Importing Personal Effects into Indonesia: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2025 · Download the Indonesia Import Guide (PDF)

Household goods – Foreigners (Working Expatriates)

• Client’s original passport with arrival stamp.
• Scanned copy color of client’s residence permit (ITAS letter).
• Scanned color copy of client’s electronic visa (limited stay visa for work)
• Scanned copy color of client’s work permit (IMTA-Notification).
• Original Typed and Detailed Packing List
• Not handwriting
• Each box must be clearly itemized with the following details: item description, quantity, unit, estimated value, currency, and item condition.
• E-ticket and/or boarding pass entering Indonesia.
• Bill of Lading / or Air Waybill

• Import Duty free entry of household goods and personal effects is allowed only under the following conditions:
• 1 air and 1 sea shipment permitted, and air cleared first.
• ITAS, E-VISA and IMTA must be valid for 12 months or one full year, and not the renewal permit.
• For Air shipment:
• If less than 12 months / one full year validity, the shipment will be rejected by customs and will have to be re-exported.
• The shipment must arrive in Indonesia within 90 days of shipper’s stamp arrival in passport to process the work permit.
• As per Oct 21st, 2024, the shipment will be subject to pay VAT or VAT plus LGT.
• For Sea shipment:
• If the permit is less than 12 months / one full year validity, the shipment will be rejected by customs and will have to be reexported.
• Arrival of the shipment in Indonesia must be within 90 days of the arrival of the consignee in Indonesia to reside/validation of the permits at the airport/ port.
• As per Oct 21st, 2024, the shipment will be subject to pay VAT or VAT plus LGT.
• For Air and Sea shipment: If the shipment arrives later than 90 days of shipper’s arrival, the shipment will be rejected and will have to be re-exported.
• The importer must have all used items for a period more than 12 months prior to entry into Indonesia.

• Sea and Air shipment:
• The Indonesian Government, through the Ministry of Finance, has issued a new regulation concerning the importation of Household Goods shipments. The previous regulation, PMK No. 28 of 2008, has now been replaced by PMK No. 25 of 2025.
• Packing List Requirement
• Each box must be clearly itemized with the following details: item description, quantity, unit, estimated value, currency, and item condition.
• Indonesian Citizens (WNI)
• All Indonesian citizens returning to Indonesia must register through the Peduli WNI portal before departing from their country of residence.
• Upon registration, individuals will receive an SKBRI (Certificate from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia), which will be automatically integrated into the Customs Computerized System (SKP – Sistem Komputerisasi Pabean).
• In countries without an Indonesian Embassy (KBRI), this certificate can be obtained through the local Indonesian Consulate (KJRI).
• This requirement applies to the following categories of Indonesian citizens:
• Government employees or military personnel (PNS/ABRI)
• Overseas workers
• Students
• Individuals living abroad for family or other permitted reasons
• All must fulfill the criteria outlined in PMK No.25/2025.
• Foreign Nationals (WNA)
• Foreign nationals intending to import household goods into Indonesia must meet the following criteria as per PMK No. 25/2025:
• Hold a valid work visa
• Possess a valid IMTA (Work Permit)
• Please note that holders of non-workrelated visas (e.g., investor, business, or retirement visas) are not eligible to import personal household goods under this regulation.
• Import Timeframe
• All personal effects must arrive in Indonesia within three (3) months of the shipper’s arrival (required to process the stay permit/ E-ITAS) for foreigner or the date issuance of KBRI Letter for Indonesian citizen.
• Import VAT
• For all import shipments to Indonesia, foreign nationals—with the exception of those with diplomatic status—are required to pay Import VAT, which will be calculated during the customs clearance process.
• This regulation has been in effect since October 2024.
• Air shipment:
• Do not consolidate the shipment - not through consolidator agent (HAWB).
• It should be stated on the manifest as well.
• Please put as ‘used personal/household goods’ on Air Waybill and manifest.
• Use direct Air Waybill.
• Mention at least 5 items on Air Waybill as well as on airline manifest.
• Mention total number of boxes on Air Waybill as per packing list.
• Used Household Goods & Personal Effect should follow only with the Indonesia customs law of No. PMK No.5/2025
• Air shipments take approx. 5 – 8 working days for delivery after arrival and completeness of required documents in Indonesia.
• Sea shipments
• LCL take approx. 12 – 15 working days
• FCL take approx. 10 – 12 working days for delivery in Jakarta after vessel arrival, and completeness of required documents in Indonesia (working days exclude Saturday, Sunday and holiday).

