Every parcel that crosses a border is checked by customs at the destination. They decide from the information you give at booking whether duty or taxes are due, so filling in the item list carefully is the best way to avoid delays. Here is what each field means, and how duty works.
Describe every item honestly
List each item in the parcel separately. For each one, give a clear description, the quantity and the real value per item in rupiah.
A clear description names what the thing actually is. Write "cotton T-shirt", "leather wallet" or "ceramic mug", not "clothes", "goods" or "gift". A vague description can lead to a parcel being held while customs ask questions.
Also say where each item was made. That is the country of manufacture, not the country you bought it in or the one you are sending it from.
Why the declared value matters
Customs use the declared value to decide whether duty is due and how much. It can be tempting to write a lower number to save the receiver money, but under-declaring can mean delays, fines, or the parcel being returned or seized. Declare what the item is really worth, even if it is a present.
For some destinations, the booking form also shows each item's value, and the total declared value, in the destination's customs currency. It is a useful check that the numbers look right from the other side.
Finding the HS code
The HS code is an international product code that tells customs what kind of item it is. Our form accepts a code of 6 to 10 digits. If you do not know it, click the magnifier icon next to the field to look it up.
Parcels to the United States need the full 10-digit US code. The lookup offers it, so choose the full 10-digit code rather than a shorter one.
Who pays duty and taxes
For parcels from Indonesia, any duty we collect is shown in the price before you pay, as part of the full price on the Get prices screen. Where duty or taxes were not collected at booking, the receiver may be billed by customs when the parcel arrives. It is worth telling the recipient, so they are not surprised.
Sending to the European Union
For EU destinations, the IOSS number decides who pays. An IOSS number is usually provided by the online seller the goods were bought from.
- With a valid IOSS number entered at booking, the EU import VAT and duty are collected by us at booking (DDP).
- Without one, customs bill the receiver on arrival (DDU).
A quick checklist
- One line per item, with a specific description.
- The real value of each item, in rupiah.
- The country where each item was made.
- An HS code of 6 to 10 digits, or the full 10-digit code for the United States.
- An IOSS number for EU parcels, if the seller gave you one.
If you are unsure how to describe something, contact us before booking and we will help you get it right.