Trade Lane

Shipping from Indonesia to Israel

Complete guide to shipping from Indonesia to Israel, featuring textiles, footwear, palm oil products, and rubber exports via the Suez Canal. Comprehensive customs compliance and documentation requirements for Israeli imports.

Updated Nov 24, 2024
Ocean
20-26 days
Standard FCL
Air
2-4 days
Express Air
Indonesia
Israel
20-26 days
2-4 days

Key Facts

  • Indonesia is the world's largest palm oil producer, with Israel representing a growing market for food and industrial applications
  • The shipping route spans approximately 5,500 nautical miles via the Suez Canal and Red Sea, connecting Southeast Asia to the Mediterranean
  • Indonesia and Israel have limited direct diplomatic relations, but bilateral trade continues through established commercial channels and third-party intermediaries
  • Tanjung Priok Jakarta handles over 9 million TEUs annually with growing direct connections to Mediterranean and Middle East routes
  • Indonesian textiles, footwear, rubber products, and palm oil derivatives find significant market demand in Israel's industrial and consumer sectors
  • The trade relationship is facilitated through Dubai, Singapore, and European ports as re-export hubs

Route Overview

The Indonesia to Israel shipping route connects Southeast Asia's largest archipelago with the Middle East's rapidly developing economy. While Indonesia and Israel maintain limited direct diplomatic relations, bilateral trade continues through established commercial channels, with intermediaries and third-party traders facilitating a consistent flow of goods.

Indonesia's diverse manufacturing base and natural resource wealth position it as a significant supplier to Israeli markets. Key exports include textiles and apparel from Java's manufacturing centers, footwear and rubber products from regional processing facilities, palm oil and derivatives from Sumatra's plantations, and specialty furniture from eastern Indonesia. Israel's economy, driven by technology, consumer goods, and industrial imports, maintains steady demand for high-quality Indonesian products across multiple sectors.

The bilateral trade relationship is facilitated through several mechanisms: Some Israeli importers work with Indonesian manufacturers directly through established agents or trading companies, others source through Dubai, Singapore, or European ports as intermediaries and re-export hubs. This structure has created a reliable supply chain despite the geopolitical context, with established shipping services and customs procedures well-developed over decades of trade.

The shipping route spans approximately 5,500 nautical miles via the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and Suez Canal - one of the world's most critical maritime passages. Transit times of 20-26 days for ocean freight and 2-4 days for air express provide reliable scheduling for most shipments. The route's importance has grown with improvements to Indonesian port infrastructure and increased Israeli import demand for Southeast Asian manufactured goods.

Cubic specializes in facilitating Indonesia-Israel trade, managing the complexity of documentation, customs procedures, and shipping logistics. Our expertise ensures compliant shipments, efficient customs clearance, and reliable delivery to Israeli ports and beyond.

Major Origin Ports in Indonesia

Tanjung Priok Jakarta (IDJKT)

Tanjung Priok is Indonesia's largest and busiest seaport, handling approximately 60% of the nation's containerized trade. Located on Java's north coast near Jakarta, it serves as the gateway for exports from Indonesia's industrial heartland, major textile manufacturing centers, and major commodity exporters.

Key features of Tanjung Priok include:

  • Container Capacity: Handles over 9 million TEUs annually with multiple modern container terminals
  • Commodity Facilities: Specialized handling for textiles, footwear, palm oil, rubber, and furniture exports
  • Mediterranean & Middle East Services: Growing direct connections to Mediterranean ports including services to Red Sea and Israeli ports
  • Inland Connectivity: Road and rail connections to Java's manufacturing regions, Sumatra, and industrial zones
  • Consolidation Services: LCL consolidation available for smaller shipments

For Israel-bound cargo, Tanjung Priok offers the most frequent and reliable services via the Suez Canal. Transit time to Israeli ports is typically 20-26 days with major carriers. The port's proximity to Jakarta's textile companies, footwear manufacturers, trading companies, and food processors makes it the primary choice for most Indonesian exporters.

