The Hardest Part of Importing to Indonesia: Customs, Taxes, and Permits

What if you’ve finally found the perfect supplier overseas? Your products are shipped, and you’re excited to introduce them to the Indonesian market. But when the goods arrive at the port, the excitement quickly fades. Your shipment gets stuck and held by customs. Days turn into weeks, costs keep adding up, and your customers are left waiting. This scenario is all too common for importers in Indonesia.

What are the main challenges of importing?

The primary challenges are Customs, Taxes, and Permits required for shipping goods into Indonesia.

1. Customs — The Gatekeeper

Customs clearance in Indonesia is strict and detail-oriented. Officers inspect each package for paperwork. If your HS code (international product classification code) is incorrectly declared, your items may be reclassified, usually with additional tariffs. A single missing document, such as a packing list or bill of lading, might cause your shipment to be held up. Random inspections are also frequent, particularly with high-risk items. While you wait, you are charged fees and storage costs, which may quickly accumulate. For companies, this implies lost time, additional expenses, and dissatisfied consumers.

2. Taxes — Layers That Add Up

Importing to Indonesia requires more than just paying taxes. Multiple taxes apply, and each must be precisely calculated. Here is what importers deal with:

• Import Duty: Varies by product type, from 0% to over 20%.
• VAT (Value Added Tax): Standard 11%, applied to most goods.
• Income Tax (PPh 22 Import): Typically 7.5 — 10%, but can be reduced if you hold the right licenses.

For example, bringing in beauty products without a proper classification could mean paying more in duties than you need to. Incorrect entries in calculations can often lead to overpayment or, even worse, penalties for underpayment. In either case, your profit margin will decline.

3. Permits — The Hidden Roadblock

Even if customs and taxes are handled, many items cannot be discharged without specific permission. Food, drinks, and cosmetics all require BPOM clearance to assure safety. Electronics may require import permissions (API or special trade permits). Certain items must be SNI certified to fulfill Indonesian norms. Customs will not clear your package without these documents, regardless of how urgent your schedule is. Many companies overlook this stage, resulting in months of delays while permissions are finalized.

That's where ZendEase comes in. We handle everything for you, so you don't have to worry about all the confusing rules and waiting around. We’ll take care of the documents, figure out the right codes, make sure you're good with taxes, and get all the permits you need. Basically, it makes the importing steps easier. No messing around, no unexpected costs, just a straightforward way to get your stuff where it needs to go.

Importing to Indonesia doesn’t have to feel like a nightmare. With ZendEase, you don’t just get a logistics partner; you can get peace of mind. Let us handle the bureaucracy. Contact us at indonesia@zendease.com.