Short answer: yes, importing office furniture from China to Indonesia is highly attractive — with a Form E (ACFTA), the import duty for HS 9403 is 0%. Here is a step-by-step guide for importers, distributors and project buyers.
Why Importing from China Makes Sense for Indonesia
China is the world's largest office furniture producer, and Foshan is its heart. Under ACFTA (China-ASEAN Free Trade Area), most office furniture (HS 9403) enters Indonesia duty-free. Shipping distance is short too: 7–10 days by sea from Shenzhen to Jakarta, 10–14 days to Surabaya. The result: competitive factory pricing + low logistics cost + fast delivery.
Step 1: Choose Products & Request a Quote
Decide the product types (executive desks, workstations, file cabinets, etc.), estimated quantity and target price. Request FOB Shenzhen or CIF Jakarta/Surabaya quotations. BG quotations include price, MOQ, production time, packing specifications and payment terms (typically T/T 30% deposit, 70% before shipment).
Step 2: Secure the Form E (Certificate of Origin)
Form E is the key document for the ACFTA 0% tariff. It is issued by Chinese authorities (CCPIT / China Customs) and included with the shipping documents. Without Form E, MFN tariffs apply — up to 15% for some furniture products.
Step 3: Prepare Import Licenses (API & NIB)
Importers in Indonesia must hold a NIB (Nomor Induk Berusaha) through the OSS system, and for finished goods generally an API-U (Angka Pengenal Importir Umum) or API-P for own use. This process is done by your Indonesian company — a Chinese factory cannot do it for you, but can help prepare supporting documents.
Step 4: Check SNI & Special Regulations
Not all office furniture requires SNI, but some categories — such as metal file/storage cabinets — may require it. Wooden products must come with a fumigation certificate (ISPM 15) for wooden pallets. Confirm with your forwarder/importer before production.
Step 5: Shipping & Customs Clearance
Choose the destination port: Tanjung Priok (Jakarta) or Tanjung Perak (Surabaya). Use an experienced forwarder for PIB declarations, import VAT & income tax payments and port handling. BG provides complete export documents: invoice, packing list, bill of lading and Form E.
Step 6: Distribution & Sales
Once goods arrive, distribute through your network. Many importers combine our products with local products for a full price range. Flexible MOQ for first orders helps you test the market with low risk.
Estimated Import Cost Components
| Product price (FOB) | Per factory quotation |
| Import duty (HS 9403) | 0% with ACFTA Form E; up to 15% without |
| Import VAT (PPN) | 11% (2026, subject to prevailing rules) |
| Import income tax (PPh) | 2.5%–7.5% depending on importer status (API) |
| Sea freight + insurance | Shenzhen–Jakarta: 7–10 days; varies per container |
| Forwarder & port charges | Varies; request an estimate from your forwarder |
Common Import Questions
What is BG's MOQ for a first order?
Does BG provide Form E?
How long are production and shipping?
What are the payment methods?
Can products be combined in one container?
Note: The tariff and regulation information above is informative and subject to change. Confirm with your importer/forwarder or Indonesian customs authorities before transacting.