Household goods - Diplomats or Semi Diplomats

• For diplomatic personnel:
• Form PP-8 to be applied by the Embassy in Jakarta from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by providing Bill of Lading/Air Waybill and packing list.
• Endorsed BL/AWB and packing list by embassy.
• Endorsed copy of shipper’s passport, Diplomatic ID Card and Stay Permit by Embassy.
• Endorsed color copy of passport + Diplomatic ID Card + Stay Permit of the authorized person whose signature is on PP.19 document
• SKMK (if the organization is part of Piloting System)
• Original Objection Letter for HICO SCAN process for diplomatic shipment, which is cleared under PP.8 document
• Statement letter from the embassy stating that the client is working only with the embassy and nowhere else.
• Authorization letter with duty stamp.
• Diplomatic Note and Signature Specimen of the authorized person who is signing any letter on Embassy’s Letter Head.
• For semi-diplomatic personnel (U.N., UNICEF, WHO...):
• Form PP-19 approved by Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by providing Bill of Lading/Air Waybill and packing list.
• Endorsed BL/AWB and packing list by embassy.
• Endorsed color copy of shipper’s passport, Semi Diplomatic ID Card and Stay Permit by the organization.
• Endorsed color copy of passport + Diplomatic ID Card + Stay Permit of the authorized person whose signature is on PP.19 document.
• SKMK (if the organization is part of Piloting System).
• Statement letter from the embassy stating that the client is working only with the organization and nowhere else.
• Authorization letter with duty stamp.
• Diplomatic Note and Signature Specimen of the authorized person who is signing any letter on the Organization’s Letter Head.

• Semi-diplomatic personnel: shipment subject to physical inspection.

• Commence the clearance upon shipment arrival and receiving these documents.
• If the client cannot provide all required paperwork, the shipment cannot be custom clearance and released from the port on duty free basis.

Household goods - Indonesians citizen

• Client's original passport.
• Original letter from Indonesian Embassy in host country stating the client’s arrival date in country, the date of return to Indonesia and that the shipper is bringing a shipment of household goods back to Indonesia (1 letter for each shipment).
• Shipper reported to the Indonesian embassy in host country when he/she first arrived in the country with a proof of Report (Lapor diri) stamp in his/her passport.
• Shipper reported to Portal Peduli WNI prior to leaving the country of origin.
• Copy of Assignment and re-assignment letter – normally provided by the employer or a letter /certificate from school/university.
• Shipper must have “arrival stamp” in his/her passport as proof of his/her return to Jakarta after completing his/her overseas study or assignment.
• Packing List, each page certified by the Indonesian Embassy at point of origin.
• Each box must be clearly itemized with the following details: item description, quantity, unit, estimated value, currency, and item condition.
• If the client has 2 shipments (air + sea), both packing lists should be certified separately. The Packing List must be TYPED, not handwritten.
• Original print out Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
• & original packing list.
• Boarding pass entering Indonesia to reside back.

• Duty free entry of household goods government and non-governmental employees providing they have spent at least 1 year with gainful employment.
• Arrival of the shipment in Indonesia must be within 90 days upon client’s arrival in Indonesia to reside.

