A Real-World Guide to Handling Import License Requirements for Restricted Goods in Indonesia

Corporate Secretary Service Indonesia – If you’re doing business in Indonesia or planning to bring in goods from abroad, you’ve probably realized that not everything can pass through customs without a hitch. Certain items, especially those seen as sensitive or potentially risky, fall under what’s known as restricted goods. And when it comes to bringing those into the country, having the right import license for restricted goods isn’t just a formality, it’s essential.

At PortCorp, we work with businesses from all over the world, helping them navigate the tricky waters of import compliance in Indonesia. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what restricted goods are, why they matter, and what steps you’ll need to take to import them legally.

What Are Restricted Goods, Really?

Restricted goods, or what’s commonly called Lartas in Indonesia, are products that require special attention from the government before they’re allowed to enter the country. Why? Because they can affect public safety, the environment, health, or even local industries.

Think of things like medical supplies, supplements, agricultural products, electronics, chemicals, or even used machines, these are just a few categories that may fall under restricted status. To import any of these, you need something very specific: an import license for restricted goods that’s approved by the relevant authorities, depending on what you’re bringing in.

Who Regulates This and What Do You Need?

Indonesia has a range of ministries that each regulate different kinds of restricted goods:

• The Ministry of Trade handles consumer goods and broad import policy.
• Ministry of Agriculture steps in if you’re dealing with live animals, plants, or agricultural products.
• The Ministry of Health and BPOM (Indonesia’s FDA equivalent) oversee food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
• The Ministry of Environment and Forestry covers items like chemicals and hazardous waste.
• And if you’re importing firearms or anything similar, the National Police will be involved.

Each ministry has its own checklist of required documents, procedures, and technical standards. So before you even think about shipping your goods, make sure you’re clear on what kind of permit you’ll need, because applying for an import license for restricted goods can take time and careful preparation.

Read Also: How to Pick the Right Import Agent Indonesia Without the Stress

The Steps You’ll Go Through

Here’s a simplified version of what you’ll typically need to do:

1. Identify your product: Start by classifying your goods using the Harmonized System (HS) Code. This will tell you whether they’re categorized as restricted.
2. Apply for the right permits: Depending on the type of goods, you may need technical approvals, health certifications, or letters of import approval from the appropriate agency. Some products need multiple permits.
3. Register your documents: Once you have your paperwork in order, you’ll register your Import Declaration through Indonesia’s INSW (Indonesia National Single Window) system.
4. Wait for customs inspection: Customs may physically inspect the shipment, especially for items that are health or safety-related. If all checks out and duties are paid, your goods are cleared.
5. Post-entry monitoring: For some items, oversight doesn’t end when your container leaves the port. Some ministries continue monitoring goods after import to ensure compliance with their use or distribution.

And if your paperwork isn’t complete or permits are missing? Your goods could be held, re-exported, or, even worse, confiscated.

Why it’s Worth Doing Right

Importing restricted goods is absolutely doable, but you have to play by the rules. Knowing when and how to apply for an import license for restricted goods is what separates smooth, efficient shipping from costly delays and penalties.

At PortCorp, we’re here to take the guesswork out of it. We help businesses like yours get the right permits, communicate with the right ministries, and ensure your goods make it through customs with no surprises. Have questions about your product? Unsure whether it’s restricted or not? Reach out, we’ll help you sort it out, step by step, so your import process is as smooth and legal as it should be.

So, don’t worry about developing your business by setting up a company in Indonesia, because Portcorp is here as a solution for your business, also when you need import license restricted goods. Portcorp is your comprehensive corporate secretary service in Indonesia. With our presence, you can get a dedicated company secretary to support you to what you need. Our company secretaries will track deadlines and file paperwork so your business keeps running smoothly. Contact us now on +6221-5020-8090 for your business succeed in the future!