Exporting goods from Japan to Indonesia requires careful consideration of various factors.

Among the most critical aspects are understanding the regulations and certification systems pertaining to the goods being exported, as well as the necessary permits and licenses companies must obtain. This is because Indonesia is known for its complex and extensive regulations on imports and foreign company operations.

This article provides an overview of the initial steps and challenges in exporting goods from Japan to Indonesia, focusing on various certification systems, as well as information on restricted and prohibited items. It also covers essential knowledge about logistics providers, importers, and the general export process to help businesses better understand the landscape of export operations.

Exportable Goods to Indonesia

As a basic premise, when exporting goods to Indonesia—meaning that the goods will be imported into Indonesia—you will need to commission a local importer that possesses an Importer Identification Number (API), which corresponds to the type and purpose of the imported goods.

In addition, if any of the following conditions apply, the goods or the business entity (such as the manufacturer or importer) will require special registration or a licensing application:

• The goods require special certification such as BPOM (National Agency of Drug and Food Control)
• The goods are subject to quantity restrictions or must be reported to the relevant ministry
• The goods can only be imported by entities holding special permits or qualifications

For example, new books that are not deemed inappropriate do not fall under any of the above categories, and as long as they are imported through an authorized importer following proper procedures, no special certification or permit is required.

Reference: KEMENTERIAN KEUANGAN BEA CUKAI BANDAR LAMPUNG “Larangan dan Pembatasan Barang Kiriman”

However, in reality, even goods that are not explicitly banned from being exported to Indonesia often require some form of certification. Below is an overview of the main certification systems applicable to goods distributed in Indonesia.

Categories Requiring BPOM Certification

BPOM refers to the Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan, or the National Agency of Drug and Food Control of Indonesia, which plays a central role in regulating the safety of goods.

When exporting goods to Indonesia for sale in the local market, the following categories require approval from BPOM:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Traditional medicines
• Cosmetics
• Food products (processed foods)
• Health supplements (e.g., dietary supplements), etc.

BPOM evaluates whether the products contain any prohibited substances and whether they are properly quality-controlled. If there are no issues, a certification number is issued. Applications must be submitted by the manufacturer or their authorized representative, along with the required documents such as product samples and ingredient lists.

Categories Requiring Halal Certification

Another important certification to consider when selling products in Indonesia is Halal certification.

“Halal” refers to what is “permitted by God” under Islamic law (Shariah). In the context of food, items such as vegetables, fruits, and seafood are considered halal. In contrast, items that are “forbidden by God” are referred to as haram, which includes pork and alcoholic beverages.

Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population, with nearly 90% of its citizens practicing Islam. Therefore, whether a product is halal is a significant concern in the local market, and a government-managed Halal certification system is in place. The following categories of products require Halal certification for distribution and sale in Indonesia:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Traditional medicines
• Quasi-drugs
• Cosmetics
• Chemical products
• Food and beverages
• Dietary supplements
• Clothing, stationery, and others

When exporting such products to Indonesia, it is necessary to obtain local Halal certification.

Other Certifications Required for Products Sold in Indonesia

In addition to BPOM and Halal certifications, Indonesia has implemented various other certification systems based on product categories.

Most of these certifications are related to product safety, environmental and health impacts, and security considerations. Distributing products without the required certifications may lead to sales bans or suspension of business licenses.

Indonesian National Standard (Standar Nasional Indonesia: SNI)

One of the most widely applied standards is the Indonesian National Standard (SNI).

While obtaining SNI is generally voluntary, it becomes mandatory in certain sectors as designated by ministries, ministerial regulations, or director general decrees. If a product is subject to mandatory SNI certification, importers must obtain SNI certification in advance and present a Certificate of SNI Mark Usage (SPPT-SNI) at the time of customs clearance.

Applicable product categories include:

• Food and beverage products
• Chemical substances
• Construction materials
• Agricultural supplies
• Certain electrical appliances

Home Industry Food Production Certificate (SPP-IRT)

This certificate is issued by regional governors or mayors to verify that processed food products meet local distribution standards.

Applicable products:

• Food and beverage items (excluding dairy products, mineral water, frozen meat/fish, alcoholic beverages, or those requiring SNI certification)

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)

This is a certification required for businesses. HACCP is an international hygiene management system designed to minimize food safety hazards. It has been mandatory for most food-related businesses in Japan since 2021.

Applicable businesses:

• All food-related businesses

Reference: MUTU INSTITUTE “Macam-Macam Sertifikasi Produk yang Ada di Indonesia”

Prohibited and Restricted Imports in Indonesia

So far, we have outlined the necessary certifications required to export Japanese products to Indonesia.

