import { JourneyMap, ComparisonTable, Checklist, InfoCard, GlossaryTerm, AskZantara, } from "@/components/insights/interactive"; # 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 ### 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 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 --- ## Required Documents --- ## 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 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 1. Palm oil products 2. Coal and minerals 3. Textiles and garments 4. Rubber products 5. Electronics 6. Processed food 7. 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 ### 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 1. **Wrong API type** - API-U vs API-P must match activity 2. **Ignoring product regulations** - Some goods need special permits 3. **Undervaluing goods** - Customs penalties are severe 4. **No proper documentation** - Delays and extra costs 5. **Wrong HS code** - Different duties, potential penalties 6. **Ignoring quotas/restrictions** - Some products limited --- ## Common Questions --- ## Related Articles - [PT PMA Registration Guide](/insights/business/pt-pma-registration-guide) - [E-commerce Business Guide](/insights/business/ecommerce-business-guide) - [Manufacturing Business Guide](/insights/business/manufacturing-business-guide)