How to Apply API‑P License in Indonesia: A Clear Guide for Importing Companies
Corporate Secretary Service Indonesia – If your business involves importing raw materials, equipment, or components for your own production process, it’s crucial to understand how to apply API‑P license Indonesia. This license is not just a formality, it’s a legal requirement that gives your company the authority to bring in non-trade goods, such as machinery or production inputs.
As a company focused on import permit processing, PortCorp regularly assists both domestic and foreign companies in securing the right importer identification numbers. For international clients looking to navigate Indonesia’s import regulations, the API-P license is a key part of doing business legally and efficiently.
What is an Importer Identification Number (API)?
In Indonesia, businesses that wish to import goods must obtain an API, short for “Angka Pengenal Importir” or Importer Identification Number. This requirement is regulated under the Minister of Trade Regulation No. 70/M-DAG/PER/9/2015.
There are two types of API in Indonesia:
- API-U (General Importer): Granted to companies that import goods with the intent of reselling them.
- API-P (Producer Importer): Intended for companies importing goods solely for their own production use. This includes raw materials, support components, or capital equipment.
If you’re unsure which one applies to your business, the rule is simple: if you plan to resell, go with API-U. If you’re importing for internal use only, such as manufacturing or assembling, then you need to apply API‑P license Indonesia.
Important Notes on API-P Usage
The API-P license comes with specific conditions. It only permits the import of goods that will be used internally by the company. These goods cannot be resold or transferred to another entity unless certain criteria are met. For example, if the company receives import duty exemptions on the goods, they must retain and use those goods in-house for a minimum of two years. Only after that period can the goods be transferred or sold, and even then, appropriate reporting is required. In addition:
- Each company can only hold one type of API.
- The API is issued to the company’s head office but can be used by its branches if they are engaged in the same business activity.
- It remains valid as long as the company is operational, although re-registration is required every five years.
Where and How to Apply
The authority to issue APIs lies with the Ministry of Trade, which delegates this task to several institutions:
- The Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM)
- The Directorate General of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Trade
- The Provincial Trade Offices
If you’re applying from Jakarta, you can either go through the BKPM or the Jakarta Provincial Trade Office, depending on the nature of your business.
The application process typically involves submitting key documents through the OSS (Online Single Submission) system, including:
- Deed of establishment
- Company tax ID (NPWP)
- Business Identification Number (NIB)
- Personal ID (for directors)
- And other supporting legal and technical documents
This process can be time-consuming and occasionally confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with Indonesian regulations.
Why Work with a Local Partner?
Navigating licensing requirements in a foreign country can be overwhelming, especially when it involves multiple authorities and technical steps. That’s where PortCorp comes in. We are based in Jakarta and specialize in handling all aspects of import licensing, including API applications.
Whether you are a local business just getting started or a foreign company expanding into Indonesia, we’ll ensure you meet every regulation efficiently. If you’re ready to apply API‑P license Indonesia and don’t want to deal with the red tape alone, we’re here to help.
Reach out to PortCorp today and let our team guide you through the process, so you can focus on growing your business, worry-free. 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 to apply API‑P license 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!
