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 marketStrategic 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 goodsSome 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
Import-Export Business Setup From company to first shipment
1
Establish PT PMA Form trading company
2
Obtain NIB Business ID from OSS
3
Apply for API License Import identification number
4
Get NIK (Customs ID) Customs registration
5
Set Up Warehouse Storage facilities
6
Establish Supply Chain Suppliers and logistics
7
First Shipment Import/export goods
Required Documents
Import-Export Documentation 0 of 6 completed 0/4 required
NIB (Business ID) Required
Basic company registration
API License (API-U or API-P) Required
Import authorization
NIK (Customs ID) Required
Customs registration number
Company NPWP Required
Tax registration
Warehouse registration
For storing imported goods
Product-specific licenses
BPOM, SNI, etc. as needed
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 + dutyIncome Tax (PPh 22) : 2.5% with API, 7.5% withoutLuxury 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 registrationElectronics : SNI certificationCosmetics : BPOM + HalalPharmaceuticals : Strict licensingTextiles : 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 congestedSurabaya (Tanjung Perak) - East Java hubSemarang (Tanjung Emas) - Central JavaMedan (Belawan) - North Sumatra
Air Cargo
Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) - Main internationalNgurah Rai (DPS) - BaliJuanda (SUB) - Surabaya
Freight Forwarders
Work with established forwarders who can:
Handle customs clearance
Manage documentation
Arrange inland transport
Provide bonded warehouse
Common Mistakes
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 penaltiesIgnoring quotas/restrictions - Some products limited Common Questions
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Suggested questions:
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