How Long Does Customs Clearance Take in Indonesia? Here’s the Real Deal

Corporate Secretary Service Indonesia – If you’re planning to ship goods in or out of Indonesia, one of the first things you’ll want to understand is customs clearance, and how long it actually takes. Whether you’re importing raw materials or exporting finished products, knowing what to expect can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches.

At PortCorp, we work with global businesses every day, and one of the questions we hear most often is:

“How fast can I get my goods through customs?”

Let’s break it down so you know exactly what’s involved, and how you can avoid delays.

What Is Customs Clearance, Anyway?

Customs clearance is the official process your shipment must go through before it can legally enter or leave the country. It’s not just a formality, it’s a full review of your paperwork, payment of any import taxes or duties, and in some cases, an inspection of the goods themselves.

In Indonesia, this process is overseen by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, following rules set by the Ministry of Finance. The key regulation? PMK No. 228/PMK.04/2015, but don’t worry, you don’t need to memorize it. You just need to follow the right steps.

The Customs Process: Step by Step

If you’re new to trading in Indonesia, here’s what the customs process usually looks like:

1. File a PIB (Import Notification)

Before your goods even arrive, you’ll need to submit a Pemberitahuan Impor Barang (PIB). This form lists everything from the HS code and quantity to the product value and description.

2. Customs Decides Your Clearance Lane

Once they’ve reviewed your documents, customs assigns your shipment a “lane” based on perceived risk:

• Green Lane – Fastest. No inspection, no hassle.
• Yellow Lane – Slight hold. They’ll take a closer look at your paperwork.
• Red Lane – Full inspection. Every document and item is checked carefully.

3. Physical Inspection (If Required)

If you land in the yellow or red lane, your goods may be opened and inspected to verify that everything matches your declaration.

4. Pay Duties and Taxes

You’ll need to settle any import fees before customs will release the shipment. How much you pay depends on the product category and total value.

5. Get the Green Light

After everything’s reviewed, and payments are confirmed, customs gives the go-ahead. You can now collect your shipment and move it on to your warehouse, factory, or customer.

Read Also: A Friendly “How To” Get an Import License Through OSS System

So… How Long Does This Actually Take?

Customs clearance in Indonesia doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all timeline. It all depends on how well-prepared you are, and which lane your shipment falls into.

• Green Lane – Usually cleared in 1–2 business days.
• Yellow Lane – Takes a little longer: around 3–5 business days.
• Red Lane – You could be waiting up to 7–14 business days, especially if there are issues or missing documents.

Want to Speed It Up? Here’s How.

Delays often come down to paperwork problems. If you want your goods to clear customs quickly, here are some tried-and-true tips:

✅ Be Meticulous With Your Docs

Even small errors, like a typo in your HS code, can cause unnecessary delays. Double-check everything before submitting.

✅ Work With a Customs Professional

This is where PortCorp comes in. We’ve helped hundreds of international companies avoid clearance headaches by handling the details for them.

✅ File Early

If possible, submit your documents before your shipment arrives. This gives customs a head start, and gets your cargo moving faster.

✅ Keep an Eye on INSW

Indonesia’s National Single Window (INSW) is a great tool for tracking your shipment’s status in real time. The sooner you spot a holdup, the faster you can fix it.

✅ Partner With Reliable Freight Providers

Good shipping companies help you stay organized. Great ones prevent delays. Choose logistics partners who understand the local process.

Customs clearance in Indonesia might sound complicated at first, but with the right strategy, it’s completely manageable. Knowing what to expect (and having experts in your corner) can make all the difference between a fast turnaround and a frustrating delay. At PortCorp, we’re here to help international businesses move through Indonesian customs without the stress. Whether you’re new to the region or looking to streamline your current process, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Let’s make customs clearance the easiest part of your supply chain. 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 customs clearance Indonesia. 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!