Buyer Guide · August 28, 2026 · 7 min read · By Denis, Founder, MCI Eyelashes
How to Import Wholesale Eyelashes from Indonesia: A Buyer’s Guide
Buying wholesale lashes from an Indonesian factory for the first time? Here’s what actually happens between placing your order and the box landing at your door, shipping options, customs paperwork, and the questions to ask before you pay a deposit.
The Import Process, Step by Step
Importing lashes wholesale follows roughly the same sequence regardless of which country you're buying from:
- Inquiry and quote. You send your target styles/quantities, the factory replies with pricing and lead time
- Sample approval. You confirm quality before committing to a full production run
- Deposit and production: factory begins manufacturing once your order and deposit are confirmed
- Quality check and packing: finished goods are inspected and packed for export
- Shipping: factory books freight (or you use your own forwarder) and provides tracking
- Customs clearance. Your shipment clears customs in your destination country, duties/taxes may apply
- Delivery: goods arrive at your address or a bonded warehouse if you're a larger distributor
Shipping Methods Compared
| Method | Speed and cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| -------- | ---------------- | ---------- |
| Express courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) | Fastest, highest cost per kilo | Sample orders, first wholesale orders, urgent restocks |
| Air freight | Fast, mid cost | Mid-size wholesale orders where speed still matters |
| Sea freight | Slowest, lowest cost per unit | Large-volume distributor orders where cost per unit matters more than speed |
Transit times depend on your destination and on customs clearance, so ask for a quote and an estimate to your address before you choose. Most first-time buyers start with express courier or air freight. Paying more for shipping is cheaper than losing a sale to an empty shelf.
Customs, Duties, and Paperwork
Duty rates and import rules are set by your own country, not by the exporting factory. They vary by destination and by how your customs authority classifies eyelash products, so there's no single number that applies everywhere. A few things that apply broadly:
- Ask your factory for a commercial invoice and packing list on every shipment, customs brokers need these to clear your goods
- Check your own country's de minimis threshold. Many countries don't charge duty below a certain order value, which matters for sample and small trial orders
- Use a customs broker for larger orders. Most express couriers (DHL, FedEx) include basic clearance, but a broker is worth it once you're importing regularly
- Confirm who's responsible for duties before you order, factory-quoted prices are typically EXW or FOB (you handle destination duties), not landed-cost-inclusive, unless stated otherwise
Common First-Order Mistakes
- Skipping the sample stage: always confirm quality on a small sample before committing to a full wholesale order
- Not confirming who pays for return shipping if a sample doesn't work out
- Assuming the quoted price includes your country's duties and taxes: ask explicitly
- Underestimating lead time on a first order, factor in production time plus shipping, and order before you're actually out of stock
- Not getting terms in writing: MOQ, price, lead time, and payment terms should be confirmed by email before you send a deposit
Importing from MCI Eyelashes
MCI Eyelashes is a direct factory based in Purbalingga, Indonesia, and we work with international buyers regularly. Our wholesale terms:
- MOQ: 100 pairs per style, mix and match allowed across styles
- Samples: free on existing catalog styles. You cover shipping only
- Production: 5 working days on 100-pair orders
- Factory verification: we welcome a live video call to our production floor before you order
Reach out via WhatsApp or email to get a quote and discuss shipping to your country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a business license to import wholesale eyelashes?
It depends on your country and how you plan to resell. Many small salon owners import as individuals for personal business use; larger volume importers typically need a registered business and import license. Check your local customs authority for your specific situation.
Who pays customs duties on a wholesale eyelash order?
Unless your supplier explicitly quotes a landed-cost or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) price, the buyer is responsible for duties and taxes in their own country. Always confirm this with your supplier before ordering.
What documents does a factory need to provide for customs clearance?
At minimum, a commercial invoice and packing list. MCI Eyelashes provides both on every shipment, contact us if your courier or customs broker needs additional documentation.
Can I get samples shipped before placing a wholesale order with MCI Eyelashes?
Yes: samples on our existing catalog styles are free, you only cover the shipping cost. This lets you confirm quality before committing to the 100-pair MOQ.