Steps to Get an Importer License
Corporate Secretary Service Indonesia – As mentioned earlier, the authority in charge of regulating Import into Indonesia is the Ministry of Trade, which conducts trade activities such as registration and market development. Other authorities that also play an important role in import and trade regulation are the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Directorate General of Customs.
For foreign entrepreneurs, obtaining an API-U or API-P is crucial. This process takes 4-5 months, hampering the import of goods from abroad. It is important for entrepreneurs to understand the steps and time involved in obtaining an import license.
- Establishing a PT or PT PMA in Indonesia
- Obtain a permanent business license (IUT). This license is only valid for API-U applications
- Apply for an API-U or API-P import license
- Obtain a Customs Identity Number (NIK)
- Obtain a recommendation from DEPTAN of the Ministry of Agriculture (only for certain categories such as food or children’s products)
- Approval by other authorities, depending on the product category (e.g. Food and Drug Administration for food products)
- Approved by the Ministry of Trade
Restrictions on Import Activities in Indonesia
Although trade between countries is one of the things that can improve Indonesia’s economic development. Not all products can be accepted or shipped as part of import-export. Fulfilling the requirements to become an importer also requires knowing about import restrictions in Indonesia. Here is some information that importers need to understand regarding import restrictions in Indonesia.
Read Also: Requirements to Become an Importer: Import Business License in Indonesia
Special Import Identification Number
The Special Importer Identification Number (NPIK) is a requirement to become an importer that must be fulfilled for certain products. Importers shipping: rice, corn, soy beans, sugar, textiles and textile products, electronics and their components need to include an NPIK. Otherwise, all such goods are prohibited from being imported into Indonesia. In addition to API and NPIK, for these specific goods, importers should find out which ministries to visit to obtain the appropriate certificates when starting business in Indonesia as an importer.
Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited from being imported into Indonesia. Severe penalties apply to lawbreakers who knowingly import prohibited items into Indonesia.
- Pornographic material
- Illegal drugs and narcotics
- Materials of a political nature
- Weapons including those used for sport and hunting (special permit required)
- Explosives, firearms and ammunition (special permit required)
Import Taxes in Indonesia
Import into Indonesia tariffs vary in Indonesia, ranging from 0 to 40%, depending on the HS-coded product category you are importing into Indonesia. The Pemberitahuan Impor Barang (PIB) includes 10% Value Added Tax (VAT) and 2.5% income tax.
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