Customs Regulations in Indonesia

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• For All Customers:
  • Original passport for customer and spouse valid for a minimum of twelve months
  • Original Work Permit for customer
  • Original Residence Permit (KITAS Card) for customer and spouse -- both MUST BE validated for a full twelve month period
  • Customs Application
  • Bank Guarantee
  • Letter of Authorization to Destination Agent
  • Certain vaccinations may be required
  • Inventory (original and one copy - not valued)
• For Expatriates:
  • Original passport
  • Residence permit (KITAS Card) valid for 12 months (also for spouse)
  • Work Permit valid for 12 months
  • Marital Status Statement (divorced/single only)
  • Single status customer is not normally entitled to a duty-free shipment and may petition to obtain approval from the Embassy or Consulate
• For Returning Indonesian Citizens:
  • Original Passport
  • Inventory (original, valued and legalized by Embassy/Consulate)
  • Application letter and Import Permit from the Department of Trade
  • Original Statement from Indonesian Embassy/Consulate that customer has been living abroad, stating date of arrival, date of intended return to Indonesia and customer's intent to ship personal effects
  • Letter of Assignment and Reassignment by customer's employer or sponsoring company
  • School certificate or diploma for students
  • License from Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affair (applied by embassy)
  • Diplomatic card (for vehicle)
• IF ALL THE ABOVE ARE NOT PROVIDED, HEAVY DUTIES, PENALTIES AND DEMURRAGE WILL APPLY.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• CUSTOMER MUST BE IN COUNTRY FOR CLEARANCE
• Shipments 100% inspected
• A returning Indonesian citizen must have lived abroad for a minimum of three years and must have been in possession and use of the items for at least two years with continued use of the items while in Indonesia to be allowed duty-free entry
• For expatriates, household goods must have been in customer's possession and use for at least one full year, and be for the Customer's continued private use in Indonesia (not for resale)
• Only one air and one sea shipment of household goods allowed duty-free
• Shipments must arrive within three months of date of issuance of KITAS Card
• It is unwise to include any shipment boxes which are marked with any name but the shippers. This could jeopardize clearance.

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

• Only one of each major appliance is allowed duty-free with the exception of air conditioners
• New articles and items not listed on inventory
• Material in Chinese (pictures, tapes, etc.) will require proper permits and is subject to censorship and confiscation
• Medicines (prescription required)
• Cosmetics
• Antiques (may have problems re-exporting)
• Large quantities of any type of product will slow clearance and result in high duty

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Explosives, weapons, firearms, and ammunition
• Narcotics and drugs of various kinds
• Alcoholic beverages
• Video tapes laser discs and books are subject to censorship. Prepare a list of titles and authors
• Animal skins
• Pornographic and politically sensitive literature
• Foodstuff
• Cordless telephones
• Presence of any DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED/PROHIBITED items in shipment will greatly delay clearance and increase charges considerably.

MOTOR VEHICLES

• Prohibited except for certain diplomats

PETS

• Copy of owner's passport
• Letter of Recommendation from the Department of Veterinary Science
• Copy of Health Certificate, Vaccination Book and Rabies Vaccination required
• Local Import Permit must be obtained from the Indonesian Agricultural Department before pet arrives
• Subject to import duties and taxes
• Must be for personal/private use and not for resale
• Pets name, breed, sex, age and color on paperwork

USEFUL INFORMATION

Indonesia can be a difficult place to clear customs. Normal customs clearance takes from 7 to 10 working days, providing the documentation is order. If duties have been assessed, allow 3 to 4 days after payment to the Indonesian Customs Cashier.

The average time to obtain documentation certifying valid work and residence permits can range from two (2) to four (4) weeks after arrival of the shipper in the Indonesia with a one-year visa from the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate.

It is recommended that the shipper prepare a list of titles and authors of books/publications to allow customs the option of cursory inspection.