5 Fatal Mistakes of Major Industrial Importers: Chronology, Impact & How to Avoid Them

Questions for You

Does your company import more than 5 containers every month?
Are the imported goods high-value or require special import quotas?
Has your company’s cash flow ever been disrupted just because import permits were delayed?
Or has your industrial stock been stuck at the port because documents were incomplete?

If any of the above questions sound familiar, then this article is highly relevant. The reality is, many large importers in Indonesia suffer huge losses not because of weak market demand, but because of mistakes in managing the import process.

With import regulations becoming stricter under the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Trade—aimed at protecting local industry—every oversight can lead to additional costs worth billions of rupiah.

Let’s look at the 5 most common mistakes made by industrial importers, their impacts, and how to avoid them.

1. Not Staying Updated on the Latest Regulations

Chronology:
Since early 2024, the government has tightened import rules through MoT Regulation No. 3/2024 and the revision MoT Regulation No. 8/2024, requiring import approvals (PI), technical verification (pertek), and strict port supervision.

Impact:

Containers can be held for days or weeks at ports.
Demurrage and storage costs skyrocket, eroding profit margins.
Production projects are delayed because raw materials don’t arrive on time.

How to Avoid:
Build an internal system or use a logistics partner who always monitors the latest regulations. Conduct a pre-shipment document audit so nothing is overlooked.

2. Miscalculating Quotas and Commodity Balance

Chronology:
Many importers only create monthly forecasts, while import quotas and commodity balance (NK) are issued annually. As a result, goods may already be ordered and even arrive at the port while quotas are still pending.

Impact:

Goods pile up at the port, incurring extra costs.
Distribution to factories or customers is delayed.
Working capital is locked in goods that cannot be released.

How to Avoid:
Use annual forecasts so quota submissions are more accurate.

If quotas are still pending while goods arrive, find smarter solutions: in the past, companies stored goods in Malaysia or Singapore. Now, there’s a better option: keep goods in a Bonded Logistics Center (PLB) in Indonesia.

PT Transcon Indonesia, as a reputable supply chain company, provides PLB facilities that serve as a safe solution while waiting for quotas to be approved—without paying import duties and taxes upfront.

3. Lack of Supplier & Transportation Diversification

Chronology:
Companies rely on only one foreign supplier and one transport route. When suppliers are late or routes are disrupted (e.g., Red Sea conflict), the entire supply chain collapses.

Impact:

Emergency costs (air freight) soar to catch up production schedules.
Profit margins vanish due to rising logistics costs.
Risk of losing trust from major industrial customers.

How to Avoid:
Diversify suppliers across at least two different countries. Use multi-routing schemes (via alternative ports) and sign long-term transport contracts with more than one forwarder.

4. Ignoring Exchange Rate Fluctuations & Financing

Chronology:
High-value imported goods are usually paid in USD. Yet many companies fail to hedge currency risks or prepare special financing schemes.

Impact:

Rupiah depreciation → required capital increases drastically.
Cash flow is drained by import duties & VAT.
Late payments to suppliers trigger penalties.

How to Avoid:

Use trade finance, letter of credit (L/C), or bank financing schemes to spread payments.
Apply forward contracts or currency swaps to reduce FX risks.
Utilize Bonded Logistics Center (PLB) facilities by PT Transcon Indonesia, where goods can be stored without immediate payment of duties, VAT, and import income tax. This keeps cash flow healthy while goods remain secure until released to the market.

5. Weak Documentation & Compliance

Chronology:
Import documents (invoice, packing list, COO, pertek, PI) are inconsistent or incomplete.

Impact:

Customs holds goods for clarification.
Potential customs fines.
Company’s image tarnished in front of customers and partners.

How to Avoid:

Form an internal compliance team focused on customs.
Use a digital document tracking system to verify documents before vessels arrive.
Another option: hire import-export implant staff from PT Transcon Indonesia—experts placed directly in your company, always updated on regulations, and able to manage documents digitally, trackable, and professionally.

Context: Tightening Regulations in Indonesia

Import policies are increasingly aimed at protecting domestic industries.

The Ministry of Trade, through MoT Regulation No. 8/2024, has relaxed some rules but still requires quota monitoring for strategic goods.

Key fact: around 70% of Indonesia’s industrial raw materials still need to be imported (source: Apindo, IDX Channel 2025).

This means, despite tighter regulations, imports remain unavoidable for many industries. The challenge and opportunity lie in managing risks & cash flow effectively.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Companies that avoid these 5 fatal mistakes will have a competitive edge:

Goods enter on time despite regulatory changes.
Healthier cash flow, as capital isn’t locked at port warehouses.
More efficient logistics costs thanks to diversification and smart planning.

This way, companies not only survive risks but also grow faster than competitors who struggle with new regulations.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Is your company ready to face increasingly strict import regulations?
Is your cash flow still often strained by delayed permits or containers stuck at ports?

If yes, now is the time to improve. PT Transcon Indonesia is ready to support you:

Providing Bonded Logistics Center (PLB) facilities for more efficient import management.
Offering import-export implant staff who are experts in regulations and documentation.
Delivering strategic solutions to reduce risks and keep cash flow smooth.

👉 Contact PT Transcon Indonesia today for further discussion.