Tanjung Perak Surabaya (IDSUB)

Tanjung Perak is Indonesia's second-largest seaport, located in Surabaya on East Java's coast. It serves eastern Indonesia, including the major furniture-producing centers of East Java and regional commodity exporters from Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi.

Tanjung Perak characteristics:

  • Handles approximately 20-25% of Indonesia's seaborne trade
  • Primary port for furniture, rubber, and commodity exports from eastern Indonesia
  • Direct access to East Java's furniture manufacturing clusters
  • Serves regional exporters and trading companies
  • Less congested alternative during peak seasons at Jakarta
  • Competitive handling charges and flexible scheduling

Most Israel-bound cargo from Surabaya transits via Singapore before proceeding to the Suez Canal route, adding 2-3 days compared to direct Jakarta services. However, for exporters in East Java, Sumatra, and eastern regions, Surabaya offers significant inland transportation cost savings and faster port processing compared to trucking to Jakarta.

Supporting Ports

Several Indonesian ports support specific commodity exports:

  • Belawan (Medan): Primary export port for Sumatran palm oil, rubber, and specialty products with some direct services to Middle East and Mediterranean routes
  • Port Klang (Malaysia Transit): Many Indonesian exporters consolidate cargo in Klang for efficient feeder services

Carrier Services

Major shipping lines operating routes from Indonesia to Mediterranean and Middle East ports include MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, COSCO, Evergreen, and regional carriers. Most offer services from Jakarta with routing via Suez Canal to Israeli destinations. Services vary in frequency and transshipment points, with some carriers offering more direct Mediterranean connections.

Need help with this route?

Get competitive rates for your Indonesia to Israel shipment.

Israeli Ports & Import Gateway

Haifa Port (ILHFA)

Haifa is Israel's largest and busiest port, handling the vast majority of the country's containerized cargo. Located on the Mediterranean coast north of Tel Aviv, Haifa serves as the primary gateway for Asian imports and the main distribution point for Israeli and regional markets.

For Indonesian exporters, Haifa offers exceptional strategic value:

  • Import Capacity: Handles over 80% of Israel's containerized imports with advanced automated terminal facilities
  • Asian Gateway: The primary port for cargo from Asia, with regular connections from Southeast Asian suppliers
  • 24/7 Operations: Continuous operations enable efficient cargo handling and customs clearance
  • Inland Connectivity: Road and rail connections to all Israeli markets and regional distribution networks
  • Customs Processing: Experienced cargo handlers and customs brokers familiar with Indonesian import procedures
  • Distribution Hub: Gateway to West Bank, Jordan, and regional markets for re-export

Haifa is the preferred port for most Indonesian importers due to its superior infrastructure, experienced handling of Asian cargo, and established customs procedures. Cargo typically clears customs within 1-3 days for routine shipments.

Ashdod Port (ILASH)

Ashdod is Israel's second-largest port, located south of Tel Aviv near the Gaza border. While smaller than Haifa, it offers an alternative entry point for cargo and can provide competitive handling costs during peak periods.

Ashdod characteristics:

  • Handles approximately 20% of Israel's containerized imports
  • Modern automated container handling facilities with competitive tariffs
  • Good connectivity to central and southern Israel markets
  • Alternative to Haifa during port congestion
  • Some Asian carriers offer direct services to Ashdod
  • Proximity to Tel Aviv metropolitan area (40 km)

For smaller shipments or alternative routing, Ashdod can be effective, but Haifa remains the primary choice for most Indonesia-Israel trade.

Israeli Customs Clearance Procedures

The Israeli import process involves several key steps:

  • Vessel Arrival: Cargo becomes available for customs entry within 24-48 hours
  • Customs Entry Filing: Documentation must be filed with Israeli Customs Authority within 30 days of arrival
  • Duty Assessment: Customs classifies cargo and assesses duties based on HS codes and product valuations
  • Physical Inspection: Random inspections occur, with food, textiles, and specialized products receiving closer scrutiny
  • Clearance Release: Once cleared, cargo is released for pickup or delivery to consignee
  • Final Delivery: Licensed carriers deliver to Israeli importers or warehouses

The entire process typically requires 2-5 business days for straightforward shipments, longer for products requiring additional testing or special licensing. Working with experienced Israeli customs brokers accelerates clearance substantially.

