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 | Typical transit | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| -------- | ------------------ | ---------- |
| Express courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) | 3–7 days | Sample orders, first wholesale orders, urgent restocks |
| Air freight | 5–10 days | Mid-size wholesale orders where speed still matters |
| Sea freight | 25–40 days | Large-volume distributor orders where cost per unit matters more than speed |
Most first-time buyers start with express courier or air freight — it's slower to save on shipping than it is to lose a sale from 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.