On the other hand, there are also goods that are explicitly prohibited or strictly restricted from being imported into Indonesia.

Used Goods Are Prohibited

As a general rule, all imported goods must be brand-new, regardless of category or item. Used goods are prohibited from import. While the domestic market in Indonesia has seen increasing popularity in second-hand goods from the perspectives of environmental conservation and affordability, importing used products for resale is not allowed.

However, certain used capital goods may be permitted.

According to ministerial regulations, specific capital goods that are difficult to procure domestically but are necessary for production processes aimed at export promotion, enhancing competitiveness, improving efficiency, infrastructure development, or re-export, may be allowed under certain conditions.

Other Prohibited Categories

• Specific types of sugar
• Specific types of rice
• Certain ozone-depleting substances
• Used clothing and textile bags
• Refrigeration and air conditioning units with specific cooling systems
• Certain raw materials used in pharmaceuticals and food production
• Specific hazardous and toxic substances
• Hazardous and non-hazardous waste
• Certain agricultural and plantation tools
• Medical devices containing mercury
• Shrimp
• Mozzarella cheese from Italy
• Specific types of fish

Product Categories Subject to Import Restrictions in Indonesia

Varying Conditions by Product

• Imports permitted only through designated ports
• Mandatory registration or approval from ministries or relevant authorities
• Required labeling that meets certain criteria
• Limitations on product types or performance levels
• Quantity restrictions
• Sample-only allowances for finished goods

Even for restricted categories, items imported for personal use may be exempt or subject to more lenient regulations.

Import Restriction Categories

Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries

• Livestock and livestock products, rice, corn, pearls, sugar, forestry products, garlic, broodstock, seeds, agricultural produce, fertilizers, salt, seafood

Industrial Products and Raw Materials

• Steel, alloys, tires, color copiers and printers, plastic materials, lubricants, hand tools, clinker, cement, ceramics, glass sheets, electronics, food packaging, used capital goods

Chemicals and Hazardous Materials

• Saccharin, cyclamate, alcohol-based fragrances, uncut diamonds, precursors, fuels, nitrocellulose, explosives, ozone-depleting substances, industrial waste

Food, Beverages, and Pharmaceuticals

• Food and drinks, supplements, cosmetics, household medical goods, alcohol and raw materials (subject to BPOM and ML number requirements)

Apparel, Electronics, Toys

• Textiles, footwear, clothing, electronic goods, toys, motorcycles and scooters

Reference: JETRO “Indonesia Trade Management System – Detailed Import Item Regulations”

Products Priced Under USD 100 Cannot Be Sold via Import

On September 25, 2023, the Ministry of Trade issued Ministerial Regulation No. 31 of 2023, which amended Regulation No. 50 of 2020. Among its provisions is a requirement that products sold into Indonesia via e-commerce platforms must be priced at USD 100 or above.

Positive List for Four Categories

Products priced under USD 100 are allowed only if they fall under the Positive List:

• Books
• Films
• Software
• Music

Note: The list is reviewed every six months. Data as of October 2023.

Types of Import Licenses in Indonesia

Import activities in Indonesia involve:

1. Importers
2. Distributors
3. Retailers

Licenses are classified as API-U and API-P. Businesses importing for resale must obtain API-U. Foreign companies may qualify if they meet conditions such as having a local branch. Importing restricted items requires additional business permits.

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Company Formation in Indonesia

Types of Logistics Providers

Two main categories:

• Couriers: Door-to-door service, handles everything from pickup to delivery.
• Freight Forwarders: Transport planners who arrange optimal routes.

General rule:

• Use couriers for lightweight air shipments
• Use forwarders for heavy, large, or restricted items

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Export Process from Japan to Indonesia

Courier

1. Inquiry and quotation
2. Document preparation (shipping label, invoice)
3. Pickup arrangement
4. Customs clearance handled by courier
5. Shipment (door-to-door)

Freight Forwarder

1. Inquiry and quotation
2. Drop-off at warehouse
3. Document preparation (invoice, packing list)
4. Service request (customs, loading)
5. Shipment

After Understanding the Overview, Confirm the Details

Once you have grasped the overall process, verify the details based on your specific business case. You may need to consult Indonesian government websites or communicate in Indonesian.

If needed, please contact PT. TRICRUISE MARKETING INDONESIA, where multilingual staff—including fluent Japanese speakers—are available to assist you.