Understanding Manufacturer Importers and Their Role in Indonesia’s Supply Chain

Corporate Secretary Service Indonesia – In today’s global business landscape, manufacturers need to move fast, both in production and in how they source materials. One key strategy many Indonesian companies rely on is importing raw or auxiliary materials for their production processes. To do that legally and efficiently, they must meet specific import license API‑P requirements set by the Indonesian government.

At PortCorp, we often receive questions about how this works and why it matters. Here’s a straightforward guide for business owners, procurement managers, and anyone looking to import materials for production in Indonesia.

What is a Manufacturer Importer?

A manufacturer importer (or importir produsen) is a business entity that imports goods specifically to support its own production, not for resale or distribution. These imported items typically include raw materials, machinery, chemicals, and fuels that are critical to manufacturing operations.

According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry (Permenperin No. 20 of 2019), a manufacturer importer must be registered and hold a valid Angka Pengenal Importir Produsen, also known as API‑P. This license ensures that imported materials are used internally within a company’s operations and not sold in the open market. For businesses that depend on imported resources to maintain their production lines, getting an API‑P is not just helpful, it’s a legal necessity.

Understanding the Import License API‑P Requirements

So, what exactly are the import license API‑P requirements? The API‑P is granted only to companies that import goods to use in their own production activities. These goods can include everything from industrial machinery to specific types of non-domestically available fuels.

There are also clear restrictions. Goods brought in under an API‑P cannot be sold or transferred to other parties, unless they’ve fulfilled a minimum holding period (typically two years) and were originally imported under certain duty exemption schemes. These conditions are regulated under Permendag No. 70/M-DAG/PER/9/2015.

Read Also: A Practical Guide to Import Electronics into Indonesia

What You Need to Apply for an API‑P

To apply for an API‑P, your company must submit the following documents:

• Company Deed of Establishment and Amendments (if any)
• Approval Letter from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights
• Proof of Company Domicile
• Company Tax ID (NPWP)
• Valid Business License (SIUP or OSS equivalent)
• Company Registration Certificate (TDP or NIB)
• Copies of shareholders’ ID cards and director’s NPWP
• Passport-sized photos (3×4 cm) of the responsible party

All these documents must be in order before you can move forward with the API‑P application process.

Manufacturer importers are vital to Indonesia’s production ecosystem. They ensure that companies have access to the specific materials and machinery they need to stay competitive. However, operating as a manufacturer importer also means complying with strict licensing and usage rules. Understanding the import license API‑P requirements is the first step toward building a strong, legally sound import operation.

At PortCorp, we help companies navigate the complexity of import regulations, from document preparation to customs clearance. Whether you’re starting your first import process or refining an existing one, our team can guide you through every step to keep your operations running smoothly.

Let’s talk if you’re ready to import smarter, faster, and fully compliant with Indonesian regulations. 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 fulfill import license API‑P requirements. 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!