Guidelines Imports of a Goods from Overseas to Indonesia – International trade is the exchange of capital, goods, and services across international borders or territories because there is a need or want of goods or services. In most countries, such trade represents a significant share of gross domestic product.

International trade is currently the biggest trend to watch in a global trading environment. Year after year, it seems that the need for imported goods will enter into the growth of trade. It is undeniable that currently, the business of importing goods from overseas is a very promising business opportunity. This is evident from the increasing number of entrepreneurs who prefer to run a business of importing goods as a source of income.

Importing from overseas provides many advantages, including lower prices, higher quality goods, and the benefits associated with international trade agreements. While importing is a great idea for many businesses, it’s always important to do careful research beforehand, to avoid costly mistakes later.

Competitive businesses must constantly look for ways to improve supply chain management while cutting costs in the process. Because one group or country has a supply of several commodities or merchandise that are of interest to other groups. If a business is looking to extend profit margins, importing goods or raw materials is one potential avenue to achieve this goal.

As the world becomes more and more technologically advanced, as we shift in subtle and less subtle ways towards a one-world way of thinking, international trade becomes increasingly rewarding, both in terms of profit and personal satisfaction.

Benefits of International Trade in Terms of Imports in Indonesia?

• • Increase foreign exchange earnings
  • Increase the prosperity of the nation
  • Increase business productivity
  • Expand your marketing network
  • More knowledge and technology exchange between countries
  • Nations develop closer relationships
  • Job Opportunities
  • Consumers have a wider variety of items to buy

What is the Procedure for Importing Goods in Indonesia?

1. Determining Prices and Trading System

The most important and foremost thing that you have to determine to the Supplier (Supplier) abroad is on what basis you pay for goods at this price. Because, in import activities you often encounter the terms FOB, CFR, CIF, DDP, FAS and so on which indicate when the responsibility and cost obligations by the Supplier (Supplier) ends.

For example, if a supplier uses FOB (Free on Board) then purchases goods where all Shipping Costs or O/F (Ocean Freight), Insurance and Goods Prices are paid after the ship arrives at the port of unloading; CFR (Cost and Freight) is the term of delivery of goods where the supplier delivers goods after the goods have crossed the boundary of the ship’s fence at the port of shipment in a condition that has received an export permit, but the cost of transportation to the port of destination remains the obligation of the Supplier; CIF (Cost Insurance and Freight) is a system for purchasing goods where Shipping Costs, Insurance and Goods Prices are paid before the ship departs at the loading port; DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is a delivery term where the Supplier must deliver the goods at a place that you designate and are within your jurisdiction with the condition that all customs formalities have been completed by the Supplier (door to door service); FAS (Free Alongside Ship) is a term of delivery of goods where the supplier is obliged to bear the costs and risks up to the delivery of goods besides the ship at the shipping port in a condition that has received an export permit, and so on.

2. Determine Shipping Ways and Costs

After knowing the price and terms of trade from your supplier abroad, you must ensure the amount of additional costs for imported goods to arrive at your address.

To get the right shipping costs, every freight company (forwarder) needs accurate data about the terms of trade, the weight and dimensions of the goods to be shipped. In this case, the Supplier must inform them of this. In fact, if you buy goods on the basis of Ex Works, that is, the delivery of goods is carried out in a place owned by the supplier, whether in a factory, warehouse or other place, then you must tell the forwarder the address of the goods clearly, and even have to be informed about the ease or difficulty of pickup. (pick up) the goods at the location.

3. Choosing The Freight Forwarder

When importing goods from abroad, you must choose a professional freight forwarder that can assist you in managing and fulfilling documentation and customs clearance requirements.

Freight forwarders handle all logistical needs as well as negotiate freight rates, customs clearance, insurance and then ship the goods to your address. And most importantly, they can get your goods to their destination in a time-effective and cost-efficient manner.

4. Choosing The Most Profitable Shipping Way

In order to save more shipping costs, you must choose the right method or combination of shipping methods. It is very important to get your belongings at the desired time and place.

The following are three delivery options:

• • By Sea (Ocean Freight): Ideal for shipping larger or bulk items or items that do not require fast delivery.
  • By Air (Air Freight): Ideal for shipments of smaller quantities or goods that are urgently needed.
  • By land (truck and train): Since Indonesia is an archipelago which is separated from the sea from other countries, these two services are shipping methods combined with sea and air shipping.

5. Insurance Your Goods

It is highly recommended that you insure your goods when importing from abroad. The two parties involved in the import-export transaction must be fully aware of their respective responsibilities. Suppliers (exporters) abroad may often let go after the goods are no longer with them, whereas you can be ‘at risk’ before the goods are received.

