The Indonesian fashion industry continues to grow rapidly and has become a significant non-oil and gas export pillar. Local products are now widely exported to global markets, including the United States, Japan, and Europe. A crucial aspect of this distribution chain is the delivery of large quantities of clothing to international buyers.
However, shipping fashion items carries high risks. Clothing is highly susceptible to damage from humidity, contamination, theft, and even delays in distribution. Damage or loss can cost billions of rupiah, plus the potential loss of buyer trust.
Therefore, fashion companies need comprehensive protection through cargo insurance, in particular marine cargo insurance This article details why this protection is so important, the risks that often arise in shipping clothing inventory, and the vital role of insurance brokers. So don’t wait until risk stops your business! Contact L&G Insurance Broker now on 08118507773 for free consultation before the risk comes.
Characteristics of Apparel Stock that Increase Risk
1. Weak and Sensitive Physical Nature
Clothing stock is not a sturdy item. Its main vulnerability lies in its physical properties:
- Vulnerable to Water and Moisture Damage: Sea water, rain, or container leaks can permanently damage clothing. In fact, high humidity in containers (container sweat) can cause mold or musty odor, making the entire shipment unsaleable (total partial loss).
- Prone to Tearing and Ripping: Poor handling, friction with other containers or cargo, and the use of inappropriate means of transport can cause torn clothes or damaged labels, reducing the resale value.
- Value Per Unit Height: Although light, the total value of one container/clothing stock could reach billions of rupiah. The risk/pilferage(partial theft) or total loss(total loss) will have a major impact on cash flow.
2. Time Sensitivity
The biggest risk in shipping fashion goods is a risktime. Industryfashionrotates quickly following trends and seasons. If the delivery of clothing stock is too lateridge:
- Season Update: Summer clothes that arrive on the market when fall arrives will lose their value drastically (obsolescence).
- Contract Penalty: Lots buyers apply penalties or the right to cancel the contract if the goods do not arrive by the agreed deadline (laycan).
These risks demonstrate Why Clothing Stock Shipping is Vulnerable to complex risks, requiring financial protection that covers more than just physical losses.
Types of Risks in Shipping Fashion and Garment Goods
Exporters engaged in fashion goods delivery facing a broad spectrum of risks, which can be grouped into three main categories:
A. RiskPhysical (Insurance Covered Only)
This is the most obvious and immediate risk borne by marine cargo insurance:
- Water Risk: Damage to clothing due to fire on ships, seawater contamination, or flooding at transit ports.
- Disaster Risk: Loss of cargo due to ship sinking, collision, or containers falling into the sea due to storms (Act of God).
- Handling Risks: Damage due to rough handling (rough handling), including falling from trucks on the way to the port or being torn during the process.stuffing.
B. Security and Loss Risks
Shipping of clothing stock high value makes it the main target of crime:
- Theft (Pilferage): Theft of part of the contents of a container at a port or transit warehouse.
- Piracy: Hijacking of a transport truck stock clothes when heading to the port or depot.
- General Average (GA): Containers were dumped overboard to save ships from disaster. All cargo owners had to bear the cost of this loss.cargo insurance, Exporters must pay GA contributions to obtain the remaining goods.
C. Financial and Contractual Risks
These are indirect risks that have a major impact on business sustainability.clothing exports:
- Delivery Delay: Container delays at customs or transit ports that cause buyers the contract.
- Buyer Claim: Claim for damages from buyer due to damaged goods or not being delivered on time.Freight insurancehelps maintain the credibility of exporters.
Without marine cargo insurance adequate, all physical damage, loss and accompanying financial obligations are the full responsibility of the exporter, justifying the reasonsWhy Shipping Clothing Stock is Prone to Risk.
The Role of Marine Cargo Insurance in Shipping Clothing Stock
Total Supply Chain Protection
Marine cargo insurance is a financial protection solution designed to protect goods during transit, whether by sea, land, or air. For clothing shipments, This oil is very fundamental because it provides guarantees at every stage of risk:
- Covering Physical Losses: Compensate for losses due to total or partial physical damage (for example, 50% of the shipment is damaged by sea water).
- Total Loss Protection: Covering losses due to total loss (total loss) cargo, for example containers falling into the sea or ships sinking.
- Keeping the Faith: With the policy, exporters can guarantee internationally that the value of goods will still be received, even if a disaster occurs, thus maintaining trust in supply chain fashion globally.
Key Benefits of Cargo Insurance for the Fashion Industry
Using cargo insurance has strategic benefits:
- Reducing Financial Risk: Avoid billions of rupiah in losses that can be disruptivecash flowand working capital when clothing damage occurs.
- Ensuring Continuity: Ensure smoothness exportand continuitysupply chaindespite logistical incidents.
- Increase Credibility: Demonstrate professionalism to buyers internationally, which often require a cargo policy as part of the contract terms (Incoterms).