Transit Time & Routing Considerations

Standard Transit Times

Transit times from Indonesia to Israel vary based on port of origin, carrier selection, and routing:

  • Jakarta to Haifa (Direct Route): 20-26 days with major carriers via the Suez Canal
  • Surabaya to Haifa (via Singapore): 22-28 days with transshipment at Singapore
  • Belawan to Haifa: 20-24 days depending on routing

Primary Routing: Via Suez Canal

The standard route from Indonesia to Israel follows this path:

  1. Depart from Indonesian port (Jakarta, Surabaya, or Belawan)
  2. Transit Strait of Malacca (shared by multiple vessels)
  3. Proceed through Indian Ocean (3,000+ nm)
  4. Enter Red Sea via Bab el-Mandeb strait
  5. Transit Suez Canal (shortest route to Mediterranean)
  6. Proceed through Mediterranean Sea (1,000+ nm)
  7. Arrive at Israeli ports (Haifa or Ashdod)

This routing is approximately 5,500 nautical miles and represents the optimal path for Indonesia-Israel shipments. Most carriers maintain scheduled services on this route with weekly or bi-weekly departures.

Alternative Routing Options

Alternative routes exist but are generally less efficient:

  • Cape of Good Hope Route: Circumnavigates Africa via Cape of Good Hope - significantly longer (8,000+ nm) and rarely used except during Suez Canal disruptions
  • Transshipment via Singapore/Colombo: Some services consolidate at regional hubs, extending transit by 2-4 days
  • Mediterranean Transshipment: Some cargo transships via Cyprus, Malta, or Port Said for onward distribution

Seasonal Factors Affecting Transit

Several seasonal patterns impact Indonesia to Israel shipping:

  • Southwest Monsoon (May-September): Heavy rainfall affects Indonesian ports and can increase Strait of Malacca delays. Indian Ocean seas can be rough, potentially affecting vessel schedules and transit times
  • Palm Oil Peak Seasons (February-April, July-September): Harvest peaks create significant demand pressure for container space with potential rate increases
  • Textile Peak Seasons (August-December): Pre-holiday retail demand increases textile and footwear shipments
  • Strait of Malacca Congestion: One of the world's busiest shipping lanes with occasional significant delays during peak trading periods and adverse weather
  • Red Sea & Suez Advisories: Geopolitical or weather-related disruptions occasionally affect Suez Canal transits
  • Jewish Holiday Periods: Rosh Hashanah, Passover, and Sukkot see increased import demand and potential port congestion
  • Israeli Summer (July-August): Port operations continue normally but many businesses reduce operations for vacation periods

Port Congestion Considerations

Tanjung Priok Jakarta can experience congestion due to:

  • High concentration of Indonesia's trade through a single major port
  • Massive volumes during export peaks
  • River draft limitations affecting vessel scheduling
  • Yard capacity constraints during peak periods
  • Inland transportation bottlenecks from manufacturing centers

Haifa can experience congestion during peak import seasons (particularly pre-holiday retail periods). Advance booking and early customs entry submission help navigate these challenges.

Carrier Selection Impact

Choice of carrier significantly affects transit time and reliability:

  • Carriers with dedicated Mediterranean services offer more consistent schedules
  • Regional carriers provide competitive pricing with transshipment routing (adding 2-4 days)
  • Direct services avoid transshipment delays but may have fewer departures
  • Some carriers offer specialized services for specific cargo types
  • Service reliability varies - carriers with consistent Israel operations are preferable

Shipping Options & Services

Full Container Load (FCL)

FCL is the dominant shipping mode for Indonesian exports to Israel, particularly for textiles, footwear, furniture, and commodity products. Container options include:

  • 20' Standard (TEU): Suitable for higher-density cargo like textiles, footwear, and specialty products
  • 40' Standard: Most common for mixed shipments and furniture exports
  • 40' High Cube: Preferred for bulk-packed goods and volume-intensive products
  • Specialized Containers: Reefer containers for perishable items, open-top for certain furniture pieces

Most Israeli importers prefer FCL for cost efficiency and reduced handling. A standard 40' container can accommodate approximately 22-25 cubic meters of textile cargo or 15-18 tons of furniture depending on product density.

