Indonesia’s forest‐product export regime is governed by stringent legality and sustainability standards. Exporters, particularly in the timber sector, must comply with detailed documentation, verification, and customs procedures.
This article provides corporate exporters and compliance teams with a structured overview of the legal framework, key obligations, and the step-by-step process for securing export eligibility.
Indonesia’s Strategic Forest Product Sector
Indonesia is home to one of the world’s largest tropical forest areas, giving the country substantial potential to produce high-value processed forest products. Because the sector is economically strategic and environmentally sensitive, forest-product exports are subject to layered regulatory oversight to ensure sustainable forest management, supply-chain transparency, and compliance with international standards.
Government Regulation No. 23/2021 on Forestry Administration (“PP 23/2021”) requires exporters of forest products to demonstrate legality at the point of export. Article 173 paragraph 2 of PP 23/2021 stipulates:
“Exported or imported forest products must be accompanied by a legality assurance document for forest products.”
This requirement serves as the foundation for Indonesia’s legality-verification system and the export mechanisms described below.
Preparing to Export Forest Products
Timber remains one of Indonesia’s most competitive export commodities, especially within Southeast Asia. Businesses seeking to enter or expand in international timber markets must understand the required preparatory steps. These include market assessment, licensing, tax compliance, and adherence to destination-country regulations.
- Identify and Assess Export Markets
Exporters should conduct market research to select an appropriate destination country. This includes analyzing demand characteristics, applicable product standards, and any import-country restrictions. Exporters must also ensure that the timber product meets the quality and technical specifications required in the target jurisdiction.
- Secure Export Licensing and Verification
Before exporting, companies must apply for verification from the relevant authority. This typically requires preparing core corporate documentation, including:
- Company profile
- Business license or evidence of lawful forest-product utilization issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry
These documents form part of the legality assurance process and may be reviewed during subsequent audits.
- Pay Applicable Export Taxes
Exporters must ensure that all timber-related export taxes are paid in accordance with existing regulations. Tax obligations vary depending on timber type and product classification. Accurate calculation and timely payment are critical to avoid delays or administrative sanctions.
- Ensure Compliance with Importing-Country Requirements
Exporters must also comply with the regulatory requirements of the destination country. These may include phytosanitary standards, product-quality rules, or timber-specific export restrictions. Meeting foreign compliance obligations helps maintain market access and contributes to Indonesia’s reputation for reliable and sustainable timber supply.
Legal Framework: The SVLK System
Indonesia’s forest-product legality regime centers on the Timber Legality and Sustainability Verification System (Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas dan Kelestarian/SVLK). The definition of SVLK is provided in Article 1 paragraph 42 of Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. 8/2021 on Forest Management and Forest Utilization in Protection and Production Forests (“Permen LHK 8/2021”). The regulation stipulates:
“The Timber Legality and Sustainability Verification System (SVLK) is a system intended to ensure the credibility of legality assurance for forest products, the traceability of forest products, and/or the sustainability of forest management.”
SVLK is therefore the primary mechanism for ensuring lawful origin, supply-chain transparency, and sustainable production of timber destined for export markets. Exporters must undergo a structured verification process to obtain an SVLK certificate.
Obtaining SVLK Certification: Step-by-Step Process
Businesses engaged in timber-export activities must follow several key procedural steps to secure SVLK certification. Although the process is technical, compliance is essential for export authorization.
- Legal Documentation Requirements
Companies must hold valid corporate legal documents, including:
- Deed of establishment,
- Trade Business License (Surat Izin Usaha Perdagangan / SIUP),
- Company Registration Certificate (TDP),
- Business Identification Number (Nomor Induk Berusaha / NIB),
- Taxpayer Identification Number (NPWP)
These serve as baseline proof of lawful operation and eligibility for assessment.
- Timber Traceability Documentation
Businesses must prepare traceability documents (“dokumen lacak balak”), which may include CITES permits when flora or fauna listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species are involved. These documents enable licensed surveyors to prepare a technical report verifying timber origin and traceability.
- Implementation Stage
Over a period of approximately three months, companies must complete operational forms and demonstrate consistent compliance with SVLK operational requirements.
- SVLK Audit
Approximately three months after obtaining a SIUP or NIB, a formal audit is conducted to confirm compliance with all SVLK criteria. The audit process includes document review, field verification (if applicable), and assessment of supply-chain controls.
- Issuance of the SVLK Certificate
Following a successful audit, the SVLK certificate is issued within one month. This certificate is mandatory for the export of most timber and forest‐based products.
Dengan demikian, mekanisme ekspor produk hutan di Indonesia telah diamanatkan dalam PP 23/2021 yang menjelaskan bahwa ekspor kayu wajib dilengkapi dengan dokumen penjamin legalitas produk. Penerapan Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas dan Kelestarian (SVLK) sebagaimana yang termuat dalam Permen LHK 8/2021 juga menjadi bagian utama dari mekanisme ini untuk memastikan kredibilitas, transparansi, dan keberlanjutan produk hutan Indonesia di pasar global.
Also read: A Simple Guide to Legal Requirements for Exporting Your Business
Practical Implications for Exporters
The combined requirements under PP 23/2021 and Permen LHK 8/2021 make SVLK certification a core compliance obligation for all timber exporters. Failure to obtain or maintain SVLK certification can result in:
- Inability to obtain export approval
- Customs delays or detentions
- Commercial risk, including loss of buyer confidence
- Reputational harm in sustainability-sensitive markets
For exporters targeting markets in Europe, North America, and other regions with strict timber legality regimes, SVLK certification can also function as a competitive advantage, demonstrating supply-chain integrity and environmental stewardship.
Indonesia’s forest-product export mechanism is built on legality assurance, traceability, and sustainable forest management. Companies seeking to export timber products should prioritize early preparation, robust documentation, and timely SVLK certification. For businesses entering new markets, engaging legal counsel or compliance specialists can help streamline the process and reduce regulatory or customs-related risk.***
Also read: How to Export Indonesian Handicrafts: Legal Guide for Foreign Business
Regulations:
- Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 23 Tahun 2021 tentang Penyelenggaran Kehutan (“PP 23/2021”).
- Peraturan Menteri Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan Nomor 8 Tahun 2021 tentang Tata Hutan dan Penyusunan Rencana Pengelolaan Hutan, serta Pemanfaatan Hutan di Hutan Lindung dan Hutan Produksi (“Permen LHK 8/2021”).
References:
- Cara Ekspor Kayu ke Negara Asia Tenggara. Asia Commerce (Diakses pada tanggal 05 November 2025 pukul 14.15 WIB).
- Syarat Ekspor Produk Kayu Wajib Menggunakan Dokumen V Legal. Mutu Institute (Diakses pada tanggal 05 November 2025 pukul 14.20 WIB).
- Panduan Sertifikat Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu (SVLK). In Corp (Diakses pada tanggal 05 November 2025 pukul 15.44 WIB).