Export Documentation
Export documentation from Bali, done right the first time
Export documentation is the least glamorous part of sourcing from Bali. It’s also the part that, when it’s wrong, delays your entire shipment at customs, sometimes by weeks, and can result in goods being held, inspected, or returned. After 20+ years of shipping from Bali, I know exactly what’s needed, what gets flagged, and how to make sure your paperwork is right the first time.
Documents I handle for every shipment
Commercial Invoice: Itemized list of goods and declared values. Required for every shipment.
Packing List: Detailed contents of each package or crate. Required for every shipment.
Certificate of Origin: Confirms goods are produced in Indonesia. Required by most importing countries for duty purposes.
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill: The key shipping document issued by the carrier. Required for every shipment.
Phytosanitary Certificate: Required for wood and plant-based products. Applies to furniture, rattan, bamboo, and some textiles.
Fumigation Certificate: Treatment confirmation for wood products. Required by Australia, USA, and several EU destinations.
CITES Documentation: Required for certain protected species. Relevant for select hardwoods. I’ll flag if this applies to your order.
For a full explanation of what each document does and when it applies, read the export documentation guide. Teak furniture from Bali carries the strictest requirements of anything I ship.
Why documentation errors happen, and how I prevent them
Wrong HS codes
Incorrect tariff classification leads to wrong duties at destination, delays, and sometimes fines. I get this right at source.
Missing certificates
Especially phytosanitary for timber products going to Australia or the USA. A missing certificate means a held shipment.
Value misrepresentation
Undervaluing goods to reduce duties is fraud, and it comes back on the importer, not me. I don’t do it.
Description errors
“Wooden furniture” is not the same as “teak outdoor dining table with rattan detailing” in customs terms. Precision matters, and it starts with an accurate packing list at quality control before shipping.
Important: I coordinate and prepare your Bali-side export documentation. Import regulations and duty rates at your destination are your local customs broker’s responsibility. I’ll point you in the right direction but I’m not a licensed customs consultant in your country.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a phytosanitary certificate for furniture?
If the furniture contains solid wood, teak, mahogany or bamboo, and you’re importing to Australia, USA, New Zealand, or most EU countries: yes. I arrange this through an accredited inspection authority in Bali.
Can you help me understand import duties in my country?
I can give you general guidance and point you to the right resources, but customs duty rates and import regulations in your country should be confirmed by your local freight forwarder or customs broker.
What happens if documentation is wrong?
It depends on the error. Minor issues can sometimes be corrected remotely. Significant errors can hold your shipment until resolved. I work hard to prevent this, but if it happens, I’m here to help fix it.
Does the paperwork change if I ship regularly?
The documents are the same each time, but repeat shipments get faster because the classifications and descriptions are already settled. This is one of the reasons importers and wholesalers on a regular schedule see fewer customs delays over time. For background on the whole process, see exporting from Bali.
Questions about your shipment’s documentation?
Tell me what you’re shipping and where it’s going. I’ll tell you exactly what’s needed.