In short: an export order from an Indonesian furniture exporter usually moves through seven stages: brief and quotation, samples or prototypes, order confirmation, production, inspection, export documentation and container loading, and finally sea freight and delivery. Agree the shipping terms (Incoterms) at the start so you know who pays for what.
Indonesia is one of the world’s best-known sources of solid wood furniture, and most of it reaches buyers by sea container. If you have not imported furniture before, the process can look complicated. Here is how it works in practice, based on how we handle export orders at Indocasa.
1. Brief and quotation
Start with a clear brief: which pieces, quantities, finishes and fabrics, any changes to dimensions, the delivery destination, and your timeline. The exporter replies with a quotation covering prices, production time and shipping terms. At Indocasa we reply to every inquiry within one business day.
2. Samples and prototypes
For bespoke designs or large orders, a prototype lets you approve proportions, comfort and finish before full production. It is the cheapest point at which to change anything.
3. Order confirmation
Once the quotation and samples are approved, the order is confirmed. Payment terms vary, but a deposit before production with the balance before shipment is common practice.
4. Production
The timber is dried, machined, joined, assembled and finished. Our guide inside a teak furniture factory walks through each step.
5. Inspection
Finished pieces are checked for structure, finish, dimensions and moisture before packing. Many buyers also arrange their own inspection, or an independent one, before the container is loaded.
6. Export documents and container loading
A typical furniture shipment from Indonesia is accompanied by:
- A commercial invoice and packing list
- A bill of lading from the shipping line
- SVLK timber legality documentation (accepted as a FLEGT licence for the EU)
- A certificate of origin, which may reduce import duty under some trade agreements
- Fumigation or ISPM 15 treatment for any wooden crates or pallets
Furniture usually ships in 20-foot or 40-foot containers, often 40-foot high-cube for bulky upholstered pieces. Smaller orders can travel as LCL (shared container) freight. From Central Java, containers usually leave through the port of Tanjung Emas in Semarang.
7. Shipping terms (Incoterms)
| Term | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | You collect from the factory and handle everything after that. |
| FOB (Free On Board) | The exporter delivers the loaded container onto the ship at the Indonesian port. You pay sea freight and import costs. |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) | The exporter also pays sea freight and insurance to your destination port. You handle import clearance and local delivery. |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | The exporter delivers to your door with duties paid. This is the simplest option for you, but usually the highest quoted price. |
Delivery and installation
For hotel and residential projects, delivery does not end at the port. We coordinate international delivery and white-glove setup where required. Our furniture has gone to projects in the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, Mexico, Antigua, India, Malaysia, the Maldives, Oman and across Indonesia. See our projects.
Frequently asked questions
Which port do furniture exports from Jepara use?
Most containers from Jepara and the rest of Central Java leave through Tanjung Emas port in Semarang. Some shipments go through Tanjung Perak in Surabaya.
Can I mix different products in one container?
Yes. Mixed containers are common, for example dining chairs, tables and lounge sets loaded together. We plan the loading so the container is used efficiently.
What documents come with a teak furniture shipment from Indonesia?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, SVLK timber legality documentation and, where useful, a certificate of origin. Wooden packing materials are treated to ISPM 15.
Does Indocasa ship worldwide?
Yes. We export worldwide and can coordinate delivery and installation for hotel and residential projects.
How long does sea freight from Indonesia take?
It depends on the destination and route. Within Asia it can be a matter of days to a couple of weeks, while Europe and the Americas typically take several weeks. We confirm the timeline in the quotation.
