Indonesia Customs Guide: How Much You Can Import Without a License?

Importing goods into Indonesia can be confusing, especially when it comes to limits, licenses, and taxes. Whether you’re an individual ordering online, a company expanding operations, or someone dealing with sensitive products, the rules are different for each case. Let’s check this out:

1. Personal Imports

Indonesia permits any individual to import up to USD 1,500 per shipment without having an import license. However, items worth more than USD 3 per unit will still be taxed. Expect import duty, VAT (11%), and income tax (PPh 22 at 7.5%-10%), depending on the items. This implies that simple internet purchases for personal use are typically hassle-free, but bigger or recurrent imports may raise red flags with customs.

2. Company Imports

For commercial entities, import regulations are more stringent. Companies intending to import goods for resale, production, or distribution are mandated to possess an API (Angka Pengenal Importir), the official import identification number. This API is directly linked to the company's NIB (Nomor Induk Berusaha) and is a prerequisite for standard commercial import activities.

Exemptions to the API requirement exist, such as:

• Imports of samples, goods for exhibitions, or research and development purposes, typically accompanied by a recommendation letter.
• Temporary imports, which are required to be returned after their intended use.

Failure to comply with the API requirement for regular commercial imports may result in Customs authorities holding, fining, or rejecting the shipment. This can lead to significant delays, financial losses, and operational disruptions. Possessing the appropriate API ensures that imports are recognized as legitimate commercial activities, facilitating smoother customs clearance and mitigating potential penalties.

3. Sensitive Goods

Certain categories are considered sensitive goods, and these require extra permits regardless of shipment value:

• Food & Beverages: Require BPOM (Indonesian Food & Drug Authority) approval.
• Cosmetics & Skincare: Must have BPOM and often halal certification before being sold.
• Pharmaceuticals & Medical Equipment: Need special licenses from the Ministry of Health.
• Electronics: May need certification for safety and telecommunications use.

Even if you're importing for personal purposes, customs will not release these items without the proper documentation. So, although a standard t-shirt may get through with merely tax, a package of vitamins or beauty products may be kept indefinitely if not properly licensed.

The ZendEase Advantage

Handling all these requirements alone can be stressful. From preparing HS codes and calculating duties to applying for permits, one mistake can cost time and money. That’s where ZendEase steps in.

ZendEase helps customers and companies to effortlessly navigate the whole import procedure. ZendEase guarantees that personal import shipments are appropriately reported to minimize needless delays. ZendEase handles licenses, documentation, and customs clearance for businesses, enabling you to focus on growth; for sensitive commodities, ZendEase connects you with the appropriate regulatory paths to obtain the necessary permissions quickly and easily.

Expand confidently. Import smoothly. Liaise with indonesia@zendease.com