• Sea and Air shipment:
• The Indonesian Government, through the Ministry of Finance, has issued a new regulation concerning the importation of Household Goods shipments. The previous regulation, PMK No. 28 of 2008, has now been replaced by PMK No. 25 of 2025.
• 1. Packing List Requirement
• Each box must be clearly itemized with the following details: item description, quantity, unit, estimated value, currency, and item condition.
• 2. Indonesian Citizens (WNI)
• All Indonesian citizens returning to Indonesia must register through the Peduli WNI portal before departing from their country of residence.
• Upon registration, individuals will receive an SKBRI (Certificate from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia), which will be automatically integrated into the Customs Computerized System (SKP – Sistem Komputerisasi Pabean).
• In countries without an Indonesian Embassy (KBRI), this certificate can be obtained through the local Indonesian Consulate (KJRI).
• This requirement applies to the following categories of Indonesian citizens:
• Government employees or military personnel (PNS/ABRI)
• Overseas workers
• Students
• Individuals living abroad for family or other permitted reasons
• All must fulfill the criteria outlined in PMK No.25/2025.
• 3. Foreign Nationals (WNA)
• Foreign nationals intending to import household goods into Indonesia must meet the following criteria as per PMK No. 25/2025:
• Hold a valid work visa
• Possess a valid IMTA (Work Permit)
• Please note that holders of non-workrelated visas (e.g., investor, business, or retirement visas) are not eligible to import personal household goods under this regulation.
• 4. Import Timeframe
• All personal effects must arrive in Indonesia within three (3) months of the shipper’s arrival (required to process the stay permit/ E-ITAS) for foreigner or the date issuance of KBRI Letter for Indonesian citizen.
• 5. Import VAT
• For all import shipments to Indonesia, foreign nationals - with the exception of those with diplomatic status - are required to pay Import VAT, which will be calculated during the customs clearance process.
• This regulation has been in effect since October 2024.

Foodstuffs

• Non-perishable food items may be imported in small amounts.
• Items in cans and other durable packaging in reasonable amounts are allowed for import.

• Based on customs discretion during clearance process.

Alcohol

• Import of alcohol is allowed for FULL DIPLOMATS ONLY but limited to annual quota agreed by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective embassies in the country.
• Alcohol is prohibited for NON-FULL DIPLOMATS.

• Including wine, spirits, and beer.

Statues

• Certificate of origin.
• Invoice.

• Are subject to be checked by the Archaeology Dept.
• Buddha statue/artefact made of stone is strictly prohibited.

Prohibited Items

• Firearms.
• Ammunition (including air guns).
• Pornography.
• Politically sensitive material.
• Narcotics.
• Illicit drugs.
• Medicines and Vitamins.

CD’s; DVD’s; VCD’s; Video/Audio tapes, books

• Detailed listing at packing list as long not new and adult Video.

• Can be imported in ‘reasonable’ quantities provided they are not pornographic or politically sensitive or against Moslem.

Wood regulations

• There are no restrictions or ISPM requirements for wooden packaging or items.

Musical Instruments, Sports Equipment and Home Entertainment components and/ or Speakers

• Subject to payment of import duties upon customs discretion.

Bicycle and/or electric bicycle

• Do not include electric bicycles in the shipment of part of it.

• The number of bicycles included in the shipment must match with the amount of family members settling in Indonesia.

Useful Information

• Photographic documentation of individual items before packing at origin is recommended to support any potential discrepancies with customs regarding any particular items.
• Do not include items which may appear to be for re-sale or high valuable items.

• Effective 1 January 2025, VAT increases from 11% to 12% for household goods shipments.
• Interview / online meeting with customs will be needed for some cases. If the final delivery address is not within Jabodetabek area or customs needs clarification directly from the owner of the goods regarding specific details.

Exporting Personal Effects from Indonesia: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2025 · Download the Indonesia Export Guide (PDF)

Household goods/Personal effects - Foreigners

• Sea shipments:
• Copy of front page of client’s passport and the page showing ITAS validity stamp (passport# as per registered on IMTA) - coloured copy
• Indonesia work permit/IMTA still valid - coloured copy
• Indonesia resident permit/ITAS still valid - coloured copy
• EPO stamp/Exit Permit Only (as soon as available) - coloured copy or copy TSP
• Visa for destination country/Employment pass /residence permit - coloured copy
• Customs form for destination country (if applicable) - copy
• Reference letter or “Surat Keterangan” from local company in Indonesia - original
• Statement letter for shipper signature/return - original
• Authorization letter for shipper signature/return - original
• Copy of flight ticket and departure stamp when leaving Indonesia
• Air shipments:
• Copy of front page of client’s passport and the page showing ITAS validity stamp (passport# as per registered on IMTA) - coloured copy.
• Indonesia work permit/IMTA - still valid - coloured copy.
• Indonesia resident permit/ITAS - still valid - coloured copy.
• EPO stamp/Exit Permit Only (as soon as available) - coloured copy or copy TSP
• Flight ticket/E-ticket for destination country MUST be SAME with shipment destination - coloured copy.
• Departure stamp from Immigration when leaving Indonesia.
• Visa for destination country/ Employment pass/residence permit - coloured copy.
• Check list for hidden dangerous goods for shipper completion /return - copy.
• Reference letter or “Surat Keterangan” from local company in Indonesiacoloured copy.
• Statement letter for shipper signature/return - original.
• Authorization letter for shipper signature/return - original.
• Air & sea shipment: Passport # registered in IMTA (coloured copy of all used pages)
• If the shipper has a new passport, please include the same.

