seamless global delivery.
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