News — “I am planning to import products into Indonesia. What documents and licenses should I prepare to ensure a legally compliant import process?”
Many businesses entering international trade for the first time are unfamiliar with the permits and regulatory requirements that must be satisfied before importing goods. Failure to comply with customs requirements may result in shipments being held at ports, increased logistics costs, administrative sanctions, or even legal consequences.
Every import activity requires thorough legal preparation from the planning stage. Regulatory compliance not only facilitates the entry of goods into Indonesia but also helps businesses mitigate operational and legal risks. This article outlines the key licenses and requirements that should be prepared before commencing import activities.
What Basic Legal Requirements Must Be Fulfilled Before Importing?
Many companies assume that importing goods only requires a contract with an overseas supplier. In reality, import activities may only be carried out after a business has fulfilled the applicable legal requirements.
The first step is obtaining a Business Identification Number (Nomor Induk Berusaha or NIB) through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system. Under Government Regulation No. 28 of 2025 on Risk-Based Business Licensing (“GR 28/2025”), the NIB also functions as an Importer Identification Number (Angka Pengenal Importir or API) for businesses that meet the applicable risk-based licensing requirements, as stipulated in Article 206(5)(a) of GR 28/2025. For a complete overview of business licensing, see our guide on how to create a Business Identification Number.
In addition to obtaining an NIB, importers are required to complete customs registration with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. This obligation is set out in Article 6A of Law No. 17 of 2006 on the Amendment to Law No. 10 of 1995 on Customs (“Customs Law”), which requires importers to fulfill administrative requirements before conducting customs-related activities.
Customs registration provides businesses with an official identity within Indonesia’s national customs system. Without completing this registration, import declarations cannot be processed through the standard customs clearance procedure.
Companies should also ensure that their products are correctly classified under the Harmonized System (HS) Code. Incorrect classification may result in inaccurate import duty rates, underpayment of taxes, and additional inspections by customs authorities.
Proper legal preparation from the outset helps reduce the risk of delays in releasing imported goods while enabling companies to estimate import costs more accurately.
Can All Goods Be Imported Directly into Indonesia?
Not all goods may be imported freely into Indonesia. The Government imposes prohibitions and restrictions (larangan dan pembatasan or “lartas”) on certain commodities to safeguard national interests.
The legal basis is found in Article 53(1) of the Customs Law, which provides that: “For the purpose of supervising the implementation of import and export prohibitions and restrictions, the relevant technical agencies issuing such regulations shall notify the Minister.”
The categories of prohibited imported goods are stipulated under Article 2(1) of Minister of Trade Regulation No. 47 of 2025 on Goods Prohibited from Importation (“MOT Regulation 47/2025”). Under this regulation, the Minister designates the following goods as prohibited imports:
- Sugar;
- Rice;
- Ozone-depleting substances;
- Used bags, used sacks, and second-hand clothing;
- Fire suppression refrigeration system products;
- Non-fire suppression refrigeration system products;
- Refrigeration-based electronic products;
- Certain pharmaceutical and food substances;
- Hazardous and toxic materials;
- Registered hazardous and toxic waste, as well as registered non-hazardous waste;
- Finished hand tools; and
- Medical devices containing mercury.
The list above provides only a general overview. Detailed classifications, including the applicable HS Codes for each product category, are available in the Appendix to MOT Regulation 47/2025. For similar rules on what is allowed and prohibited, read our article on used goods imports in Indonesia.
Technical provisions governing restricted goods are further regulated under Minister of Trade Regulation No. 16 of 2025 on Import Policies and Regulations (“MOT Regulation 16/2025”). This regulation identifies various commodities that require import approvals, technical considerations, or recommendations from the relevant ministries before they may enter Indonesia.
For example, medical devices require approval from the Ministry of Health. Food products require authorization from the relevant government agencies based on the characteristics of the products concerned. Certain commodities must also comply with Indonesian National Standards (SNI) or obtain specific certifications before importation. Learn more about importing specific products such as cosmetics into Indonesia for a detailed breakdown of product-specific requirements.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in goods being detained at the port of entry. In certain circumstances, the goods may even be re-exported or destroyed in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
Accordingly, companies should not rely solely on identifying the correct HS Code. Importers must also determine whether their products fall within the lartas regime before entering into transactions with overseas suppliers.
How Can Companies Ensure a Legally Compliant Import Process?
Import compliance begins long before goods are shipped from their country of origin. Companies are strongly advised to conduct comprehensive legal due diligence on all import documentation and regulatory requirements.