Less than Container Load (LCL)

LCL services are available from Jakarta and Surabaya to Israeli ports, suitable for:

  • Smaller shipments from multiple Indonesian exporters
  • Mixed product consignments from trading companies
  • Trial shipments for market entry into Israeli markets
  • Specialty products in smaller volumes

LCL consolidation operates regularly from Jakarta with deconsolidation at Israeli ports. Transit times for LCL typically add 4-6 days over FCL due to consolidation and deconsolidation processes. This option is particularly useful for small-to-medium exporters who don't have sufficient cargo for full containers but need reliable service to Israeli buyers.

Air Freight

Air freight from Indonesia to Israel serves time-sensitive and high-value shipments:

  • High-Value Textiles: Premium fabrics and specialty apparel requiring rapid delivery
  • Perishable Samples: Coffee samples and specialty food products for buyer evaluation
  • High-Priority Orders: Urgent replacement shipments and emergency orders
  • Specialty Products: High-value furniture components and custom orders

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta offers cargo services via multiple international carriers to Israeli destinations (primarily via Ben Gurion Airport TLV). Transit time is 2-4 days for express services and 4-6 days for standard air freight. Air freight rates are significantly higher than ocean freight but provide critical speed for urgent shipments and high-value samples.

Multimodal Solutions

For cargo originating outside Jakarta, multimodal solutions combining inland transport with ocean freight offer cost-effective options:

  • East Java to Jakarta: 3-5 days by truck with consolidation at port
  • Sumatran products to Belawan or Jakarta: 2-5 days by truck or barge
  • Inland container depots provide customs clearance closer to production areas
  • Rail options available for Java-based cargo but less common for time-sensitive products

Cubic facilitates multimodal coordination ensuring efficient consolidation and on-time port loading.

Special Handling Services

Certain Indonesian products require specialized handling:

  • Textiles & Apparel: Garment-on-hanger (GOH) services available for high-value apparel to reduce post-arrival handling
  • Furniture: Heavy lift equipment and specialized loading for large furniture pieces
  • Fragile Items: Additional packaging and handling procedures for delicate products
  • Food Products: Climate-controlled containers for palm oil and specialty foods

Customs & Compliance Requirements

Indonesia Export Documentation

Exporting from Indonesia requires comprehensive documentation to satisfy both Indonesian customs and Israeli import requirements:

  • Commercial Invoice: Detailed product description, HS codes, FOB values, commodity specifications, and country of origin
  • Packing List: Complete itemization with container numbers, weights, dimensions, and detailed product specifications
  • Bill of Lading: Ocean transport document issued by shipping line with complete routing information
  • Certificate of Origin: Standard CO from Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (KADIN) or Export Promotion Bureau
  • Phytosanitary Certificate: For agricultural products including furniture, rubber, coffee, and textiles (from BPPP - Balai Pengendalian dan Sertifikasi Benih dan Pupuk)
  • Health Certificate: For food products like palm oil and coffee from Indonesian health authorities
  • Quality Certificates: SGS or third-party inspection reports for manufactured goods and commodities
  • Manufacturer Declaration: Confirming proper origin and legitimate manufacturing

Indonesia Export Procedures

Indonesia uses the INSW (Indonesia National Single Window) system for export documentation and customs clearance:

  • Electronic export declarations submitted through INSW portal
  • Phytosanitary certificates obtained from BPPP for applicable products
  • Bonded warehouse and processing zone shipments have expedited channels
  • Physical examination rates vary by commodity and exporter track record
  • Agricultural and manufactured product exports require pre-approval

Israeli Import Requirements

Documentation required for Israeli customs clearance includes:

  • Commercial Invoice: Original with complete product details matching all shipping documents exactly
  • Packing List: Detailed itemization for customs verification with gross/net weights
  • Bill of Lading: Original or telex release with carrier information
  • Certificate of Origin: For country identification and customs duty purposes
  • Import Declaration: Submitted through Israeli customs portal for duties assessment
  • Hebrew Language Documents: Key documents often require Hebrew translation
  • Customs Broker Authority: Israeli importer must authorize licensed customs broker

