Indonesia Import Policy Update 2026: 4 Key Changes & Practical Response Guide

On June 4, 2026, Indonesia promulgated Ministry of Trade Regulation No. 18 of 2026, the second amendment to Ministry of Trade Regulation No. 16 of 2025 on import policy and arrangements. 

The update aims to improve the flow of imported goods and strengthen electronic data consistency.

Four key changes — each one matters to importers, exporters, and logistics partners.

Change 1: Survey Reports May Still Be Issued After Import Permit Validity Expires

Previously, once the relevant import permit or approval validity expired, Survey Report (LS) issuance could become blocked. Under the updated rule,

 an LS may still be issued after the validity period expires under specific conditions.

Applicable conditions:

l VPTI / technical verification has been completed.

l The cargo arrived at the destination port before the import permit validity expired, evidenced by the BC 1.1 manifest date.

l For certain goods, arrival after expiry may still be acceptable if the cargo was loaded while the permit was still valid, evidenced by B/L or AWB.

⚠️ If cargo has arrived or was loaded before the permit expired, there may still be a remedy. Importers should confirm with the surveyor and customs broker immediately.

Change 2: Data Verification Strengthened — PI and LS Details Must Match

The updated regulation requires data review between the Survey Report (LS) and the Customs Import Declaration (PIB), including LS number/date, HS code, destination port, 

and the Import Approval (PI) number/date where PI is required.

⚠️ The relevant provisions take effect 30 days after promulgation, around July 4, 2026. Any mismatch may cause document review, clearance delay, 

or further customs verification. Check PI / LS / PIB consistency before shipping.

Change 3: Late Import Reports May Lead to Permit Freezing or Service Suspension

Importers who fail to submit Import Realization Reports and/or Distribution Realization Reports may receive an electronic warning. 

If the reports remain unsubmitted within 30 days after the warning, administrative sanctions may apply, including freezing of the import business license, 

suspension of license issuance/amendment/extension, or suspension of VPTI services for the relevant commodity sector.

Change 4: Government Exception Mechanism for Import Flow Obstacles

A new mechanism allows the Minister to grant exceptions to import policy requirements when import cargo flow is obstructed and the case involves national interests, public necessities,

 government programs, or Presidential direction. This is an exception mechanism, not an automatic approval.

Also in Effect: Banned Imports & Port Time Limits

12 Categories of Banned Imports (effective Jan 1, 2026):
Certain sugar products, certain rice products, ozone-depleting substances, used bags/sacks/garments, refrigeration-based fire extinguishing equipment, 

non-fire-refrigeration goods, refrigeration-based electronics, certain pharmaceutical/food materials, hazardous and toxic substances, hazardous/toxic waste and listed non-B3 waste, 

finished hand tools, and mercury-containing medical devices.

The ban applies to specific HS codes and product specifications, and also covers goods entering free trade zones, special economic zones, and bonded areas. 

Always verify the exact HS code before shipping.

Port Storage Time Limits (PMK No. 92/2025):

Goods stored in Temporary Storage (TPS) for more than 30 days may be classified as unclaimed goods (BTD) and moved to a customs storage area (TPP / TLB-TPP).

If customs obligations are not resolved within 60 days after storage in TPP / TLB-TPP, goods may be auctioned or further processed according to customs rules; in certain cases, 

goods may become state-owned goods or be destroyed.

Recommendations for Exporters

Ø Pay attention to July 4 — Key new provisions start around this date.

Ø Check the banned import list — Verify exact HS code and product specifications before shipping.

Ø Verify document consistency — LS, PI, PIB, HS code, quantity, units, and port details should be consistent.

Ø Allow 2–3 weeks customs clearance buffer — Especially for regulated or controlled cargo.

Ø Stay in touch with your consignee — Confirm the Indonesian importer understands and can comply with the new rules.

How ECBEC Can Help

✅ New regulation interpretation for logistics reference
✅ Banned import list and HS code pre-check coordination
✅ Document consistency review (PI, LS, PIB support documents)
✅ China export customs clearance
✅ Sea freight booking
✅ Indonesia-side coordination with consignee / broker
✅ End-to-end tracking and exception handling support

Indonesia’s import rules are becoming more data-driven and compliance-focused. For exporters and freight forwarders, the safest approach is to check documents early, 

confirm HS codes before shipment, and keep close communication with the Indonesian importer and customs broker.

Disclaimer: This article is for general logistics reference only. Final import compliance should be confirmed with the Indonesian importer, customs broker, or relevant Indonesian authorities.