Many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia have yet to tap into international markets. Some are content with their domestic sales, while others feel that exporting is too complicated or out of reach. However, the global market holds many untapped opportunities—not only in traditional export destinations but also in emerging markets that show strong demand for Indonesian products.
If you’re a business owner looking to expand overseas, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements involved in exporting. Compliance with regulations isn’t just about following the rules—it plays a key role in ensuring smooth transactions, avoiding penalties or delays, and building trust with global trade partners.
Having a solid legal foundation is essential for long-term success in international trade. By meeting legal standards, your business gains credibility and becomes more attractive to international buyers. With the right knowledge and preparation, exporting can become a realistic and rewarding step forward for your business.
Regulatory Framework on Export Policy
Export regulations in Indonesia have evolved in response to global economic shifts and the need to protect domestic industries. One such development is the issuance of the Regulation of the Minister of Trade No. 23 of 2023 on Export Policies and Arrangements (“Permendag 23/2023”). This regulation aims to ensure that all export activities comply with national standards while also respecting international trade obligations.
Key provisions of Permendag 23/2023 include:
- Export Requirements
Untuk menjalankan kegiatan perdagangan dengan mengirimkan barang ke luar According to Article 2(1), exporters must fulfill certain prerequisites before conducting trade across customs territories. These include possessing a Business Identification Number (Nomor Induk Berusaha or NIB) and other required documents..
- Taxpayer Status Confirmation
As outlined in Article 3, exporters must have their tax status verified prior to exporting. This requirement ensures transparency and compliance with tax obligations.
- Business Licensing
Article 2 paragraph 2 stipulates that for certain specified goods, exporters are required to obtain an Export Business License issued by the Minister of Trade.
- Document Submission Obligations
Exporters must provide documents necessary for both technical and customs verification. As per Article 14 paragraph 2, this includes, among others:
- Animal product sanitation certificates (KH-12); and
- Proof of legal origin for wood and wood products intended for export (V-Legal documents).
- Sanctions for Non-Compliance
Exporters who fail to comply with the provisions of this regulation may face administrative or legal sanctions, as described in Articles 35 to 39.
By implementing this regulation, the government seeks to create a more orderly, transparent, and monitorable export ecosystem while protecting key national commodities. Exporters are strongly advised to carefully review Permendag 23/2023 and align their export practices accordingly to avoid future legal or administrative complications.
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Requirements to Become an Exporter
To legally and effectively engage in export activities, business actors in Indonesia must fulfill a number of administrative, technical, and customs requirements. The following are the main conditions that must be met to become an exporter:
- Legal Entity Status
Exporters must have a valid legal status in Indonesia, which includes the following legal entities:
- Limited Partnership (Commanditaire Vennootschap – CV)
- Firm (Firma)
- Limited Liability Company (Perseroan Terbatas – PT)
- State-Owned Company (Perusahaan Persero – Persero)
- Public Corporation (Perusahaan Umum – Perum)
- Service Corporation (Perusahaan Jawatan – Perjan)
- Cooperative (Koperasi)
- Mandatory Documentation
In accordance with Article 2 paragraph 1 of Permendag 23/2023, exporters are required to have a Business Identification Number (Nomor Induk Berusaha – NIB). In addition, exporters must possess the following documents: Taxpayer Identification Number (Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak – NPWP), Export Declaration (Pemberitahuan Ekspor Barang – PEB) and Certificate of Origin (Surat Keterangan Asal – SKA), for goods eligible for preferential tariffs in the destination country..
- Export Licenses Issued by the Government
As stipulated in Article 2 paragraph 2 of Permendag 23/2023, exporters of certain goods are required to obtain Business Licensing in the export sector from the Minister. Applications must be submitted electronically to the Minister through the Indonesia National Single Window (SINSW) system, which is connected to the INATRADE system at http://inatrade.kemendag.go.id.
Other relevant licenses may include:
- Trade Business License (Surat Izin Usaha Perdagangan – SIUP) from the local Trade Office;
- Industrial Business License from the local Industry Office;
- Domestic Investment (PMDN) or Foreign Investment (PMA) Business License issued by the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).
In addition to having a Business Identification Number (NIB) and complying with export-related technical regulations, Indonesian exporters must also prepare a complete set of customs documents. These documents are mandatory for every international shipment and are regulated by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise under the Ministry of Finance, in accordance with Law No. 17 of 2006 (an amendment to Law No. 10 of 1995 on Customs).
The primary goal of Indonesia’s export customs procedures is to monitor the flow of goods leaving the country and ensure exporters comply with all applicable rules. Failing to meet these requirements can result in delays, penalties, or shipment rejection.
Key documents include:
- Export Declaration (Pemberitahuan Ekspor Barang / PEB): This is the main customs document that must be submitted electronically through the CEISA system before export. It contains key information such as the exporter and consignee, a description and value of the goods, and the destination country.
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Additional documents, depending on the product and destination country.
Customs officials will verify all submitted documents, and in some cases, may carry out a physical inspection. Once approved, they issue a Nota Pelayanan Ekspor (NPE)—a formal confirmation that the goods have passed through customs legally.
Exporters must also settle any government-imposed charges, such as export duties or taxes on certain commodities (e.g., palm oil, minerals, or forestry products). For exports under special schemes or incentive programs, such as preferential tariffs, additional documentation—like a Certificate of Origin (Surat Keterangan Asal / SKA)—may be required.
Following the customs process carefully not only ensures compliance but also speeds up logistics, improves access to trade financing, increases eligibility for export incentives, and helps avoid issues during tax audits. For any business aiming to grow through international trade, getting this part right is essential.***
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Regulation:
- Peraturan Menteri Perdagangan Nomor 23 Tahun 2023 tentang Kebijakan dan Pengaturan Ekspor (“Permendag 23/2023”).
- Undang-Undang Nomor 17 Tahun 2006 tentang Perubahan Atas Undang-Undang Nomor 10 Tahun 1995 tentang Kepabeanan (“UU Kepabeanan”).
References:
- Untuk Pelaku UMKM, Begini 5 Langkah Melakukan Ekspor. Kompas.id. (Diakses pada 5 Mei 2025 pukul 08.45 WIB).
- Memulai Jadi Eksportir, Apa Saja yang Harus Disiapkan?. UMKM Kompas.com. (Diakses pada 5 Mei 2025 pukul 09.10 WIB).
- Syarat Menjadi Eksportir dan Prosedur Kepabeanannya. Indonesia.go.id. (Diakses pada 5 Mei 2025 pukul 09.15 WIB).