Product-Specific Requirements for Israel

Textiles & Fabrics:

  • Origin certificate confirming Indonesian manufacture
  • Fiber content analysis and testing certificate
  • Quality standards compliance with Israeli Standards Institution (SI)
  • Hebrew labeling with fiber composition percentages and care instructions
  • Size standardization meeting Israeli sizing conventions
  • For children's clothing: Safety testing certificates

Footwear:

  • Quality inspection certificates from recognized laboratories
  • Material composition and manufacturing standards declaration
  • Size and fit standardization documentation
  • Hebrew origin marking and material labeling
  • For children's footwear: Safety compliance certifications
  • Chemical and environmental compliance documentation

Palm Oil & Derivatives:

  • Phytosanitary certificate from Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture
  • Quality analysis certificates (acid value, moisture, iodine value)
  • FSSC 22000 or RSPO certification for food-grade products
  • Food safety and hygiene documentation
  • Health certificate from Indonesia
  • Hebrew labeling for consumer products with complete ingredient lists
  • Registration with Israeli Ministry of Health if required

Furniture & Wood Products:

  • Wood species identification and sustainability certificates
  • Quality and construction certification
  • Safety compliance testing (fire retardancy, structural integrity)
  • Phytosanitary certificate if applicable
  • Hebrew origin and material composition labeling
  • Environmental and chemical safety certifications

Coffee & Spices:

  • Health certificate from Indonesian authorities
  • Phytosanitary certification from BPPP
  • Pesticide residue testing and food safety analysis
  • Quality and roasting documentation
  • Halal certification if applicable
  • Hebrew labeling with origin, ingredients, and expiration dates
  • Registration with Israeli Ministry of Health

Critical Compliance Points

Hebrew Labeling: All consumer products must include Hebrew language labeling with manufacturer details, product composition, country of origin, and usage instructions. Non-compliance results in port holds and potential rejection.

Documentation Consistency: All shipping documents (invoice, packing list, bill of lading) must match exactly. Discrepancies cause delays, additional inspections, and potential holds.

HS Code Accuracy: Precise 8-digit HS codes essential for both Indonesian export and Israeli import classification. Incorrect coding delays clearance.

Food Safety: Food products require health certificates, hygiene documentation, and pesticide testing. Non-compliant food imports are rejected and potentially destroyed.

Customs Entry Timing: Israeli customs entry must be filed within 30 days of cargo arrival. Late filing incurs penalties.

Customs Duty Structure

Israeli customs duty rates vary by product:

  • Textiles: 5-15% depending on fiber content and final products
  • Footwear: 8-20% depending on material composition
  • Agricultural products: 0-10% with some preferential rates
  • Furniture: 10-15% for finished products
  • VAT: Standard 17% applies to imported goods valued above threshold

Accurate HS classification and product valuation are essential for duty calculations.

Working with Israeli Customs Brokers

Licensed customs brokers handle the Israeli import process:

  • They file all documentation with Israeli Customs Authority
  • They coordinate physical inspections if required
  • They handle duty payments and VAT
  • They obtain final cargo release authorization
  • They arrange pickup or delivery to consignee

Israeli importers engage brokers; exporters coordinate through their agents or freight forwarders.

Cost Factors & Optimization

Ocean Freight Cost Components

Indonesia to Israel shipping costs include several elements:

  • Base Ocean Freight: Per-container charge varying by container size and carrier service
  • Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF): Fuel surcharge fluctuating with oil prices (typically 5-15% of base rate)
  • Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF): Applicable for routes with currency fluctuations
  • Terminal Handling Charges (THC): Indonesian origin charges (Jakarta/Surabaya) and Israeli port destination handling
  • Suez Canal Fees: Transited by all vessels (significant cost component for Egypt)
  • Documentation Fees: Bill of lading issuance, customs filing, and certificate charges
  • Inland Transportation: Port area to factory collection or consolidation center delivery in Indonesia
  • Port Charges: Security, storage (if applicable), and other sundry charges

