Quick Understanding of Import Procedure in Indonesia

Import Procedure

It is important to familiarise yourself with the import procedure in Indonesia to comply with the regulations in Indonesia. Any importers – who may be a person or company – must register with Indonesia’s trade department and obtain a customs identification number (Nomor Identitas Kepabeanan, NIK). Besides NIK, importers must obtain an Importer Identification Number (Angka Pengenal Import, API), which serves as a record in the database of importers and their import activities. It is vital to know that all import activities without the API’s approval are banned.

Moreover, the Indonesian authorities require complete and extensive documentation before allowing for the importation of goods. Hence, the licensed customs agents are familiar with the importation procedures and documentation requirements. 

As for the necessary import-export documentation, the exporter or their freight forwarding agent must provide the following documents for cross-border trading:

• 1. Pro-forma Invoice, 
• 2. CIPL – Commercial Invoice and Packing List, 
• 3. International Shipping Document – Bill of lading or Airway Bill,
• 4. Certificate of Origin.

Where applicable, other additional documents, permits, certificates and licenses are required by the relevant Authorities and Agencies. It is often the case for certain imported products that require greater scrutiny. These include food, pharmaceutical and chemicals related products.

As part of the import documentation, the Importer or Importer’s appointed Customs Agent must notify the Customs office before the shipment’s arrival. Subsequently, the Importer or appointed agent submits the required import documents electronically through the electronic data interchange (EDI). The submission needs to done in a standardised format placed on flash drives. In addition to providing the Import documentation, the Customs Office will conduct a physical examination of the imported shipment, where applicable.

Import Fee

Moreover, there is an Import fee applicable for import goods. The fee depends on the goods classification under the Indonesian Customs Tariff Book or Harmonised System Code. Furthermore, there is also a new requirement for food products to be labelled in the Indonesian language since 2013.

Additional Information – Specific Import Compliance

Importation of certain products i.e. foodstuff, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, requires a certificate or an authorisation issued by competent Authorities or Agencies (health Science Authority, Food Drug Administration, Preventive health services, etc.)

Nominating a Freight Forwarder/Agency to manage the import Customs Clearance in Indonesia  can help with a seamless and effective operation.

For more information, please visit the website of the Indonesian Customs.