Cargo Insurance Products provide protection for your goods (goods sent by ship) against: fire, explosion, fall and drowning, storms, damaged goods caused by sea/weather as stated in the agreement you make with the Supplier. The terms of this are usually stated in the sales contract or Letter of Credit.

6. Understand Customs Regulation

Before importing goods, you are advised to ascertain whether there are import restrictions or restrictions on the goods you wish to import. Also make sure, maybe these goods require special treatment or need to be completed with certain documents from the country of origin before they can enter Indonesia or maybe import is prohibited. You can find out about this information from the Customs or Freight Forwarder you know.

7. Determinig The Way of Payment

After receiving confirmation of prices and terms of trade from your supplier and total shipping costs (including, import duties, taxes, etc.) for the goods to arrive at your address, you can make payments to overseas suppliers with one of the following options: the following ways:

Bank Transfer

Bank transfer or Telex transfer is a means to transfer funds abroad. Funds are transferred to the Supplier’s account and they will then deliver the goods to you. This payment method is the most commonly used, but there is a risk if an overseas supplier breaks its promise.

Credit Card

Payment by Credit Card can be made if the Supplier has trade transaction agreements with international credit card companies. The smooth running of purchases related to online shopping or other forms of remote selling is highly dependent on the question of whether the user provides a valid Credit Card Number.

In remote purchases using a Credit Card you must provide Credit Card details by fax/phone or email. This can create risks for both parties because the details of the Credit Card can be intercepted so that there is a chance for fraudulent transactions that are detrimental to the cardholder. This method is good, but online credit card security remains a problem.

Incaso Wesel

In this system the Supplier has the right to control the goods until you pay the draft (acceptance). The Supplier or Drafter ships the goods while the ownership documents for the shipment of the goods are sent directly or through the importer’s bank to you

Submission of documents to you is based on: D/P (Document Against Payment), which is submission of documents to you if you have paid; and D/A (Document Against Acceptance), which is the submission of documents to you if you have accepted the draft.

Letter of Credit (L/C)

Letter of Credit (L/C) is a payment method that is often used in international trade and has advantages and disadvantages. A Letter of Credit is basically a promise you make to a Supplier that states that you will pay at a certain time. This promise is usually supported (guaranteed) by the Bank. Payment by L/C provides the highest level of security, but is more expensive than other payment systems and can cause delivery delays.

Later Payment (Open Account)

A payment system where you have not made any payment to the supplier before the goods are shipped or before the goods are received or before a certain period as agreed. In this payment, after the supplier has shipped the goods, they will send an invoice to you, where in the invoice the supplier will state the specific date and time when you have to make a payment.

This method of payment is widely used by most companies that make transactions with companies abroad where they have long had trade relations so that they have mutual trust. Even though. Some Suppliers often ask for a small prepayment (DP) before they will ship the goods.

Other Payment Ways

Other payment methods that you can make are: Barter, which is payment for the price of goods that you import to be paid (exchanged) for goods that you export of the same value (without any payment in the form of money); Consignment bartering is the same as the barter method, except that if the value of the exported goods is higher or lower, the value of the price difference must be paid; Advance Payment of less than 100% .; and Cash Payment.

From the above explanation, when we look from a risk perspective and then decide on the best payment method, in our opinion: Bank Transfers, Money Orders and Open Accounts are simpler and cheaper than L/C, but less secure. However, so that you are not disadvantaged in Import activities, you must often ask questions and exchange ideas with experienced Importers.

8. Arrange The Delivery Of Goods

After paying the price of the item, you immediately take care of the delivery. If you buy goods that do not include transportation costs, you need to contact the Freight Forwarder to provide the Supplier’s address such as name, telephone number, a copy of the invoice, packing list and several other documents that prove the purchase of the goods. Then the forwarder instructs his representatives overseas to arrange the delivery of the goods. At the same time you need to contact the Supplier to deliver the goods to your Freight Forwarder Representative according to the name and address you have provided.

9. Complete Documents

After your goods are sent, you will be given (sent) certain documents in the context of customs clearance, and for other purposes so that the goods can arrive at your address.

These documents, I.e:

Comercial Invoice, which is a list of the value/price of goods listed in the Packing List. This Commercial Invoice contains the value of goods per item and the total value of goods.