Cost Influencing Factors

Several factors affect shipping costs on this route:

  • Season: Peak textile seasons (August-December) and fruit harvest periods see rate increases
  • Container Type: Specialty containers command premium rates vs. standard containers
  • Carrier Selection: Direct services cost more than transshipment options
  • Booking Lead Time: Early booking often secures better rates and guaranteed space
  • Volume Commitments: Regular shippers with volume contracts receive preferential rates
  • Fuel Prices: BAF charges significantly impact cost during high oil price periods
  • Port Congestion: Peak seasons incur additional handling fees

Port Selection Impact

Port choice significantly affects total shipping costs:

  • Jakarta: Most carrier options, competitive base rates, direct services, but higher potential congestion costs
  • Surabaya: Lower inland transport from eastern production areas, but fewer direct services and transshipment surcharges
  • Israeli Ports: Haifa typically slightly higher than Ashdod, but superior infrastructure

LCL vs. FCL Economics

Cost comparison for smaller shipments:

  • FCL: Fixed container cost divided by volume - optimal for 10+ tons
  • LCL: Per-CBM (cubic meter) charge - optimal for smaller, lighter shipments
  • Consolidation: LCL costs typically 20-40% higher per unit than FCL but enables smaller shipments

Duty & Tax Considerations

Import costs to Israel include:

  • Israeli customs duties (5-20% depending on product category)
  • VAT at 17% on imported value plus duties
  • Customs broker fees (typically 500-1,500 NIS per shipment)
  • Port handling and demurrage (if applicable)

Total import costs can be substantial - proper HS code classification minimizes duty exposure.

Cost Optimization Strategies

Working with Cubic helps optimize Indonesia to Israel shipping costs:

  • Carrier rate negotiation leveraging consolidated volumes
  • Container utilization optimization for maximum payload density
  • Seasonal booking timing to avoid peak season premiums
  • Port and routing selection based on origin location and cargo type
  • Consolidation services pooling shipments from multiple Indonesian exporters
  • Documentation efficiency reducing delays and demurrage charges
  • Duty classification optimization to minimize import taxes
  • Customs clearance coordination with Israeli brokers for faster processing

Currency Considerations

Currency fluctuations impact shipping costs:

  • Freight rates typically quoted in USD
  • Indonesian rupiah (IDR) fluctuates against USD, affecting local costs
  • Israeli shekel (ILS) exchange rates affect duty calculations for Israeli importers
  • Exchange rate movements affect final landed cost calculations
  • Hedging strategies available for large, regular shipments

Shipping Tips & Best Practices

Documentation Best Practices

  • Certificate of Origin: Ensure CO matches commercial invoice exactly - discrepancies cause delays and inspection holds
  • HS Code Accuracy: Verify 8-digit HS codes are correct for both Indonesian export and Israeli import classification
  • Commercial Invoice Detail: Include comprehensive product descriptions, specifications, and packaging details
  • Phytosanitary Certificates: Obtain from BPPP and verify validity - some certifications expire within 30 days
  • Hebrew Labeling: Plan consumer product labeling well in advance - mistranslations cause rejections
  • Document Consistency: Ensure all shipping documents (invoice, packing list, bill of lading) match exactly

Textile & Apparel Export Best Practices

  • Fiber Content Testing: Commission fiber analysis before shipment to ensure labeling accuracy
  • Care Labeling: Provide Hebrew language care instructions and fiber percentages
  • Size Standardization: Ensure sizing follows Israeli sizing conventions
  • Quality Inspection: Arrange pre-shipment inspection to meet Israeli buyers' strict quality standards
  • Packaging: Use GOH (garment-on-hanger) services for high-value apparel
  • Seasonal Timing: Plan textile shipments 6-8 weeks before Israeli retail seasons

Footwear Export Best Practices

  • Material Composition: Document all materials and provide testing certificates
  • Safety Compliance: For children's footwear, obtain safety testing certificates before shipment
  • Size Consistency: Implement tight size and fit standardization
  • Quality Control: High rejection rates damage buyer relationships - implement rigorous QC
  • Labor Compliance: Ensure manufacturing complies with international labor standards

