Global Shipping from Bali:
FAQs (RIM Cargo)

THE BASICS OF GLOBAL SHIPPING

 

1) Does RIM Cargo ship to countries other than Australia?

Yes. RIM Cargo is an Australian-managed freight forwarder based in Bali, and we ship worldwide. We handle shipping from Bali via sea freight and air freight to destinations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and the Pacific—including regular shipments to countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, the UAE, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Canada, India, and Fiji. The process stays the same: professional packing, export paperwork, and reliable delivery options.

 

2) What is the difference between sea freight and air freight?

• Sea freight (ocean freight): Best value for furniture, homewares, stone, statues, and larger volumes. Typical timelines are 4–12 weeks, depending on destination and schedules.

• Air freight: Best for urgent or high-value items. Typical delivery is 3–7 business days, depending on route and customs clearance.

 

3) Do you offer door-to-door shipping from Bali?

Yes. We provide door-to-door shipping from Bali, which can include pickup from your villa or supplier, professional packing and crating, export documentation, international freight, and delivery to your address (subject to destination access and local rules). We also offer port-to-port options if you prefer to manage final delivery yourself.

 

4) Do I need a whole container for my shipment?

No. You can ship by:

• LCL (Less than Container Load): Shared container space, priced by volume.

• FCL (Full Container Load): A dedicated 20ft or 40ft container for larger moves, villa projects, or commercial orders.

 

5) How long does global shipping from Bali take?

Typical sea freight timeframes (guide only):

• Australia / Asia: around 4–6 weeks

• USA / Europe: around 6–8 weeks

• Air freight: typically 3–7 business days

Final timing depends on sailing schedules, destination port congestion, and customs / quarantine clearance.

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COSTS, QUOTES, AND PAYMENTS

 

6) Are your quotes all-inclusive?

We provide clear, itemised quotes and explain what is included. Shipping can involve multiple cost components (packing, export handling, freight, and destination charges), so we structure quotes to avoid surprises and to help you compare like-for-like.

 

7) Who pays import duties and taxes at destination?

In most international shipments, the consignee (receiver/importer) pays local import duty, GST/VAT, and customs charges in the destination country. We can give practical guidance on what to expect, but final assessment is always set by the destination customs authority.

 

8) How do I pay for my shipment?

We accept secure payments in multiple currencies (options vary by invoice). For Australia-bound shipments, AUD invoicing may be available. We’ll confirm the available payment method and banking details in your quote and invoice.

 

9) Why should I be cautious with “budget” quotes?

Very low quotes often exclude essentials such as export packing, crating, documentation, or destination port charges (for example terminal handling charges/THC). These costs can appear later and change the true total. We prefer straightforward pricing and clear inclusions.

 

10) Can you help coordinate payments to Bali suppliers?

Yes, where appropriate. If you are buying from multiple suppliers, we can help coordinate supplier readiness and collection so goods are only picked up once key details are confirmed. (Payment arrangements depend on supplier terms and compliance requirements.)

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PACKING, INSURANCE, AND PROTECTION

 

11) Do you provide professional export packing in Bali?

Yes. We provide export-grade packing designed to reduce risk from movement, stacking, humidity, and long transit times. Packing methods depend on the goods (furniture, décor, stone, fragile items) and the chosen freight method.

 

12) What is an “international standard” crate?

For fragile or high-risk items, we build custom export crates using ISPM 15 heat-treated timber where required. ISPM 15 is a common global standard to reduce the spread of timber pests and is widely required for international shipping.

 

13) Is cargo insured during transit?

We strongly recommend Marine Cargo Insurance (sea freight) or appropriate transit cover (air freight). Insurance can protect against loss or damage during international transport. We can help arrange cover, subject to insurer terms and declared value.

 

14) How do I track my shipment?

You will receive the key shipping document for tracking:

• Bill of Lading (B/L) for sea freight

• Air Waybill (AWB) for air freight

These reference numbers allow you to monitor shipment progress as it moves through ports and hubs.

