Can I Export Personal Items or Used Goods from Indonesia?

Let’s say you’ve been collecting K-pop merch since high school — albums, lightsticks, signed posters, and now you're moving overseas. Or maybe you're sending your favorite skincare products to a friend abroad because they can’t get them there. Some people even ship vintage clothes, used books, or personal art collections to their relatives or buyers outside Indonesia.

But then the big question hits: Can I legally export personal or used items from Indonesia?

The Answer: Yes, But There’s a Catch

If you’re exporting used goods for personal reasons — like moving to a new country for work or returning home as an expat — you may still need to prepare certain documents. These can include proof that the items are yours, a list of what you’re sending, and paperwork showing they’re for personal use, not for sale. Some countries may also give tax or duty exemptions for personal belongings.

For foreign residents (expats) who are returning to their homeland after working in Indonesia, they typically need to prepare:

• Passport copy
• Original packing list (detailed inventory of items)
• Copy of stay permit (KITAS) and work permit (IMTA)
• Copy of destination country visa (if applicable)
• Company letter confirming the end of your contract and your departure with personal belongings
• Power of attorney authorizing a shipping agent to handle customs clearance
• An airline ticket showing your departure

For Indonesians who are planning to work or study abroad, there are a few documents that are required:

• Passport copy
• Packing list
• Destination visa (if required)
• Transfer letter from employer or sponsor (if moving for work or study)
• Power of attorney for customs clearance
• Airline ticket

Key Points to Remember

• Used products must be owned and used by you; things acquired just before shipment may arouse suspicion and be taxed as commercial exports.
• Prohibited items, including personal possessions, cannot be exported. This includes weapons, drugs, some wildlife goods, and politically sensitive things.
• Electronic products may require additional documentation or be subject to customs value.

So, you can export used or personal goods, but it's not quite as simple as taping up a box and heading to the post office. Indonesian customs treat these items with care, and sometimes, a bit of suspicion (especially if it looks like you're secretly running a business).

Don’t Want the Hassle? Use ZendEase.

ZendEase simplifies things here. ZendEase takes care of the tedious paperwork, customs, and confusing export restrictions, so you don't have to. Our crew has helped clients export anything from vintage typewriters to NCT lightsticks and specialized cosmetics packages. We know precisely which papers to fill out, how to carefully package your valuables, and which documentation will protect your belongings from being held up at the port.

ZendEase provides individual export help, whether you're sending just one package to a friend or a large cargo of precious items to your new home overseas. And, with tracking, clear pricing, and complete compliance, your products are always in excellent hands.

So, what are you waiting for? Your favorite things deserve to travel the world too. Let ZendEase take care of the details so your memories, merch, and must-haves arrive smoothly, safely, and stress-free. Check it out in indonesia@zendease.com