Bill of Lading (B/L), which is a letter/document issued by the Shipping Line/Freight Forwarder for each shipment of Export goods. This Bill Of Lading is issued on the ship’s departure date. Bill Of Lading will later be given to you to pick up goods at their destination (for imported goods). The functions of the Bill of Lading are very many, namely apart from being proof of taking goods at their destination, they are also attached to the process of making the COO.

Airway Bill (AWB), its functions and uses are the same as Bill Of Lading. However, this AWB is specifically for shipping goods by air.

Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, Packing List and Commercial Invoice are an integral part of the export and import process, or it can be said that these three documents are 1 (one) set of export/import documents.

Other supporting documents, I.e:

Certificate of Origin is a Certificate of Origin of Goods. Issued by the relevant agencies in the country of origin. Its use is as proof of the authenticity of goods from the country of origin as stated on the Bill Of Lading. Certificate of Origin can be included in the Commercial Invoice, but in a separate document.

Packing List is a List of Packing Systems. The Packing List is published by every exporter every time he exports. This Packing List data will be loaded on the Bill of Lading and Airway Bill. Packing List contains data on Shipper’s Name and address, Consignee’s Name and Address, Name and Address of Notify Party (if any), Name of Goods, Amount and Type of Packaging, Number of Items, Net Weight, and Gross Weight , Cubication, Shipping Marks and Numbers/Information written on the packaging, Vessel Name, Port of Loading, Port of Unloading (For this stage, the minimum documents you need are a Commercial Invoice and a copy of Bill of Lading or Air Waybill).

10. Manage Import Licenses

After your goods have been delivered and all export documents from the country of origin have been received, before the goods arrive in Indonesia, it is better if import duties and all import permits begin to be taken care of. You can take care of yourself or use the services of another party. In this case, if you use Door to Door Import Freight Services, this arrangement is the responsibility and duty of the Freight Forwarder who transports your goods from abroad.

11. Pay The Import Duties and Other Fees

All imported goods that enter Indonesia must be inspected and approved by Customs and are subject to Import Duty, Excise, PPh Article 22 and other taxes. Imported goods that are not subject to duty are goods for gifts, spiritual welfare, cultural purposes, charity, etc.

12. Removing Goods From The Customs Area

After completing all processing at customs and your goods have been able to leave, you should immediately transport the goods to your address.

13. Receiving Goods and Insurance Claims

When the goods arrive, you must check for any damage or possible missing items. Any defects must be clearly recorded and kept for your records.

When receiving goods, you or your staff must ensure that you have counted the correct number of pieces of goods that you have received.

If your goods are damaged or deficient, you must immediately notify the Freight Forwarder and the Insurance Company. Freight Forwarder will submit a claim to the right party and assist you in obtaining insurance claims. It is advisable to send photos and other supporting data about the conditions of the damage. Do not dispose of damaged items or unpack them before they have been inspected by the Insurance Company or Freight Forwarder.

What Legality is Required for Importers in Indonesia?

1. Legality as impoter. Imports can only be carried out by companies that already have Permendag’s Importer Identification Number (API) number 59 / M-DAG / PER / 9/2012 concerning amendments to Permendag NO. 27 / M-DAG / PER / 5/2012 concerning Provisions for Import Identification Number (API). If a company does not have API and intends to import, it must first obtain import approval without API. (www.kemendag.go.id).

2. API is divided into two types: Public API and Producer API, for SMEs the API can be administered at the local Trade Office. while for oil and gas and for PMA and PMDN / PMA each can be managed at the Ministry of Trade cq the Director General of Foreign Trade and the Capital Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) and further provisions on API can be seen at (www.kemendag.go.id).

3. Importers should first understand Permendag No.54 / M-DAG / PER / 10/2009 concerning General Provisions in the Import Sector, including whether the imported product is the product to be imported. which in essence, groups of imported goods are divided into 3, i.e : regulated, prohibited and free of import products, each group has its own different requirements (www.kemendag.go.id).

4. Furthermore, import permits can be granted to importers who already have a Customs Identity Number (NIK) or Importer Registration Number (SPR). So that the company must first submit an application to the Directorate General of Customs and Excise to get an NIK / SPR. As for companies that do not have a NIK / SPR, they are only allowed to import once.

5. Decree of the Minister of Finance Number 453 / KMK.04 / 2002 concerning Customs Procedures in the Import Sector as amended by Decree of the Minister of Finance Number 548 / KMK.04 / 2002 (www.beacukai.go.id).

