Editor’s Note:
This information is intended as a general guide for expats and returning Indonesians shipping household goods to Indonesia. Regulations and enforcement practices can change, and requirements may vary depending on your visa type and port of entry. It is strongly recommended to confirm current requirements with your relocation company or Indonesian Customs before shipment.
The following documents are required by Indonesian Customs (Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai) to clear shipments into Indonesia:
For Foreigners Moving to Indonesia:
- Original IMTA (work permit), with minimum validity of 12 months, or
- Copy of ITAS online (Residency Permit Electronic Certificate)
In practice today, many expatriates rely on their relocation agent or employer to manage documentation submission digitally. However, the underlying requirement for valid work and residency permits remains strictly enforced.
- Original passport with arrival and residency validation stamps
- Copy of Boarding Pass entering Indonesia to reside
- Original Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- Original Packing List
For Diplomatic/Semi Diplomatic visa holders moving to Indonesia:
- Diplomatic Exemption Letter – PP8 for Full Diplomatic; or PP19 for Semi Diplomatic (UN, UNICEF, WHO, etc.)
- Copy of passport (endorsed by the Embassy)
- Copy of ID cards (consignee and undersigned Authorisation letters, endorsed by the Embassy)
- Copy of Diplomatic Visa (endorsed by the Embassy)
- Reference letter from the Embassy stating solely employed by the Embassy (signed by a Diplomatic Executive from the same office)
- Copy of Diplomatic Note confirming the Diplomatic Executive’s current diplomatic status and position
- Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
- Original Packing List (endorsed by the Embassy)
Note: PP8/PP19 must be applied by the Embassy/Organisation in Jakarta to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Indonesia (for Diplomatic); to the Ministry of Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia (for Semi Diplomatic).
For Indonesian Citizens Returning to Indonesia after living abroad:
- Original Letter of Reference (Surat Keterangan Pindah) from the origin Indonesian Embassy; ONE original letter for ONE shipment; or
- Original Packing List – endorsed by local Indonesian Embassy
- Original Passport
- Copy of Boarding Pass entering Indonesia to reside
- Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
Be aware that Indonesian Customs may request additional supporting documentation to verify overseas residency and employment history, particularly if duty-free eligibility is being claimed.
Duty-Free Importation Requirements
In order to obtain duty-free importation of household goods shipment, and in addition to having completed the documentation above, the following regulations must also be observed:
Expatriates
Must submit both Residency and Working permits with validity of one full year (twelve months). Make sure that the residency permit is completed within fourteen (14) days after arrival.
Delays in finalising your residency permit can directly delay customs clearance. Many expats underestimate this timing requirement.
Returning Indonesians
Must have been out of Indonesia for at least one year with full employment or formal study, and must provide supporting documentation such as an employment letter or school/university certification.
Shipment Limitations
Only one air shipment and one sea shipment are allowed per family (air shipment must arrive first before the sea shipment) and must arrive within three months from the arrival date in Indonesia (as per the immigration admission stamp in the passport). Duties and taxes will apply to additional shipments and/or shipments arriving after the three-month period.
This rule is still widely applied but should be confirmed with your relocation agent, as enforcement can vary slightly by port and customs office.
Used Goods Requirement
All items should have been used for at least 12 months. All new or prohibited items found by customs will incur duty charges.
Newly purchased items, especially those still in original packaging, are one of the most common reasons for unexpected duties during inspection.
Customs Clearance
All shipments undergo physical inspection by customs at the air terminal or seaport.
While documentation is increasingly handled digitally, physical inspection of household goods shipments is still standard practice in Indonesia.
Average Clearance Time
Air shipments: 5–8 working daysSea shipments:10–12 working days for FCL (Full Container Load)12–15 working days for LCL (Less Container Load)
Note: Working days are Monday to Friday only.
Delays can occur due to incomplete documentation, inspection backlogs, or public holidays. It is wise to allow additional buffer time when planning your move-in schedule.
Indonesian Customs Office
For official information and updates, refer to the Indonesian Customs website or consult your appointed relocation agent.
Track Your Shipment
(Information as provided by your shipping or relocation company)
Contact Information for the Customs Department
Note: Contact details should be verified and sourced from the official Indonesian Customs website before publication.
Restricted and Prohibited Items
Automobiles (Including Cars, Motorbikes, ATV)
Only allowed for certain levels of diplomats. It is prohibited for all non-diplomats.
Explosives, Arms and Ammunition
These items are strictly prohibited. Air rifles are also considered arms and are not permitted.
Food Items
Non-perishable food items may be imported in small amounts. Items in cans and other durable packaging in reasonable quantities are generally allowed.
Electronics
All electronics must have had at least one year of usage. Any new items will be subject to duties. Generally, only one of each major appliance and reasonable quantities of devices are allowed duty-free.
Media (CDs, DVDs, etc.)
These items can be imported in reasonable quantities provided they are not new, pornographic, or politically sensitive.
Statues
These are considered sensitive items. Customs may hold them for examination by the Directorate of History and Archaeology, which can take several months.
Drugs and Medicine
These items are not allowed to be imported in household goods shipments without a permit from BPOM (Indonesian Food and Drug Authority).
Expats are strongly advised to carry essential personal medications with a doctor’s prescription and in reasonable quantities.
Wine, Liquor and Tobacco
Importing alcohol and tobacco is strictly prohibited for non-diplomats. Attempting to include alcohol in household shipments will typically result in confiscation and possible penalties.
Pets
Pet import regulations are subject to change and vary depending on country of origin and quarantine requirements. It is recommended to consult a specialised pet relocation service for the latest procedures and requirements.
Important Notice
If supporting documents cannot be provided (for example, only a passport is available), the shipment will not be allowed through customs and may need to be re-exported, sold, or destroyed.
This is one of the most critical compliance points. Incomplete documentation can result in significant financial loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship alcohol to Indonesia?
No. Alcohol is strictly prohibited in household goods shipments for non-diplomats.
How long does customs clearance take in Indonesia?
Typically 5–8 working days for air shipments and 10–15 working days for sea shipments, although delays are common.
Do I need to be in Indonesia before my shipment arrives?
Yes. Your shipment must align with your arrival and residency documentation.
Can I ship new items duty-free?
No. Only used household goods (generally at least 12 months old) qualify for duty-free import.
Should I use a relocation company?
Yes. Most expats rely on professional relocation agents to handle documentation and customs clearance.
