How to Export Goods to Other Countries from Indonesia

Table of Contents

How to Export Goods – Exporting goods from Indonesia requires strict adherence to government regulations to ensure compliance and avoid delays. The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Trade and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, oversees the export process, including the required documentation and legal obligations.

Businesses must familiarize themselves with export-specific laws and prepare all necessary permits to facilitate seamless international trade.

Step 1: Registering Your Business for Export Activities

To export goods legally from Indonesia, businesses must register their entity with the Online Single Submission (OSS) system. The process involves obtaining a Business Identification Number (NIB), which serves as the business’s primary operational license. The NIB grants access to:

Customs services
Export documentation
Trade-related privileges under free trade agreements

Businesses without an NIB are not eligible to export goods.

Step 2: Identifying Exportable Products

Exporting involves determining whether the goods comply with Indonesia’s export laws. The government has categorized goods into:

General Goods: Products that can be freely exported.
Restricted Goods: Items requiring additional permits, such as certifications from relevant agencies.
Prohibited Goods: Products banned from export to protect domestic industries or meet international trade obligations.

Use the Harmonized System (HS) Code to classify your goods. The HS Code determines export tariffs, taxes, and additional regulatory requirements.

Step 3: Acquiring the Exporter Registration Number (NIK)

The Exporter Registration Number (NIK) is mandatory for all export activities. This unique identifier allows businesses to access the Indonesia National Single Window (INSW) platform, simplifying the submission of export declarations.

To apply for a NIK:

Visit the Directorate General of Customs and Excise website.
Submit your business’s NIB, tax registration, and company profile.
Complete the verification process.

Once approved, the NIK enables businesses to handle export transactions electronically.

Step 4: Preparing Necessary Export Documents

Exporting goods requires accurate and complete documentation. Essential export documents include:

Commercial Invoice: Specifies the transaction details, including the value and description of goods.
Packing List: Details the contents of each shipment.
Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill: Acts as proof of shipment.
Certificate of Origin (COO): Required for goods benefiting from free trade agreements.
Export Declaration (PEB): Submitted through the INSW system to declare export activities.

Ensure all documents comply with the destination country’s regulations to avoid delays at customs.

Step 5: Complying with Export Taxes and Duties

Exported goods from Indonesia are generally exempt from Value-Added Tax (VAT). However, certain commodities, such as raw materials or natural resources, may be subject to export duties.

To ensure compliance:

Consult the applicable HS Code for your goods.
Pay any required duties through the INSW platform before shipment.
Retain receipts and proof of payment for future audits.

Step 6: Leveraging Free Trade Agreements

Indonesia is part of multiple free trade agreements (FTAs), such as:

ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)
ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA)
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

FTAs often provide reduced tariffs or exemptions for specific goods. To benefit from these agreements, exporters must present a Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by an authorized body.

Step 7: Partnering with Logistics Providers

Efficient logistics is critical for successful exports. Work with reliable freight forwarders or shipping companies to ensure your goods reach their destination safely. Key considerations include:

Selecting the Right Mode of Transport: Choose between sea, air, or land transportation based on cost, speed, and destination requirements.
Ensuring Proper Packaging: Protect goods during transit by using durable and compliant materials.
Insuring Your Shipment: Secure insurance coverage to mitigate risks during international transport.

Logistics providers also assist with customs clearance and managing export documentation.

Step 8: Navigating Customs Clearance

Customs clearance is a critical step in exporting goods. To expedite the process:

Submit the Export Declaration (PEB) through the INSW system.
Provide all supporting documents, including the Commercial Invoice and Packing List.
Pay any applicable export duties or fees.

Customs officers may inspect shipments to verify compliance with export regulations. Ensure your documentation and goods are accurate and align with your declarations.

Step 9: Building Relationships with Overseas Buyers

Establishing trust with international buyers is essential for long-term export success. Focus on:

Providing Accurate Information: Maintain transparency about product specifications, pricing, and delivery schedules.
Adhering to Quality Standards: Comply with international certifications, such as ISO, to meet buyer expectations.
Offering Reliable Communication: Respond promptly to inquiries and provide regular updates on shipments.

Building strong relationships enhances your reputation as a reliable exporter.

Step 10: Staying Informed on Regulatory Changes

Export regulations in Indonesia are subject to periodic updates. Stay informed by:

Monitoring announcements from the Ministry of Trade.
Subscribing to industry newsletters.
Consulting trade experts or legal advisors.

Being proactive ensures compliance with evolving policies and avoids disruptions to your export activities.

Conclusion

Exporting goods to other countries from Indonesia involves a systematic process of obtaining the necessary permits, complying with regulations, and building efficient supply chains. By following the steps outlined above, businesses can navigate Indonesia’s export landscape effectively and unlock opportunities in the global market.

Indonesia Customs website here.
Collection of Indonesia customs consultations here.

Topic: export Indonesia, international trade, export process, export permits, customs clearance, export logistics, trade compliance, HS code, export duties, free trade