 

15) What happens if my goods are damaged?

If damage occurs, we assist with documentation and the claims process (where insured). Good packing reduces risk, and proper photos, inventory lists, and declared values make claims smoother.

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CUSTOMS, QUARANTINE, AND COMPLIANCE

 

16) What is a Bill of Lading (B/L)?

A Bill of Lading is a core shipping document for sea freight. It works as a receipt for goods shipped, evidence of the carriage contract, and a key document used in customs clearance and cargo release.

 

17) What is a fumigation certificate?

A Fumigation Certificate confirms that goods (or timber packaging) have been treated to manage pests. Many countries require this for shipments containing wood, rattan, bamboo, and other organic materials, especially when quarantine inspection applies.

 

18) Can you ship wooden furniture to Europe and the USA?

Yes. We can support timber compliance requirements, including SVLK / V-Legal documentation where needed, which helps demonstrate legal sourcing for timber products entering regulated markets (requirements depend on product type and destination rules).

 

19) What items are prohibited for international shipping?

Rules vary by country, but common restricted/prohibited categories include: flammables, aerosols, certain liquids, chemicals, seeds, soil, organic matter, and animal products without permits. If you are unsure, ask us before packing or pickup.

 

20) What is a Certificate of Origin?

A Certificate of Origin confirms the country where goods were produced (e.g., Indonesia). It may be used to support customs processing and, in some cases, help access preferential duty rates under trade agreements (subject to eligibility).

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SUPPLIER PICKUPS, CONSOLIDATION, AND WAREHOUSING

 

21) Can you collect items from multiple shops and suppliers in Bali?

Yes. We regularly manage multi-supplier pickups across Bali (for example Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Sanur, Jimbaran, and beyond), then consolidate items in our warehouse into one shipment.

 

22) Do you offer quality control (QC) checks?

Yes. For remote buyers, we can arrange basic checks with suppliers to confirm the right items are ready before packing and export (scope depends on the goods and location).

 

23) Do you offer warehouse storage in Bali?

Yes. We offer secure warehousing so you can collect items over time from different suppliers, then ship together by LCL or FCL when everything is ready.

 

24) Can you assist with undername export from Indonesia?

Yes. If you do not have an Indonesian export licence, we can provide undername export services (where compliant), allowing goods to be exported legally under the correct documentation and handling process.

 

25) How do I connect my suppliers with RIM Cargo?

Send us supplier names, locations, and contact details. Our Bali team coordinates pickup schedules, packing requirements, and documentation so the shipment can move as one organised process.

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RELOCATIONS AND COMMERCIAL SHIPMENTS

 

26) I’m relocating overseas. Can you ship my household goods from Bali?

Yes. We handle household and relocation shipments, from fragile kitchen items to large furniture, with packing, consolidation, and freight planning based on your destination and timeline.

 

27) Do you handle commercial shipments for businesses?

Yes. We support boutiques, designers, hospitality groups, and retailers with regular commercial freight from Bali, including repeat shipments, consolidation planning, and export documentation.

 

28) What is a Packing Declaration?

A Packing Declaration confirms that prohibited packing materials (such as straw or untreated organic fillers) were not used. It is commonly required for destinations with strict biosecurity rules, including Australia and New Zealand.

 

29) Can you ship a Balinese gazebo, timber structure, or flat-pack build?

Yes. We can help plan flat-pack export packing, labelling, and timber compliance (including ISPM 15 where needed) so the structure is easier to reassemble and more likely to clear quarantine checks.

 

30) Why choose RIM Cargo instead of a courier like DHL for large items?

For heavy or bulky goods, courier pricing can be extremely high. RIM Cargo provides sea freight and freight forwarding options that are often more cost-effective for furniture, stone, and larger shipments, with a managed process from Bali pickup through to delivery or port arrival.