How to Place Your First Order for 20mm Outdoor Porcelain Tile from China – Indonesia Buyer’s Checklist

If you are an Indonesian tile importer, distributor, or project specifier ready to order your first container of 20mm outdoor porcelain tile from China, you need a clear, actionable checklist. This guide walks you through every step—from preparing your inquiry to customs clearance in Jakarta or Surabaya. At Contigo Ceramics, we have been manufacturing porcelain tiles in Foshan, Guangdong, since 1999, and we ship to Indonesia regularly. Here is exactly what to do.

1. What You Need to Have Ready Before Requesting a Quote

To receive an accurate FOB price for a 20ft container of 20mm outdoor porcelain tile, prepare these specifications:

• Size and thickness: Standard 20mm outdoor tiles come in 600×600mm, 600×900mm, or 900×900mm. Confirm the dimensions you need.
• Finish and surface: Specify if you want a matte, textured, or high-traffic commercial surface. For outdoor use in Indonesia’s tropical climate, we recommend a textured R11 or R12 slip-resistant finish.
• Color and shade: Our most common exports to Indonesia are charcoal, sandstone, and basalt grey. Provide a reference or ask for physical samples.
• Quantity: MOQ is one 20ft container, which holds approximately 1,000m² of 20mm tile (depending on size and packing). Be precise about square meters.
• Target FOB price: Know your budget. In 2025, FOB Foshan for standard 20mm outdoor porcelain tile ranges from USD 12.50 to 15.80 per square meter, depending on surface finish and edge rectification.

Send these details to Contigo Ceramics with your company name and import license (API-U or API-P). We will reply within 24 hours with a proforma invoice.

2. How to Read and Compare Proforma Invoices (Real Example for 20mm Outdoor Porcelain Tile)

A proforma invoice (PI) is your binding price quotation. Here is a real example for a recent order to Indonesia:

Compare PIs from multiple factories. Check that the PI includes: product code, certification numbers (ISO 10545, TCNA/ANSI A137.1), packing details (export pallet, shrink-wrap), and delivery terms (FOB or CIF). Our factory provides free fumigation for wood pallets to comply with Indonesian quarantine.

3. Payment Structure: 30% Deposit by T/T, 70% Before Shipment – Why This Protects Both Sides

Our standard payment terms for first-time Indonesian buyers are 30% deposit by T/T, 70% before shipment. This structure has been used for thousands of transactions because:

• The 30% deposit (typically USD 4,300–5,000 for one container) covers raw materials and production start. It commits you and the factory.
• The 70% balance is paid after you receive photos and videos of the finished tiles, and before the container leaves our warehouse in Foshan. You never pay the full amount without seeing your product.
• Both parties remain protected: you do not prepay 100%, and we do not release goods without payment.

We do not accept L/C for first orders due to bank fees and delays. T/T is the standard for factory-direct transactions. For repeat orders, we can negotiate letter of credit with a confirmed bank.

4. MOQ Explained: One 20ft Container = ~1,000m² for Standard 20mm Outdoor Porcelain Tile – Is That Right for Your Project?

The MOQ is one 20ft container. For 20mm outdoor tiles:

• 600×600mm tiles: 1,800 pcs ≈ 1,080 m² (packed 6 pcs per carton, 50 cartons per pallet, 20 pallets per container).
• 600×900mm tiles: 1,200 pcs ≈ 1,080 m².
• 900×900mm tiles: 800 pcs ≈ 1,296 m².

Is 1,000m² right for your project? If you are supplying a medium-sized hotel terrace, a luxury villa complex, or a public park, one container is the ideal starting order. For smaller projects, consider consolidating with another buyer or ordering our outdoor collection in mixed sizes to fill the container.

We also offer FOB shipping from Huangpu Port – about 2 hours from our factory. You can load the container at our dock after inspection.

5. Shipping to Indonesia: FOB vs CIF, Insurance, Customs Broker Selection

For your first order, we recommend FOB (Free on Board). Here is why:

• You control the freight forwarder and shipping line. This gives you transparency on costs and transit time (typically 15–18 days from Foshan to Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, or Tanjung Perak, Surabaya).
• Insurance: We recommend buying all-risk marine insurance (about 0.3–0.5% of the cargo value). You can arrange this through your forwarder.
• Customs broker selection: Use a registered Indonesian broker with experience in tile imports. They will handle the SNI (Standar Nasional Indonesia) certification if required. Note: 20mm outdoor porcelain tile is considered non-structural and typically does not require SNI, but verify with your broker.

If you prefer CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight), we can arrange it. However, FOB gives you more control over costs and timing. We will provide a packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin (Form D for ASEAN-China FTA tariff reduction).

6. Pre-Shipment Inspection: What to Check Before the Container Leaves Foshan

Before we load the container, conduct (or hire) a pre-shipment inspection. Here is a checklist:

• Visual inspection: Check for color consistency across boxes. Our 20mm outdoor tiles are produced in a single run, but slight shade variation may occur between batches.
• Dimensions and thickness: Measure a random sample. Tolerance should be within ±0.5mm for rectified edges.
• Water absorption: Ask for the lab report. ISO 10545 requires ≤0.5% for Group B1a (impervious). We certify all our 20mm tiles to this standard.
• Packing and labeling: Verify each carton is marked with product code, quantity, and “Made in China”. Pallet height should not exceed 1.2 meters for container clearance.
• Fumigation certificate: Confirm wood pallets are heat-treated (HT) and fumigated with methyl bromide if required by Indonesia.

We welcome your inspector to our factory. Alternatively, we can provide time-stamped photos and videos of the loading process. Contact us to arrange inspection.

7. FAQ: Payment Terms, Shipping Time, Customs Clearance for Indonesia

Q: What are the payment terms for first orders?

A: 30% T/T deposit, 70% T/T before shipment. We also accept T/T for the full amount after inspection if you prefer.

Q: How long does production take?

A: For 20mm outdoor porcelain tile, production is 25–30 days after deposit receipt. Add 5 days for container loading and documentation.

Q: How long is shipping to Indonesia?

A: FOB from Huangpu to Jakarta: 15–18 days. To Surabaya: 18–22 days. Choose a direct service to avoid transshipment delays.

Q: What customs duties and taxes should I expect in Indonesia?

A: For ceramic tiles (HS Code 6907.21), the import duty is 15–20% (depending on origin). Under the ASEAN-China FTA, Form D can reduce duty to 0–5%. PPN (VAT) is 11% and PPh (income tax) is 2.5% if you have API.

Q: Do I need SNI certification for 20mm outdoor tile?

A: SNI is mandatory for ceramic floor tiles under 15mm thickness. Since your tile is 20mm, it falls under “outdoor paving” and typically does not require SNI. Confirm with your customs broker.

8. CTA: Request a Proforma Invoice with Today’s Pricing

Ready to place your first order? Contact Contigo Ceramics with your specifications. We will send you a proforma invoice with FOB Foshan pricing for 20mm outdoor porcelain tile within 24 hours. You will also receive our quality certificates (ISO 10545, TCNA/ANSI A137.1) and a sample kit by express.

As a factory with our own kilns and 20+ years of experience, we offer consistent quality, competitive FOB prices, and direct support for Indonesian importers. No middlemen, no hidden fees.

Remember: MOQ one 20ft container (~1,000m²). FOB Foshan or CIF Jakarta. Payment: 30% deposit, 70% before shipment. Start your procurement today.

Explore our full product range: Large format tiles, Polished porcelain, Glazed tile.

For further reading on tile specifications, refer to the TCNA Handbook and ISO 10545-3.