Palm Oil & Food Product Export Best Practices

  • Temperature Management: Maintain proper temperatures during transport - cooling errors affect quality
  • Certification Compliance: Ensure FSSC 22000 or other required certifications are current
  • Quality Documentation: Provide detailed quality analysis with shipment
  • Health Certificates: Obtain from Indonesian health authorities and verify before shipment
  • Halal Certification: If applicable, verify certification status and validity
  • Third-Party Inspection: Arrange pre-loading and post-loading inspection

Furniture Export Best Practices

  • Wood Species Documentation: Verify wood species and obtain sustainability certificates if required
  • Safety Compliance: Ensure furniture meets Israeli safety standards for fire retardancy and structural integrity
  • Quality Inspection: Furniture quality is highly subjective - implement buyer approval procedures
  • Packaging: Use heavy-lift shipping containers and proper cushioning materials
  • Damage Prevention: Contract terms should specify liability for in-transit damage

Timing and Planning

  • Book containers 3-4 weeks in advance during peak textile seasons (August-December)
  • Plan around Jewish holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Passover, Sukkot) and Eid for factory coordination
  • Allow buffer time for first-time shipments requiring Israeli product registration or special licensing
  • Monitor Suez Canal advisories and weather forecasts for possible routing impacts
  • Coordinate with Israeli importers on delivery windows to avoid demurrage charges
  • File customs entry within 30 days of cargo arrival to avoid penalties

Leveraging Intermediary Relationships

Since Indonesia-Israel trade often flows through intermediaries:

  • Build relationships with established Israeli importers or trading companies
  • Consider Dubai or Singapore representatives for market access
  • Develop long-term supply relationships with committed buyers
  • Maintain consistent quality to build trader confidence
  • Use Cubic's platform for visibility and reliability assurance

Risk Management

  • Marine cargo insurance strongly recommended - covers damage, loss, and inherent commodity risks
  • All-risk policies essential for food products due to temperature and handling sensitivity
  • Letters of credit common for new trading relationships
  • Diversify carrier relationships to ensure consistent service
  • Maintain backup documentation copies for customs inquiries
  • Build relationships with multiple Israeli brokers for redundancy
  • Implement quality dispute resolution mechanisms - third-party inspection critical
  • Monitor exchange rates and hedging strategies for price stability

Technology and Visibility

  • Utilize container tracking for real-time shipment monitoring
  • Monitor vessel movements and port status updates
  • Implement electronic documentation for faster processing
  • Connect with Cubic's platform for end-to-end visibility and automated alerts
  • Set up automated alerts for vessel departures, arrivals, and customs clearance
  • Temperature tracking available for food products and palm oil shipments

Customs Clearance Optimization

  • File customs documentation with Israeli broker immediately upon cargo arrival
  • Provide all supplementary certifications with customs entry to avoid additional requests
  • Choose broker familiar with Indonesian product imports
  • Maintain clear communication with broker on timeline and requirements
  • Be prepared for physical inspections for first-time shipments
  • Keep backup copies of all documentation for broker reference

Transit Times

Ocean Freight

Standard FCL
20-26 days

Full container load via major carriers through the Suez Canal and Indian Ocean with regular sailings from Jakarta and Surabaya

LCL Consolidation
24-32 days

Less than container load with consolidation in Indonesia and deconsolidation at Israeli ports

Air Freight

Express Air
2-4 days

Priority air freight via Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) with expedited customs clearance for high-value shipments

Standard Air
4-6 days

Regular air freight service with competitive rates for time-sensitive shipments

Transit times are estimates and may vary based on carrier schedules, port congestion, weather conditions, and customs clearance. Contact us for current transit times and availability.

Popular Cargo

TextilesFootwearPalm oil productsRubber productsFurnitureCoffee

Key Ports

Origin (Indonesia)
Tanjung Priok JakartaTanjung Perak Surabaya
Destination (Israel)
HaifaAshdod

Ship from Indonesia to Israel

Get competitive rates and reliable service on this route. Our team handles customs, documentation, and door-to-door logistics.