Additional information :

• • NIB can act as a substitute for TDP, API & Customs Access as an Exporter & Importer.
  • To be able to carry out Customs and Excise activities at this time in accordance with PP 24 of 2018, it is enough to use a Business Identification Number (NIB).
  • To obtain NIB, it can be done online through Online Single Submission which is accessed on the oss.go.id link
  • Service users who want to get customs access as PPJK, Transporters, TPS Entrepreneurs, PJT Entrepreneurs continue to carry out customs registration as usual through the registration.insw.go.id page.
  • NIB is one of the requirements for obtaining Customs Access (PPJK, Transporters, TPS Entrepreneurs, PJT Entrepreneurs) as well as KITE, TPB, & NPPBKC licensing arrangements.

What are the General Procedures for the Import Process in Indonesia Through the INSW Portal?

• Importers are looking for suppliers of goods in accordance with those to be imported.
• After a price agreement occurs, the importer opens an L/C at a foreign exchange bank by attaching PO regarding the goods to be imported; then inter-bank to an overseas bank to contact the supplier and an agreement occurs in accordance with the L/C content agreement agreed by both parties.
• Goods from the Supplier are ready to be shipped to the port of loading for delivery.
• Supplier sends a fax to the Importer document B/L, Inv, Packing List and several other documents if required (Quarantine certificate, Form E, Form D, etc.)
• Original document sent via bank / second original to the importer
• Preparation/filling of PIB documents (Application for Import of Goods). If the importer has its own PIB Module and EDI System, the importer can input and send the PIB by themselves. However, if you don’t have it, you can contact the PPJK (Customs Service Management Entrepreneur) for the input and delivery process of the PIB.
• From the PIB that has been made, it will be known how much Import Duty, PPH and other taxes will be paid. Apart from that, the importer must also include the required documents in the PIB.
• The importer pays the foreign exchange bank the amount of tax to be paid plus the PNBP fee
• The bank sends data to the Customs and Excise Service Computer System (SKP) online through the Electronic Data Exchange (PDE) media
• The importer sends data on the Import Declaration (PIB) to the Customs and Excise Service Computer System (SKP) online via the Electronic Data Exchange (PDE) media.
• PIB data will first be processed on the Indonesia National Single Window (INSW) Portal for the validation process of filling in the PIB document and the licensing verification process (Analizing Point) related to Lartas.
• If there is an error, the PIB will be rejected and the importer must correct the PIB and resend the PIB data
• After the process on the INSW portal is complete, the PIB data will automatically be sent to the Customs and Excise Service Computer System (SKP).
• Again, the PIB document will be validated for the correctness of the PIB document filling and the Analizing Point at the SKP
• If the data is correct tracing will be generated
• If the PIB is hit by the green line, a Goods Release Approval Letter (SPPB) will immediately come out
• If PIB is hit by the red lane, a physical check process will be carried out on imported goods by Customs and Excise officers. If the result is correct, an SPPB will be issued and if it is not correct, it will be subject to sanctions according to the applicable law.
• After the SPPB comes out, the importer will get a response and print the SPPB through the PIB module
• Goods can be removed from the port by including original documents and SPPB

Some of the things that make the document get the Red Line include:

• New imports
• High Risk Importer Profile
• Certain imported goods stipulated by the Government
• Temporary Imported Goods
• Petroleum Operational Goods (BOP) class II
• There is intelligence/NHI information
• Affected by a random system
• Imported goods that are included in high-risk commodities and/or originating from high-risk countries

Note: Importers can track the status of their documents in real time through the INSW portal by registering their users first. The process of getting users can be seen on the INSW portal (www.insw.go.id)

How to Choose Safe Import Services for Overseas Goods?

• Pay attention to the Trade Record of Shipping Services from his experience. Experienced Expeditions Are Much More Competent And Credible.
• Expedition Permit, especially Export-Import, Shipping Services (company legality)
• Offer Warranty Service
• Shipping method provided
• Delivery process (speed)

Conclusion

Based on the explanation above. If you experience difficulties and ignorance in processing an entry permit for imported goods (from overseas) to Indonesia, related to the procedures and legal basis in force in Indonesia regarding imported goods.

We are Indoservice, a shipping service provider that can assist you in the process of licensing the entry of your company’s imported goods into Indonesia. With a wide selection of methods and faster of delivery that are reliable and experienced, committed to providing the best and fast service to meet your needs.

Contact us now for special offers at +62877-1449-8500 or admin@indoservice.co.id   

Important Notice:

This information was obtained from :

https://indonesia.go.id/layanan/perdagangan/ekonomi/cara-impor-barang-dari-luar-negeri

http://djpen.kemendag.go.id/app_frontend/accepted_rsses/view/50f4f70d-633c-4b88-a2e2-01510a1e1e48 and several other sources.