Get ready for the EU-Indonesia free trade agreement
a. hartrodt expands service offerings for sea and air freight customers with a clear industry focus.
With the EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) expected to come into force in early 2027, a. hartrodt is preparing well in advance. Sisri Yeni, Tradelane Manager Southeast Asia at a. hartrodt Germany, sees customs time reduction as a clear advantage for clients thanks to the agreement signed last September: “This reduces port dwell times, resulting in lower storage and demurrage charges.” She expects CEPA to increase demand for the correct use of rules of origin, documentations, and effective customs control: “Our compliance services meet all regulatory requirements.”
CEPA specialist advises clients on EU market access
In Indonesia, a. hartrodt will appoint a CEPA specialist to advise customers on accessing the EU market. “For example, we offer support in monitoring compliance with rules of origin and documentation standards,” says Sisri Yeni. The range of services will be expanded with weekly consolidated services for sea and air freight from additional EU countries, plus offering combined air/sea freight transport.
Success factors: local expertise and cultural understanding
In key industries such as Food & Beverage, a. hartrodt Indonesia expects strong growth from CEPA, “because the EU is an important trading partner here,” says Sisri Yeni. She also mentions textiles, machinery and industrial equipment for sea freight, as well as healthcare, electronics, and machine spare parts for air freight. According to her, the success of the free trade agreement will be determined by “local expertise and cultural understanding.” This is provided by a. hartrodt's specialists, who contribute their experience with international trade regulations, documentation, and compliance to serve large multinational clients. At the same time, they maintain a local presence to navigate customs, ports, and market-specific requirements more efficiently.
In Indonesia, a. hartrodt employs 115 people in Jakarta, at Jakarta's Soekarno Hatta International Airport, in Surabaya, Balikpapan, Semarang, and Bali. Managing Director Ratna Dewi is planning a 20 percent growth in shipment volume for 2026.