Export-Import Business Indonesia 2026 | API License

Q: What is the difference between API-U and API-P?

API-U (Angka Pengenal Importir Umum) is for general trading — import and resell goods. API-P (Angka Pengenal Importir Produsen) is for manufacturers importing raw materials for production. PT PMA can hold both but must specify in OSS registration.

Q: What are the capital requirements for a trading PT PMA?

Standard IDR 10 billion total investment and IDR 2.5 billion paid-up capital. For wholesale trading (KBLI 46xxx), there are no additional sector-specific capital requirements. Import-export activities require customs bond deposits for certain product categories.

Q: Can I import any product into Indonesia?

No. Many products require additional approvals: food needs BPOM registration, electronics need SNI certification, cosmetics need distribution permits. Some goods are restricted or prohibited. Check the Lartas (restricted goods) list through INSW before importing.

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Export-Import Business in Indonesia 2026: Complete Guide

Indonesia's strategic location and large market make it ideal for international trade. Here's how foreigners can set up import-export operations.

Trade Business Overview

Indonesia offers:

270 million consumer market
Strategic position in ASEAN
Growing manufacturing base
Rich natural resources for export
Free trade agreements with major markets

Import vs Export Licenses

API License Types

Import licenses for different activities

Feature	API-U (General) Angka Pengenal Impor Umum	API-P (Producer) Angka Pengenal Impor Produsen
Purpose	Import for trading/selling	Import for own production
Can Sell	Yes, to anyone	Only finished goods
Most Common	Trading companies	Manufacturers
Restrictions	Some product limits	Raw materials only

Export License

For exports, you need:

ET (Eksportir Terdaftar) - Registered Exporter for certain goods
Some products require specific export permits
Most products can be exported with just NIB

Business Structure

PT PMA for Trading

Foreign-owned trading companies can:

Import goods for resale
Export Indonesian products
Act as distributor
Wholesale to retailers

Investment Requirement

Trading PT PMA requires: - Minimum IDR 10 billion investment - Paid-up capital IDR 2.5 billion - Proper warehouse facilities (for certain goods)

Registered import/export codes

Setup Process

Import-Export Business Setup

From company to first shipment

8-12 weeks

Rp 0

7 steps

Required Documents

Import-Export Documentation

What you need for trading

0 of 6 completed0/4 required

company

trade

customs

tax

operations

product

Customs & Duties

Import Duties

Category	Duty Rate	Notes
Raw materials	0-5%	Often lower
Semi-finished	5-15%	Varies by product
Finished goods	10-40%	Higher protection
Luxury items	20-200%	Additional luxury tax

Other Import Charges

VAT (PPN): 11% on CIF + duty
Income Tax (PPh 22): 2.5% with API, 7.5% without
Luxury Tax (PPnBM): On certain goods

HS Code Research

Research your product's HS Code (Harmonized System) to understand:

Applicable duty rate
Import restrictions
Required permits
Documentation needs

Use Indonesia's INSW portal for HS code lookup.

Product Restrictions

Import Restrictions

Some products require additional permits:

Food/Beverages: BPOM registration
Electronics: SNI certification
Cosmetics: BPOM + Halal
Pharmaceuticals: Strict licensing
Textiles: Quota systems may apply

Prohibited Items

Drugs/narcotics
Weapons (without license)
Certain agricultural products
Products violating IP rights
Items against public morals

Export Opportunities

Top Indonesian Exports

Palm oil products
Coal and minerals
Textiles and garments
Rubber products
Electronics
Processed food
Furniture and handicrafts

Export Requirements

ET (Registered Exporter) for certain goods
Export documentation (invoice, packing list, etc.)
Pre-shipment inspection (some products)
Certificate of origin (for preferential rates)

Bonded Zones

Kawasan Berikat

Benefits of Bonded Zones

Defer import duties until goods enter domestic market
VAT and income tax facilities
Streamlined customs procedures
Ideal for manufacturing for export

Freight and Logistics

Key Ports

Jakarta (Tanjung Priok) - Largest, most congested
Surabaya (Tanjung Perak) - East Java hub
Semarang (Tanjung Emas) - Central Java
Medan (Belawan) - North Sumatra

Air Cargo

Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) - Main international
Ngurah Rai (DPS) - Bali
Juanda (SUB) - Surabaya

Freight Forwarders

Work with established forwarders who can:

Handle customs clearance
Manage documentation
Arrange inland transport
Provide bonded warehouse

Common Mistakes

Avoid These Errors

Wrong API type - API-U vs API-P must match activity
Ignoring product regulations - Some goods need special permits
Undervaluing goods - Customs penalties are severe
No proper documentation - Delays and extra costs
Wrong HS code - Different duties, potential penalties
Ignoring quotas/restrictions - Some products limited

Common Questions

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AI-powered answers from our knowledge base

Export-Import Business in Indonesia 2026: Complete Guide

Questions about how this applies to your case?

Export-Import Business in Indonesia 2026: Complete Guide

Trade Business Overview

Import vs Export Licenses

API License Types

Export License

Business Structure

PT PMA for Trading

Setup Process

Import-Export Business Setup

Establish PT PMA

Obtain NIB

Apply for API License

Get NIK (Customs ID)

Set Up Warehouse

Establish Supply Chain

First Shipment

Required Documents

Import-Export Documentation

company

trade

customs

tax

operations

product

Customs & Duties

Import Duties

Other Import Charges

Product Restrictions

Import Restrictions

Prohibited Items

Export Opportunities

Top Indonesian Exports

Export Requirements

Bonded Zones

Benefits of Bonded Zones

Freight and Logistics

Key Ports

Air Cargo

Freight Forwarders

Common Mistakes

Common Questions

Ask Zantara

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