The first step is verifying the applicable HS Code and corresponding import duty rates. Accurate HS Code classification directly affects import duties, import taxes, and licensing obligations.
The next step is ensuring that all commercial documentation is complete. These documents generally include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, certificate of origin (where applicable), and any technical licenses required for the specific products.
Companies should also closely monitor changes to Indonesia import regulations, which are subject to frequent revisions. International trade policies may evolve in response to economic conditions, domestic industrial policies, and bilateral or multilateral trade relations.
In addition, effective coordination among the legal, logistics, customs, and procurement or supplier teams is essential. Clear communication significantly reduces the risk of documentation errors and delays during the customs clearance process.
For businesses entering the import sector for the first time, obtaining legal assistance provides substantial added value. Professional legal support helps ensure that every stage of the import process complies with applicable regulations while minimizing the risk of disputes with customs authorities.
Understanding import licensing requirements is not merely an administrative obligation. Early regulatory compliance represents a strategic legal investment that supports supply chain continuity, cost efficiency, and long-term business sustainability in international trade.
Conclusion
Importing products into Indonesia involves far more than entering into commercial transactions with overseas suppliers. Companies must ensure that all licensing requirements, customs obligations, and import regulations have been fully satisfied to facilitate the smooth entry of goods while minimizing legal risks.
If your company is planning to import products into Indonesia, consult with SIP Law Firm at the earliest stage to develop an effective import compliance strategy. Appropriate legal assistance can help identify the required licenses, ensure compliance with applicable regulations, and minimize potential obstacles throughout the import process.
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Baca Juga
- Exporting Medical Devices: Legal Requirements and Compliance
- A Simple Guide to Legal Requirements for Exporting Your Business
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions About Import Licenses in Indonesia
1. What is the first step to import goods into Indonesia?
The first step is obtaining a Business Identification Number (NIB) through the OSS system. Under GR 28/2025, the NIB also functions as an Importer Identification Number (API) for qualifying businesses.
2. What documents are required for customs clearance in Indonesia?
Required documents include commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, certificate of origin (if applicable), and any technical licenses or permits required for specific product categories.
3. What goods are prohibited from import into Indonesia?
Prohibited goods include sugar, rice, ozone-depleting substances, used clothing, certain pharmaceutical and food substances, hazardous materials, and medical devices containing mercury, as listed in MOT Regulation 47/2025.
4. What is lartas in Indonesian import regulations?
Lartas stands for “larangan dan pembatasan” (prohibitions and restrictions). It refers to goods that require special approvals, technical considerations, or recommendations from relevant ministries before they can be imported into Indonesia.
5. What happens if I import without proper licenses?
Failure to comply may result in shipments being held at ports, administrative sanctions, increased logistics costs, re-export or destruction of goods, and potential legal consequences.
6. How do I classify my products under the HS Code?
HS Code classification should be based on the product characteristics, materials, and intended use. Accurate classification is critical as it determines import duty rates, taxes, and applicable licensing requirements.
7. Do I need a special license to import food or medical devices?
Yes. Medical devices require approval from the Ministry of Health, and food products require authorization from relevant government agencies. These products fall under the lartas regime and require additional permits before importation.
Regulations
- Government Regulation No. 28 of 2025 on Risk-Based Business Licensing (“GR 28/2025”).
peraturan.bpk.go.id - Law No. 17 of 2006 on the Amendment to Law No. 10 of 1995 on Customs (“Customs Law”).
regulasip.id - Minister of Trade Regulation No. 47 of 2025 on Goods Prohibited from Importation (“MOT Regulation 47/2025”).
peraturan.bpk.go.id - Minister of Trade Regulation No. 16 of 2025 on Import Policies and Regulations (“MOT Regulation 16/2025”).
regulasip.id
References
- Fajarani, M. A., Purba, R. H., & Wulandari, T. K. (2025). Analisis Literatur: Peranan Sistem Pengawasan Bea Cukai Dalam Mencegah Penggelapan Pajak Impor. Jurnal Riset Akuntansi, 2(4), 168-178. (Accessed on 24 July 2026 at 13:45 (WIB)).
jra.ekasakti.org - Muhammad Raihan Nugraha. (2026). Jenis-jenis Barang yang Dilarang Ekspor dan Impor. Hukumonline. (Accessed on 24 July 2026 at 14:30 (WIB)).
hukumonline.com