Indonesia imports play a crucial role in economic development. The industry facilitates access to essential goods and fosters international trade for better and sustainable economic growth.
However, navigating the import process in Indonesia can be complicated. Investors need a thorough understanding of the applicable regulations and procedures before optimizing their business operations in the said circumstances.
Key regulations for importing to Indonesia
Indonesia’s new Omnibus Law marks a significant step towards business reform. Government Regulation No. 29 of 2021 grants the Ministry of Trade (MoT) the authority to streamline import-export activities by issuing approvals, verifications, obligations, and licenses.
The regulation also simplifies the process for importers and exporters to obtain business licenses. Now, only a Business Identification Number (NIB) is required through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system.
Previously, businesses had to navigate through different types of import licenses, but now the NIB covers all necessary authorizations, including API-U, API-P, and API-T licenses.
Types of prohibited and restricted goods
Some products are subject to import regulations based on the Restricted and Banned Goods List, also known as the “LARTAS list.”
Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade Regulations 18 (MoT Regulation 18/2021) provides an updated list of goods that cannot be imported to or exported from Indonesia.
The regulation introduces new categories of prohibited import goods, including:
- finished hand tools
- sugar
- ozone-depleting substances
- certain drugs and foods
- hazardous and toxic materials, among others
Categories of goods prohibited for export include:
- scrap metal
- cultural heritage goods
- subsidized fertilizers
- mining products
- forestry
- certain agriculture products
Read more: Navigating import duties and taxes in Indonesia
Documentation and licenses
Importing goods into Indonesia necessitates various licenses and permits to ensure compliance with the country’s regulations. Those are:
Importer Identification Number (API)
To facilitate the import process, you’ll need an API to manage a database of importers and supervise import activities. There are four distinct types of API:
- General Importer Identification Number (API-U)
- Importer Identification Number for Producers (API-P)
- Limited Importer Identification Number (API-T)
- Importer Identification Number for Contractors (API-K)
Special Importer Identification Number (NPIK)
The Special Importer Identification Number, or NPIK, is crucial for importing specific goods such as rice, corn, soybean, sugar, textiles, footwear, electronics, and toys. To obtain an NPIK, you first need an API (Importer Identification Number).
The process of importing goods into Indonesia
| Step | Description | Additional Notes |
| 1 | Determine your product and gather your paperwork |
purchase order, packaging list, commercial invoice, bill of lading, and any other licenses or permits as needed. |
| 2 | Acquire your NIB (Single Business Number) |
|
| 3 | Acquire your SIUP (Business Permit for Trade) |
|
| 4 | Acquire your NPWP (Taxpayer Identification Number) |
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| 5 | Employ the services of a customs broker |
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| 6 | Complete your import declaration |
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| 7 | Pay your import taxes and duties |
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| 8 | Complete customs clearance and receive your shipment |
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| 9 | Adhere to post-importation obligations |
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| 10 | Consider professional support if necessary |
|
Customs clearance and duties
Customer clearance is an administrative process for sending or releasing goods from a cargo area. Simply put, it’s the process of unloading goods related to customs or government administration. The steps include the following:
Pre-clearance (Initial stage)
Pre-clearance is the initial administrative process in customs clearance for goods. Two main aspects of importing goods are legality processes and import restrictions (LARTAS).
Clearance
The second stage is the clearance process, which consists of three main steps: customs notification, tax payment, and goods release.
Post-clearance
The final stage is post-clearance, which occurs after completing the first and second stages. It occurs before the release of goods.
Streamline your imports with InCorp Indonesia
Importing into Indonesia can be a simple maze. InCorp Indonesia takes the hassle out of the process with our comprehensive import solutions:
- Import licenses: We help you obtain the necessary permits to import your goods and avoid delays legally.
- Importer of record: We act as your official importer, ensuring compliance with local regulations and minimizing risk.
Ready to simplify your imports? Contact our experts today, and let’s discuss your needs.
Get in touch with us.
What you'll get
A prompt response to your inquiry
Knowledge for doing business from local experts
Ongoing support for your business
Disclaimer
The information is provided by PT. Cekindo Business International (“InCorp Indonesia/ we”) for general purpose only and we make no representations or warranties of any kind.
We do not act as an authorized government or non-government provider for official documents and services, which is issued by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia or its appointed officials. We do not promote any official government document or services of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, including but not limited to, business identifiers, health and welfare assistance programs and benefits, unclaimed tax rebate, electronic travel visa and authorization, passports in this website.
Daris Salam
COO Indonesia at InCorp Indonesia
With more than 10 years of expertise in accounting and finance, Daris Salam dedicates his knowledge to consistently improving the performance of InCorp Indonesia and maintaining clients and partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
A foreign-owned company (PT PMA) in Indonesia is a popular choice among foreigners to set up a business. Foreign investors must check Indonesia’s Positive Investment List to see which businesses are open to foreign direct investment.
In Indonesia, the necessity of hiring Indonesian employees by foreign companies typically arises from commercial requirements, regulatory mandates in specific sectors like construction or shipping, or as part of employing foreigners to fulfill knowledge transfer obligations.
You will need to register your products with the BPOM (National Agency of Food and Drugs) and MoH (Ministry of Health) before you can distribute them in Indonesia. It can only be registered with an Indonesian legal entity. Your local distributor will register your product in Indonesia under their entity and become the license holder if you distribute via the entity you choose.
The investment requirement for PMA companies in Indonesia varies based on their classification under the Indonesia Industrial Standard Classification (KBLI). Generally, a minimum investment of IDR 10,000,000,000 (ten billion Indonesian Rupiah), excluding investment in land and buildings, is needed to conduct one business activity in one location.
