Moving to a new country is exciting--but it requires so much more planning and preparation than moving locally. The customs process is intricate, and you will have to do a lot of research before your journey overseas. If you are relocating to the Southeast Asian nation of Indonesia, plan ahead and find out the required documents, regulations and restrictions for importing goods to your new home!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to Indonesia, there are many
essential documents you'll need to clear customs and establish permanent residency. When you plan your international move, be sure to enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to help you prepare all of your important paperwork.
When moving to Indonesia, you will need:
- Original passport (with 12 months visa)
- Residence permit (KITAS Card, original valid for at least 12 months)
- Working permit (IMTA, valid for at least 12 months)
- Packing list (original, in English; fax a copy to agent in advance)
- Bill of lading or air waybill (original, prepaid, fax copy prior to shipment's arrival)
- Authorization letter (allowing Destination Agent to arrange customs clearance)
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
When moving to Indonesia permanently, the regulations for the import of both personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) are:
- You must be in Indonesia at the time of customs clearance
- The goods must have been in your possession at least one year and not be for resale for duty free entry
- Shipments must arrive within three months of date of issuance of KITAS and IMTA cards
- Only one air and one sea shipment of household goods allowed duty free
- Returning Indonesian citizens that have lived abroad for at least two months are entitled to one (not two) duty free shipments of used household goods
- Inspections of all household goods and personal effects are required
- New items and any items in original packaging are dutiable
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Indonesia, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances:
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Pornography
- Politically sensitive or subversive materials
- Weapons, firearms, ammunitions and explosives
- Reproductions of copyright materials
- Animal skins
- Cordless telephones
- Vehicles
- Tobacco
- Cosmetics and toiletries
- Spices
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles are limited to maximum quantities or require special authorization/payments of duties and taxes to clear customs. These items include, but are not limited to:
- New items and any items in original packaging (subject to duties)
- Household appliances and electronics (one of each permitted duty free)
- Books (list of titles and authors required)
- Alcohol (1 liter per person permitted)
- DVDs, CDs, videotapes (subject to censorship fees per item, require prepared list of titles)
- Materials in Chinese such as pictures and tapes (require special permit and subjected to censorship and confiscation)
- Medications (require prescription)
- Antiques
- Statues (subject to inspection by Indonesian Directorate of History and Archeology, which can take three months, documents such as purchase receipt or certificate from origin customs can expedite clearance process)
- Large quantities of any items (will slow clearance and may result in high duties)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
Shipping your vehicle to Indonesia is prohibited, except for diplomatic personnel, direct-user companies with business licenses, and companies that repair and restore vehicles.
For these exceptions, the following documents are required:
- Title and registration
- Purchase invoice
- PP-8 Form
- Importer identity number
- Taxpayer identity number
- Industrial business license (if applicable)
Other requirements:
- Must have approval from Director for Import/Ministry of Trade
- Subject to inspection
- Can only be imported at the following ports: Medan, Dumai, Jakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Balikpapan, and Makassar
- Vehicles may incur duties up to 300 percent of custom assessed value
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is an important part of the family, so you want to ensure that he or she will clear customs. To successfully cross Indonesia borders with your furry friend, the requirements are:
- Pets are subject to 14 days quarantine
- Health certificate required (issued no more than five days before arrival)
- Rabies certificate required (issued at least 30 days but no more than one year before arrival)
- Import permit (issued prior to arrival from Indonesian Department of Agriculture, apply at least two weeks before arrival).
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving a lengthy and exhausting process. It requires thorough research, proper preparation, and the services of professional and trustworthy international movers. Before choosing any company for hire, be sure to ask these important questions to verify they are qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable of the customs process in Indonesia. Conducting a thorough background check on any potential overseas movers will also prevent you from making a common international moving mistake.
Ready to find reputable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form and receiving estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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