SSLT Global
Sign in
IDVerified 2026-07-22

Indonesia - Import & Export Regulatory Guide

Indonesia's customs administration is the Directorate General of Customs & Excise (Bea Cukai / DGCE) under the Ministry of Finance. The LARTAS (Larangan Pembatasan) regime tags HS codes with import/export licence, quota, and conformity conditions. Halal certification is progressively mandatory since 2019.

Regulatory authorities

Customs entry, CEISA filings, AEO administration.
Import/export licences, trade remedy, C/O.
Food, drug, cosmetic pre-market registration.
BSN
SNI (Indonesian National Standard) accreditation.

Licensing regimes

LicenceScopeIssuer
API-U / API-PGeneral importer / producer-importer identification number.Kemendag
Import approval (Persetujuan Impor)LARTAS-listed HS codes: steel, textiles, footwear, agri.Kemendag
SNI conformityMandatory Indonesian standard for regulated products (steel, cement, tyres, toys).BSN-accredited LSPro
Halal certificationFood, beverage, cosmetic, some services under Law 33/2014, phased mandatory.BPJPH
Prohibited goods
  • · Used clothing (Permendag 40/2022 - strict enforcement).
  • · Second-hand consumer electronics without special permit.
  • · Certain pesticides on Rotterdam Convention list.
  • · CITES-listed wildlife and derivatives.
Restricted goods
  • · Steel - Permendag automatic import approval + safeguard duties.
  • · Textiles/apparel - Permendag 8/2024 import quotas & port routing.
  • · Sugar and rice - state-trading enterprise regime.
  • · Chemicals & precursors - Kemendag / BNN licensing.
Labelling requirements
  • · Bahasa Indonesia label for food, cosmetics, drugs, electronics.
  • · BPOM registration number on food and cosmetic labels.
  • · Halal logo (BPJPH) on covered products.
  • · SNI mark on regulated products.
Sanctions overlay
  • · UNSC measures implemented via Presidential Regulation.
  • · No autonomous sanctions; PPATK (FIU) does OFAC/UN screening for financial sector.
  • · Compliance with US secondary sanctions is bank-driven for USD trade.

Dispute resolution

Customs objection to DGCE within 60 days; appeal to Pengadilan Pajak (Tax Court). BANI (Indonesian National Arbitration Board) is the domestic institutional forum. NY Convention party since 1981.

Key official sources

Frequently asked questions

What is LARTAS and how does it drive import cost?
LARTAS is the master schedule that maps every HS code to import-licensing, quota, quality, and health conditions. A code flagged LARTAS Impor requires the specified permit before shipment sails. Missing a LARTAS document is the top-1 cause of demurrage at Tanjung Priok - always confirm on INSW before contracting.
Do all consumer products need halal certification?
Since Oct 2019 halal is progressively mandatory. Food & beverage: mandatory from Oct 2024. Cosmetics, medicines, and traditional-medicine ingredients: phased 2026-2029. Non-halal products may still be sold if clearly labelled 'Non-Halal'. Certification is by BPJPH via LPH assessors.

Landed-cost examples for Indonesia

Customs duty and VAT/GST scenarios for specific HS codes when importing into Indonesia.

Cross-reference regulatory rules with specific grades and trade lanes for physical commodities.

Templates & guides

Compliance templates

Essential documentation for physical trade flows with ${c.country} counterparties.

Last review: 2026-07-22. SSLT Global regulatory guides are for decision-support only. Always verify with local counsel.