How to Get Import License in Indonesia and the Documents You Need

Corporate Secretary Service Indonesia – Importing goods into Indonesia can be a profitable business, especially as demand continues to grow across various industries. However, the import process isn’t as simple as placing an order and receiving your goods. It requires proper licenses, documents, and a clear understanding of the country’s import regulations. If you’re planning to start importing into Indonesia, here’s a straightforward guide on how to get import license in Indonesia and the essential documents you’ll need along the way.

1. Understand the Import Process

Importing involves several steps, and being prepared from the start will save you time and money. Here’s a quick overview of how it works:

• Identify Your Products: Make sure the goods you’re importing are not restricted or banned in Indonesia.
• Check the Regulations: Review the applicable rules, such as import duties, taxes, and whether your product needs special certification.
• Gather Required Documents: These include invoices, packing lists, and shipment details.
• Apply for Permits: Submit the necessary import licenses and approvals depending on your product category.
• Settle Taxes and Customs Fees: You’ll need to complete all payments before the goods can be released from the port.

2. General Requirements to Import into Indonesia

To start importing legally, your company must meet a few basic administrative requirements:

• Business Identification Number (NIB): This is issued through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system and also serves as your Importer Identification Number (API).
• Trading License (SIUP): Required if your business is involved in trading goods commercially.
• Tax ID (NPWP): This is needed to handle all tax-related matters.
• Importer Identification Number (API): Comes in two types, API-U (for general importers) and API-P (for manufacturers).
• Customs Access Registration: You need to register with Indonesia’s Directorate General of Customs and Excise for system access and import clearance.
• Additional Permits: Depending on your product, you may need specific documents such as a Health Certificate, Halal Certificate, SNI (National Standard of Indonesia), or a Certificate of Origin (COO).

Read Also: Importer of Record Services: Bringing Your Products into Indonesia the Smart Way

3. Steps to Apply for Import Permits

Here’s a simplified step-by-step process to legally manage imports in Indonesia:

Register Your Company

Set up your legal business entity and obtain the NIB and other required IDs.

Apply for Import Approval

Submit applications to the relevant ministries based on your product type.

Prepare Import Documents

Make sure you have all required forms and shipping papers.

Handle Import Duties and Taxes

Pay duties and taxes based on the product classification and value.

Release of Goods

Once all documents are cleared and payments are settled, your goods can be released from customs.

4. Common Documents Needed for Importing

To ensure a smooth process, you’ll need the following:

• Commercial Invoice: Lists supplier details, product quantities, unit price, and total cost.
• Packing List: Describes packaging specifics like weight, dimensions, and contents.
• Bill of Lading (B/L): Proof of sea shipment, issued by the shipping company.
• Air Waybill (AWB): Used for air shipments.
• Certificate of Origin (COO): States where the goods were produced and may be required for tax exemptions.
• Import Declaration (PIB): Submitted to Customs for clearance.

When you have a question about “how to get import license in Indonesia”, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation, proper licensing, and expert support, you can manage the process with confidence. If you need help, PortCorp is ready to guide you, offering reliable, secure, and professional import licensing services tailored to your needs.

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. 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!