Choosing the Right Insurance Clause for Clothing
In Marine cargo insurance, choosing the right clause is very important because it determines the extent to which risk coverage protects the shipment of clothing stock.
A. Institute Cargo Clauses (ICC) A – All Risk
This is the best recommendation for fashion goods delivery and textiles:
- Wide Coverage: ICC (A) covers almost all risks of damage or loss that may occur, except those specifically excluded (such as delay, war, or inherent vice—congenital damage).
- Protecting Against Moisture Risk: ICC(A) can cover water and moisture risks, which are crucial to prevent mold and rust on clothing items.
B. Institute Cargo Clauses (ICC) C – Named Perils Terbatas
This coverage is very limited and is not recommended for clothing stock sensitive:
- Narrow Coverage: Only bear the risks specifically mentioned, such as fire, explosion, shipwreck, collision, or General Average.
- Physical Risk Exclusions: ICC (C) does not cover damage due to poor handling or theft, although these are common risks in shipping of clothing stock.
C. The Importance of Domestic Freight Insurance
Besides marine cargo insurance (which focuses on international travel), exporters also need insurance for the transportation of goods inThis policy protects clothing from the time it leaves the warehouse (factory) until it reaches the export port. With support cargo insurance complete, exporters have a guarantee against all potential risks that may arise on land and at sea.
Real Case Studies and Protection Solutions
To better understandWhy Shipping Clothing Stock is Risky, let’s look at some real cases that often occur:
Case Study 1: Flood Damage
Thousands of piecesA stock of prepackaged clothing at the transit port were completely destroyed by a flash flood. The losses reached billions. If the exporter only had an ICC (C) clause, the claim would likely be rejected due to the policy’s limitations. However, with ICC (A) marine cargo insurance, losses can be covered, allowing the company to quickly remanufacture and ship replacement orders, thus minimizing contractual losses.
Case Study 2: Losses Due to Pilferage and Piracy
Transport truckClothing stock from a warehouse in Bandung to Tanjung Priok Port is hijacked, or a container is partially broken into at the port. These losses are very common. The ICC (A) policy specifically covers the risk of theft. and lack of goods (non-delivery), provides financial protection for exporters.
Case Study 3: Delay and Loss of Trust
Delays in delivery due to containers being held for a long time at customs (administrative problems) cause buyers to cancel the contract. Although standard cargo policies exclude the risk delay, insurance brokers can help exporters have Trade Credit Insurance that protects against non-cargo financial risks (default/contract cancellation).
The Role of Insurance Brokers in Optimizing Fashion Protection
Managingmarine cargo insurancethe right one in the industryfashiondynamic is not just about buying a policy; it requires in-depth expertise, and this is whereThe Role of Insurance Brokersbecomes very important:
- Specific Cargo Risk Analysis: Brokers analyze types fashion goods deliveryYou (e.g. clothes)ready-to-wearvs. raw materials) and shipping route (ocean, air, or multimodal) to identify specific risks (e.g., risk of mold on tropical shipping routes).
- Designing Integrated Programs: Brokers plan programs of Comprehensive freight insurance, combining Marine Cargo Insurance (ICC A) with Property All Risk (PAR) for warehouses, Business Interruption (for risks)delay And total loss), and Trade Credit Insurance.
- Premium and Clause Negotiation: Brokers play a vital role in negotiating premiums to make them more competitive, while ensuring that the policy includes crucial clauses, such asWar and Strike Clauseor the addition of a protection clauseNon-Deliveryand riskstheft.
- Total Claim Assistance: When a large claim occurs, L&G Insurance Broker ensuring all documentation is prepared correctly and claims are processed and paid in full and promptly.
With the support of insurance brokers, exportersclothing can focus on global business expansion without worrying about the complexity and risks of shipping clothing stock.
Conclusion
Shipping apparel inventory is one of the most crucial and vulnerable aspects of the global fashion industry. Physical risks (damage, mold), security risks (theft), and even time risks (delays leading to financial losses) are real threats. Therefore, marine cargo insurance is a mandatory solution to ensure financial protection and maintain continuity.supply chain.
Optimal protection is achieved through ICC (A) marine cargo insurance, supported by additional policies such as Trade Credit Insurance. Furthermore, collaboration with an insurance broker makes protection even more effective and integrated. Don’t let risks halt the delivery of your fashion goods and damage the brand reputation you’ve built.
Source:
- https: //ligaasuransi.com/cara-menghitung-biaya-premi-asuransi-marine-cargo-untuk-komoditas-ekspor/
- https: //ligaasuransi.com/manajemen-risiko-dan-asuransi-untuk-transportasi-pakaian-jadi-dan-tekstil/
—
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME AND SECURE YOUR FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS WITH THE RIGHT INSURANCE.
HOTLINE L&G 24 JAM: 0811-8507-773 (CALL – WHATSAPP – SMS)
Website: lngrisk.co.id
Email: halo@lngrisk.co.id
—