Customs Clearance in Indonesia

Importing to Indonesia involves the approval process with customs authorities. 

This article will walk you through every step of the customs clearance process in Indonesia —- customs procedures for the legal entry of your shipments, the necessary customs duties, and ensuring all your paperwork is in order. 

1. Pre-Arrival Customs Procedures

The customs clearance process in Indonesia begins with the verification of your shipment’s paperwork. When your shipment arrives in Indonesia, customs officials will check the documentation. They’ll verify that everything matches up and that your goods are correctly declared.

Using an IOR service ensures all documents are prepared accurately, reducing the risk of delays and fines. Preparation of documents include:

• Commercial Invoice: Details the value and description of the goods.

Example: If you are importing electronics, the commercial invoice should specify each item, such as “50 units of ABC Brand Smartphones, model XYZ123, total value $25,000.”

• Packing List: Lists all items in the shipment, including quantities and weights.

Example: For the electronics shipment, the packing list should detail “50 units of ABC Brand Smartphones, 50 chargers, 50 earphones, each weighing 0.5 kg, total weight 25 kg.”

• Bill of Lading/Air Waybill: Provided by the carrier, this document serves as a receipt for the shipment.
• Indonesian Customs Declaration (PIB): A detailed report of the goods being imported, including their descriptions, values, and HS Codes. 

Additional Pre-Approval Steps with Importer of Record (IOR) 

Pre-approval customs procedure is also possible, only using IOR services as your clearance agent. IOR services will;

• Conduct a check to understand Restricted Import Regulation/LARTAS.
• Use the Indonesian customs website to insert the HS code of your product and see which restrictions apply to it.
• Ensure that the classification of your products using the Harmonized System (HS) Code aligns with halal certification requirements. 
• Have your facilities inspected by auditors assigned by the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH).
  
  

2. Filing the Indonesian Customs Declaration – PIB (Pemberitahuan Impor Barang)

The Pemberitahuan Impor Barang (PIB) is the document required for customs clearance in Indonesia. Your IOR will prepare and submit the PIB to the customs office, ensuring accuracy and compliance.  

Details Required in the PIB:

• Importer and exporter information
• Description of goods, including HS codes
• Value of the goods and currency used
• Country of origin and destination
• Applicable customs duties and taxes
  

3. Customs Check

Once the PIB is submitted, customs officials review the document for accuracy. They will calculate import duties based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of the goods and taxes based on the HS codes.

Depending on the type and value of the goods, customs officers may conduct a physical inspection to ensure compliance with declarations and regulations.

4. Payment of Duties and Taxes

After the assessment (customs check), you will receive a notification detailing the amount of duties and taxes owed. These duties and taxes must be paid before the goods can be released.  

Learn more about how to calculate customs duty and import tax here. 

Your IOR service manages these payments through the Indonesian National Single Window (INSW) system. However, In some cases, customs may place a hold on your shipment for additional inspection. If a hold is placed, your IOR will provide the necessary documentation or information to clear the goods.

6. Release of Goods

Once you pay the duties and taxes, customs will issue an Order to Pick (Surat Persetujuan Pengeluaran Barang – SPPB), authorizing the release of the goods from the port or warehouse. 

7. Final Delivery and Post-Clearance 

The goods are then transported to their final destination by the freight forwarder or handling agent. The IOR service coordinates with the freight forwarder to ensure delivery.

A common mistake is not being ready by the time customs releases the product. You’ll have to pay for each day your shipment is in the Customs warehouse. The IOR helps you avoid unnecessary storage fees. 

Indonesian customs may conduct a post-clearance audit to verify the accuracy of the declarations and payments made. Your IOR keeps all records and documentation for a certain period (usually up to 10 years) in case of any future audits or reviews.

Importer of Record (IOR) services with Emerhub in Indonesia 

Ready to import to Indonesia?

As your consignee, Emerhub will handle customs clearance and logistics in Indonesia.

Our import consultants are here to guide you through every step. Get in touch today via the link below and let’s get your goods moving without a hitch.