Global Sales Potential: Learning how to start international shipping for small businesses will open up e-commerce markets projected to reach $8 trillion in 2026.
Streamlined Registration: Secure your Business Registration Number (NIB) to begin export activities, often within a relatively short timeframe after all requirements are met.
Price Clarity: Use the My Global Trade Services tool to calculate total landed costs and protect your profit margins.
Customer Loyalty: Leverage On Demand Delivery (ODD) to reduce customer cart abandonment by up to 23% by offering flexible delivery time options.
Small businesses are now transforming the face of global trade. In 2026, micro-multinational companies ship handmade jewellery through to technology components from their home-based headquarters to various global business centres every day. With the global e-commerce market estimated to exceed $8 trillion this year, your next best customer is likely in a different time zone. It is critical to find a logistics partner that can transform national boundaries into gateways to success, so you can remain focused on product and business development.
You need a "key" from the government to unlock the border gates for your business. In Indonesia, the first and most important step is to secure your Business Registration Number (NIB). The NIB functions as a single identity that also encompasses your export and import permits, which can be obtained through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system. This process consolidates various permits, making your initial step into the global market simpler.
Your legal baseline checklist:
Business Identity: Ensure you have a valid Business Registration Number (NIB). This NIB is the foundation of your legal standing to conduct export activities.
Tax Profile: Hold a Tax Identification Number (NPWP) in the name of your company.
Customs Registration: Register with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (Bea dan Cukai) to gain access rights for export activities.
Additional Permits: Depending on your product such as coffee or other agricultural products you may require additional permits or certification, particularly for markets like the European Union which now requires proof of supply chain traceability to ensure products do not originate from deforested land.
Speed and visibility are now standards in international shipping. Cheap shipping that takes three weeks will only result in customer complaints and the loss of future sales potential. As a trusted partner, we are committed to handling complex customs processes even while your package is still in flight, ensuring smooth delivery from one end of the archipelago to the other, all the way to your global customers' hands.
Feature | DHL Express | Standard Shipping Services |
|---|---|---|
Speed | 1 to 3 business days | 10 to 21 business days |
Tracking | Real-time, milestone-based | Limited or "last scan" only |
Customs | In-house brokerage included | Third-party (can cause delays) |
Reliability | 99-percent on-time delivery | Highly variable |
By using MyDHL+, you will have a work platform that remembers your preferences. This system will guide you through every process and ensure you have the correct labels for each destination country.
The Commercial Invoice is the primary document used by customs officers to determine import duties and taxes. Unclear descriptions can cause goods to be held for further inspection. Use the My Global Trade Services tool to find the correct Harmonised System (HS) Code for your product.
Detailed Description: Write "Men's 100% Cotton Knitted T-shirts" instead of just "Clothing".
Accurate Value: Include the actual transaction value, even for sample goods.
HS Code: Use MyGTS tool to find the specific code and avoid paying higher duties than necessary.
Currency: Clearly state whether the value is in USD or IDR.
Shipping costs are just one part of the total cost. You must also account for import duties and taxes charged by the destination country. The combination of all these costs is called landed costs, and this is the figure that matters most to your customers.
Many customers expect to see these costs at checkout. You can choose the Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping option to pay taxes on behalf of your customers. This prevents unexpected bills when the package arrives and helps build your trusted brand reputation.
Cost breakdown:
Shipping Fee: The transportation cost from your door to your customer's door.
Import Duties: Taxes on imported goods that vary depending on product type.
Taxes: Local consumption taxes such as VAT or GST applied at the border.
Your first international shipment is a powerful marketing tool. The speed and control you offer will define your brand image in a new country. Understanding how to start international shipping for small businesses means thinking about this final-kilometre experience.
The On Demand Delivery (ODD) service allows customers in over 150 countries to choose how they want to receive their package. They will receive mobile notifications to reschedule or redirect delivery.
Why global customers love ODD:
Choice: Can select the day when someone is home to receive the package.
Security: Allows Signature Release so the package can be placed in a safe location.
Convenience: Collecting the package from the nearest local shop while doing other activities.
Sustainability: Reducing re-delivery attempts means lowering the carbon footprint.
Run through this checklist to ensure a smooth journey. A solid checklist will prevent common mistakes that often occur with first-time shippers.
Check Weight: Ensure Actual Weight matches Volumetric Weight.
Verify Address: Double-check the postal code for international format.
Pack for Travel: Use double-walled boxes and sufficient padding.
Secure Documents: Attach three copies of the Commercial Invoice in a transparent pouch.
Do not wait for peak seasons such as Eid holidays to improve your supply chain. Start small and scale up your business as your confidence grows. Global trade is a marathon, and we are ready to run every kilometre with you.
The world is waiting for your product. If you only rely on basic shipping services, you are risking your brand reputation. A professional logistics approach is the only way to grow effectively in 2026.
Review your current shipping times and customer feedback. If you see high cart abandonment rates or delivery complaints, it is time to change your logistics partner. We will help you build a reliable path to your first international sale.
Start by securing your export registration in Indonesia, which is the Business Registration Number (NIB), and choosing a reliable express partner to manage the customs process. You must also find the correct HS code for your product to ensure import duties and taxes are calculated accurately for each shipment.
In Indonesia, your export permit is already integrated into the Business Registration Number (NIB). You can apply for it online through the Online Single Submission (OSS) portal managed by the government.
Use the My Global Trade Services tool to get accurate estimates of shipping fees, import duties, and taxes. This ensures your products are priced correctly for international markets.
We strongly recommend it, especially for your first few sales. Insurance provides peace of mind and protects your investment as you are still learning the ins and outs of global trade.
Choose our GoGreen Plus service to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This service helps reduce your carbon footprint and appeals to environmentally conscious global customers.
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