The Ultimate Guide to Shipping Goods into Indonesia

Indonesia’s new Omnibus Law has heralded a new era of business reforms for the Indonesian import process. The initiative aims to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth. The government has taken significant steps to streamline imports to Indonesia as part of this initiative.

The improved initiatives of the import and export landscape are paving the way for Indonesia’s aspiration to become the fourth-largest economy by 2045. This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating Indonesia’s import permit and procedure.

Latest Regulations for Importing to Indonesia

Before starting the import process, businesses must understand the latest regulatory framework. The government has streamlined licensing, classification, and customs procedures. Key updates include:

• NIB Replaces API Licenses: Since GR 29/2021, the only license needed is the Business Identification Number (NIB) via OSS.
• HS Code Compliance: Determines tariffs, duties, and extra permits.
• MoT Regulation No. 16/2025: Goods classified as Free, Restricted, or Prohibited. Special rules for CBU vehicles.
• MoF Regulation No. 25/2025: Simplified documentation for personal/household goods imports.
• MoT Regulation No. 24/2025: Controls used goods & non-B3 waste imports, requires permits.
• Temporary Easing (June 2025): Restrictions reduced for plastics and chemicals.
• Anti-Dumping Duties (March 2025): Nylon film imports from China, Thailand, and Taiwan are taxed IDR 1,254–31,510/kg.

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Required Documents for Importing into Indonesia

Every shipment requires proper documentation. Missing paperwork can cause delays or fines. The following documents are required for shipment in Indonesia:

• Commercial Invoice & Certificate of Origin
• Bill of Lading (BL) & Packing List
• Insurance Certificate
• HS Code classification
• Material Safety Data Sheet (if applicable)

Not all may be required at once, but it’s better to be aware of them in case the customs brokers or immigration authorities inquire about them.

The Complete Guide on How to Import to Indonesia

Importing goods into Indonesia requires careful preparation and compliance with customs regulations. By following these steps, businesses can avoid delays, fines, and unnecessary costs.

Prepare Import Documents

• Have your Tax ID, NIB (Business Identification Number), purchase orders, packing list, commercial invoices, and Bill of Lading (BL) ready.
• Some goods require extra permits based on HS codes (e.g., tricycles need an SNI certificate, multifunction printers may require additional surveys).

Classify Goods with the Correct HS Code

• The HS Code determines tariffs, duties, and special requirements.
• Incorrect classification can cause penalties, delays, or even cargo seizure.

Appoint an Importer of Record (IOR)

• The IOR ensures compliance with import laws, pays duties and fees, and manages customs clearance.
• Clear communication with your IOR helps avoid unexpected costs.

Submit Cargo Manifest on Time

• Customs requires the cargo manifest before a vessel or aircraft arrives.
• Late submissions can result in fines starting at US$700 per document.

Match Documents with Goods Received

• All permits, licenses, and invoices must align with the imported goods.
• Discrepancies may lead to detainment or penalties.

Define Buyer-Seller Responsibilities with Incoterms

• Incoterms outline cost and risk distribution between buyers and sellers.
• Clarifying these early prevents disputes during delivery and customs.

Choose a Reliable Logistics Partner

• Select a partner experienced with Indonesian import regulations.
• A compliant logistics provider can streamline customs clearance and reduce delays.

Import to Indonesia: Understanding The Journey of The Goods

A package’s journey involves many steps in cross-border/international shipping:

• The First Mile: The shipment goes from the merchant’s warehouse to the port.
• Origin Customs Clearance: Clearing goods for export from the origin country.
• The Freight: The shipment moves from the origin country’s port to the destination port.
• Destination Customs Clearance: Clearing goods for import in the destination country.
• Distribution: Before the last-mile delivery step, parcels arrive at a warehouse or distribution center to be processed and allocated to the appropriate vehicles.
• The Last Mile: The package is transported from the origin port to the customer’s residence.

Import to Indonesia: Tariffs and Taxes

Tariffs and taxes depend on the type of goods and their HS codes. Key points include:

• Duties: 0%–170%, most goods 0%–15%.
• Import VAT: 5%–30%.
• ASEAN Imports: 0%–5% under the free trade agreement.
• Duties and taxes must be paid before goods are released.

READ MORE:

• How Omnibus Law Liberated Shipping Industry in Indonesia for Foreign Investment

Prohibited and Restricted Goods in Indonesia

Certain goods are banned to protect the economy, environment, and culture. These prohibitions are outlined in Regulation of the Minister of Trade No. 18 of 2021 on Export Prohibited and Import Prohibited Goods.

Prohibited Imports in Indonesia

Certain categories of goods are strictly prohibited from entering Indonesia. These include:

• Hazardous and Toxic Materials: Substances that threaten human health or the environment, such as chemicals, pesticides, and hazardous waste.
• Cultural Heritage Goods: Artifacts, antiques, and other items of significant cultural value to Indonesia, including those from archaeological sites or historical periods.
• Used Clothing, Bags, and Sacks: These items are prohibited to prevent the spread of diseases and maintain hygiene standards.
• Specific Types of Sugar and Rice: Certain sugar and rice are prohibited from being imported to protect domestic production and ensure food security.
• Ozone-Depleting Substances: These substances contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer, and their import is banned to protect the environment.

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Prohibited Exports in Indonesia

Indonesia also restricts the export of certain goods to protect its natural resources, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable development. These include:

• Scrap Metal: To prevent the depletion of domestic resources, scrap metal exports are prohibited.
• Certain Agricultural Products: Certain agricultural products, such as raw palm oil and unprocessed rubber, are prohibited from export to ensure domestic food security and support local farmers.
• Subsidized Fertilizers: Subsidized fertilizers are prohibited from export to control the availability and pricing of fertilizers for domestic farmers.
• Mining Products: To manage natural resources sustainably, certain mining products, such as nickel ore and unprocessed bauxite, are prohibited from being exported.
• Forestry Products: To protect Indonesia’s rich biodiversity and prevent deforestation, specific products, such as raw logs and unprocessed rattan, are prohibited from export.

Choosing The Right Freight Forwarder for Import to Indonesia

Finding a reliable logistics partner is crucial for smooth import operations. For import to Indonesia, it is recommended to seek partners who possess the following qualities:

• Local customs knowledge and experience
• Awareness of restricted or prohibited goods
• Ability to manage payments, tariffs, and documentation

Ship your Product with Ease Through the Importer of Records

Foreign businesses often face barriers when importing directly. An Importer of Record (IOR) simplifies this by handling compliance and customs obligations. These benefits include:

• No need to set up a local entity.
• Customs clearance managed by professionals.
• Faster market entry with lower risk.

READ MORE:

• Importer of Records in Indonesia – A Legal & Inexpensive Way to Import

Let InCorp Indonesia Simplify Your Import Journey

Importing into Indonesia requires navigating rules, permits, and taxes. InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) can act as your trusted Importer of Record and compliance partner. Our services include:

• Business registration and NIB setup
• Import permits & HS code support
• Product registration (medical, cosmetics, F&B)
• Accounting and tax compliance

With InCorp Indonesia, you can confidently expand while we handle the complexities of Indonesian import regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions