Import/Export Regulations Guide
Comprehensive information on customs requirements, restricted items, and trade regulations for Indonesia-United States bilateral trade.
Documentation
Always prepare complete and accurate documentation. Missing or incorrect paperwork is the #1 cause of customs delays.
Compliance
Verify product compliance requirements for both countries before shipping. Regulations vary by product category.
Restricted Items
Check if your product requires special permits or licenses. Some items need pre-approval from regulatory agencies.
HS Codes
Use correct Harmonized System (HS) codes for accurate duty calculations. Misclassification can lead to penalties.
Indonesia Trade Regulations
Customs Requirements
- Import License (API) required for commercial imports
- Customs Declaration (PIB) must be submitted
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List required
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill needed
- Certificate of Origin may be required for preferential rates
Restricted Items
- Pharmaceuticals - requires BPOM (FDA) approval
- Food and beverages - requires Halal certification
- Electronics - requires SNI (Indonesian National Standard)
- Textiles - requires Import License specific to textiles
- Used goods - generally prohibited with few exceptions
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Pornography and explicit materials
- Radioactive materials
- Certain chemicals and hazardous waste
- Counterfeit goods and pirated products
Duties & Taxes
- Import Duty: 0-150% depending on product category
- VAT (PPN): 11% of CIF value + duty
- Income Tax (PPh): 2.5-10% for imported goods
- Luxury Goods Tax: 10-125% for luxury items
Export Requirements
- Exporter License (ET) for certain products
- Customs Declaration (PEB) submission
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List
- Certificate of Origin (Form D for ASEAN)
- Inspection certificates for specific goods
Restricted Exports
- Raw minerals - requires processing domestically first
- Certain timber products - requires SVLK certification
- Cultural artifacts - requires special permit
- Endangered species - CITES permit required
Prohibited Exports
- Certain raw minerals (nickel ore, bauxite)
- Used clothing and textiles
- Certain types of waste and scrap
- Protected wildlife and products
United States Trade Regulations
Customs Requirements
- Entry Filing (CBP Form 3461) required
- Commercial Invoice and Bill of Lading
- Packing List for shipment details
- FDA registration for food, drugs, cosmetics
- EPA compliance for certain products
Restricted Items
- Food and beverages - FDA approval required
- Medical devices - FDA 510(k) clearance
- Electronics - FCC certification
- Children's products - CPSC compliance
- Alcohol and tobacco - ATF permits
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics
- Dangerous toys and unsafe products
- Counterfeit goods and pirated items
- Certain plants and agricultural products
- Absinthe (if thujone content >10ppm)
Duties & Taxes
- Import Duty: 0-37.5% based on HTS code
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of value
- Harbor Maintenance Fee: 0.125% for ocean shipments
- No federal VAT/Sales Tax (state taxes may apply)
Export Requirements
- Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)
- Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List
- Export License for controlled items
- Destination control statement on documents
Restricted Exports
- Military and defense articles - ITAR compliance
- Dual-use items - EAR compliance required
- Certain technologies and software
- Endangered species - CITES permit
- Nuclear materials - NRC approval
Prohibited Exports
- Items to embargoed countries (Cuba, Iran, etc.)
- Certain encryption technologies
- Specific military equipment
- Products violating trade sanctions
Important Notice
Trade regulations and customs requirements are subject to change. The information provided here is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult with licensed customs brokers, trade compliance specialists, or relevant government agencies for the most current regulations specific to your products.
