Import Laws, Regulations, and Restrictions into Indonesia

Indonesia is the third largest consumer market in Asia, making it an extremely important player on the global scale. Manufacturers planning to ship products to Indonesia now need to align with refreshed product-specific rules (BPOM, SNI) and comply with mandatory halal requirements now being enforced in phases. 

This guide keeps it simple and current to help manufacturers and importers looking to export and import into Indonesia. 

Key Requirements for Imports into Indonesia 

• Business Identification Number (NIB) – Obtain via OSS RBA (Online Single Submission).
  
• HS Code Classification – Confirm correct tariff code for duties and compliance.
  
• Value Added Tax (VAT / PPN) – 11% for most products, 12% for luxury goods.
  
• BPOM Registration – Mandatory for food, beverages, cosmetics, drugs, and supplements.
  
• SNI Certification – Required for certain regulated products (e.g., electronics, toys).
  
• Halal Certificate / Registration
  
• Commercial Invoice
  
• Packing List
  
• Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
  
• Certificate of Origin
  

Who Controls What

Regulator	Role in Imports	Key Platforms & Approvals
Customs (DGCE)	Clears goods and collects duties/taxes.	Customs declaration via INSW.
Ministry of Trade	Sets policies, issues licenses & import approvals.	OSS RBA, INATRADE, Commodity Balance.
BPOM	Regulates food, beverages, cosmetics, supplements, and medicines.	Product registration & labeling approvals.
BPJPH (Halal)	Oversees halal certification for imports and local products.	Halal registration via SIHALAL.
INSW Portal	Integrated national data hub.	LARTAS screening & customs integration.

New Trade Rules in 2025 and 2026

In 2025, the Ministry of Trade introduced Permendag 16/2025 and Permendag 22/2025, simplifying but tightening import rules:

• Importer licenses must be registered via OSS RBA.
  
• All importers must have a Business Identification Number (NIB).
  
• Importer types:
  
  • API-U (General Importer): For trade/resale.
    
  • API-P (Producer Importer): For production inputs only.
    
• Commodity Balance (Neraca Komoditas): Certain products now require quota-linked approvals.
  
• Mandatory halal certification requirement for food, beverage, and cosmetics starting October 2026. 

Mandatory Halal Certification Requirement

Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Law (Law No. 33/2014) and its implementing regulations have transformed halal certification from a voluntary market differentiator into a mandatory compliance requirement for almost all products entering, circulating, or being traded in Indonesia. 

Read More: Indonesia Halal Certification Guide

Who Must Comply

Any imported product classified under food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, biological products, genetically modified products, and even consumer goods that touch the human body (like soaps and detergents) must carry halal certification. 

If your product cannot be halal-certified (e.g., it contains pork derivatives), you are still allowed to sell it, but it must display a clear “non-halal” label.

Key Deadlines for Importers

• Imported Food & Beverages: Certification required by October 17, 2026.
  
• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Certification required by October 2026.
  
• Pharmaceuticals: A phased implementation follows, expected after 2026.
  

Read More: BPJPH Develops Halal Certification Guidelines for Cosmetics

Foreign Halal Certificates

If your products are already certified halal abroad, you may bypass local audits if your certifier is recognized by BPJPH. You’ll only need to register your foreign certificate via BPJPH’s SIHALAL portal via the American Halal Foundation. 

Product Registrations & Labeling (BPOM & SNI)

For regulated products, registration with BPOM (Food and Drug Authority) is mandatory before distribution:

Product Type	Registration Required	Requirements
Food & Beverages	Yes	Bahasa Indonesia labels + halal logo
Cosmetics	Yes	BPOM notification + halal labeling (by 2026).
Supplements	Yes	Efficacy testing + halal certification.
Pharmaceuticals	Yes	Stringent BPOM review required.

Step-by-Step Import Process

Step	Action	Platform
1	Classify product & HS code.	INSW portal.
2	Check LARTAS restrictions.	INSW LARTAS Info.
3	Obtain NIB & register as API.	OSS RBA platform.
4	Secure Import Approval (PI) if restricted.	INATRADE.
5	Register with BPOM if required.	BPOM portal.
6	Obtain Halal Certification or register foreign halal certificate.	SIHALAL/BPJPH (Foreign exporters and manufacturers need to contact American Halal Foundation)
8	File import docs and pay duties.	INSW + DGCE.

Get in Touch With AHF

Indonesia’s import environment is becoming stricter but more transparent. The 2025 updates clarify licensing and product approvals, while the mandatory halal regime is a non-negotiable market access requirement.

If you’re in F&B or cosmetics, begin your halal certification or registration before 2026 to avoid delays as the Oct 17, 2026 deadline approaches. 

Reach out to AHF’s Indonesia regulatory department at +1 (630)-386-8562 or simply complete the form below. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need halal certification to import raw food ingredients?
If the ingredient is destined for F&B use and will enter, circulate, or be traded in Indonesia, halal rules apply unless it is inherently non-halal (which then requires non-halal labeling). Imported F&B products must comply no later than Oct 17, 2026.

Q: Our product already has halal from abroad. Is it accepted?
Only if the foreign certifier is recognized by BPJPH (such as American Halal Foundation). In that case, you register it with BPJPH; if not, you must use Indonesia’s halal certification route. 

Q: Will VAT be 12% for all goods in 2025?No. The government applied 12% VAT selectively to luxury goods, while most other taxable goods effectively remained 11% via a special tax base.0) 759-4981.