The Most Common Problems When Exporting Goods from Indonesia
by Zia Fadhilla Thantry Luthan on Nov 13, 2025
You might spend significant effort on creating your products, packing them carefully, and shipping them to a client in a different country. Everything seems to be going well until all of a sudden, you receive the message, "Shipment delayed at customs." Weeks pass, expenses mount, and your client becomes irritated. For many companies and individuals shipping from Indonesia, this situation is all too familiar.
Here Are the Most Common Problems That Exporters Face:
1. Documentation Errors
A small mistake on an invoice or packing list can stop your shipment in its tracks. Customs needs everything to be exactly right, from the product descriptions to the HS codes. If you don't get it right, your goods will have to wait instead of moving.
2. Customs Clearance Delays
Each country's rules are different. What is permissible in the Philippines may be banned in Europe. Missing permissions or certifications frequently result in lengthy clearing periods or, worse, commodities being held in customs for a set amount of time.
3. Unexpected Costs
Duties, VAT, warehouse storage fees—many shippers only learn about these after the bill arrives. These surprise charges can eat away at profits or make sending personal packages far more expensive than expected.
4. Transit and Logistics Issues
The other logistic issue in common is delays. Customs system failures, red line inspections, and even inclement weather can all cause commodities to be held up for longer than intended. Transit issues also play a significant factor: shipments may need to travel through many countries before reaching their final destination, and each stop adds another layer of risk for delays. These delays not only delay delivery but also cause stress and more expenses for businesses and customers.
5. Compliance with Destination Requirements
Some nations need particular certificates, such as:
- Food safety permits
- SNI (Indonesian National Standard) requirements
- Product safety testing
Without these, shipments may be completely refused, wasting your time and money.
Where ZendEase Changes the Game
ZendEase simplifies shipping rather than fighting these issues by itself. We manage documents with accuracy, make sure customs clearance goes smoothly, figure out duties in advance so you're never caught off guard, and manage logistics from start to finish. More significantly, we help you with all destination requirements so that your goods arrive without any issues.
Shipping overseas is guaranteed when you use ZendEase. We make international connections quick, easy, and stress-free, whether you're an SME looking to expand into new markets or a person sending gifts to loved ones.
Start Shipping with ZendEase Today
Start shipping with ZendEase today, because your products deserve a smoother journey to the world. Reach out to us at indonesia@zendease.com.