• Must declare at least 5 items on packing list, BL.

• Do not include the following items in an Air shipment:
• Foodstuff, medicines, liquids and gels of any kind (toiletries, deodorant, perfume, cosmetics, hand cream, paint, cleaning powders, solvent, etc.), any device that contains lithium batteries i.e. nonremovable or removable batteries, printer ink cartridges, flammable and combustible liquids, corrosives, lighters, barbeque grill propane gas tanks, oxygen tanks, aerosols, glue products, jewelries, negotiable stock certificates or currency, animal furs and skins, and etc.

Household goods – Indonesians citizen

• Sea shipments:
• Passport photo page - coloured copy
• Local resident permit ID (KTP) - coloured
• copy.
• Local office badge / ID card - coloured copy.
• Visa for destination country/ Employment pass/residence permit - coloured copy.
• Customs form for destination country (if any) - copy.
• Statement Letter from Local Employer stating that shipper will move - original
• Statement Letter from client which states that he/ she is not bringing out any prohibited items, with duty stamp - original
• Authorization letter for shipper signature/return - original.
• Statement Letter from Local Authority (Surat Kelurahan/ Catatan Sipil) stating that the client will move temporarily to the destination country.
• Copy of Flight Ticket from Indonesia to destination country and Departure Stamp from Immigration at airport.
• Air shipments:
• Passport front photo page - coloured copy
• Local resident permit ID (KTP) - coloured copy.
• Local office badge / ID card (if any) - coloured copy.
• Copy of NPWP / Tax ID Card
• Copy of Family Registration Certificate / Kartu Keluarga
• Flight ticket / E-ticket for destination country MUST SAME with destination shipment - coloured copy.
• Departure stamp from Immigration when leaving Indonesia.
• Visa for destination country/ Employment pass/residence permit - coloured copy.
• Check list for hidden dangerous goods for shipper completion/return - copy.
• Statement Letter from Local Employer stating that shipper will move - original
• Statement Letter from client stating that he/ she will not bring out any prohibited items, with duty stamp – original
• Authorization letter for shipper signature/return - original.

Household goods - Diplomats or Semi Diplomats

• Sea and Air shipments - For diplomatic status:
• Front page passport - scan colour endorsed by embassy.
• Diplomatic ID card - scan colour endorsed by embassy.
• Stay permit/ITAS - scan colour endorsed by embassy.
• EPO stamp/Exit Permit Only (as soon as available) - scan colour endorsed by embassy.
• Recommendation Letter from Ministry of Foreign Department and the Diplomatic Note.
• Statement letter from shipper stating that he/ she is not bringing out any prohibited items - original.
• Power of Attorney letter/Surat kuasa signed by the client for the agent to handle this shipment - original.
• Reference letter from embassy which states that client will move - original.
• Copy of Flight Ticket from Indonesia to destination country and Departure Stamp from Immigration at airport
• Visa or residence permit or working permit at destination country (if any) – colour copy endorsed by the embassy.
• Sea and Air shipments - For semi-diplomatic status (U.N., UNICEF, WHO...):
• Front page passport - scan colour endorsed by the organization (local office).
• ID card - scan colour endorsed by the organization (local office).
• Stay permit / ITAS - scan colour endorsed by the organization (local office).
• EPO stamp/Exit Permit Only (as soon as available) - scan colour endorsed by the organization (local office).
• Recommendation Letter from Ministry of Foreign Department and the Semi - Diplomatic Note.
• Statement letter from shipper stating that he/ she is not bringing out any prohibited items - original.
• Power of Attorney letter/Surat kuasa signed by the client for the agent to handle this shipment - original.
• Reference letter shipper from the organization stating that client will move - original.
• Copy of Flight Ticket from Indonesia to destination country and Departure Stamp from Immigration at airport.

• Commence the clearance upon shipment arrival and receiving these documents.
• If the client cannot provide all required paperwork, the shipment cannot be custom clearance and released from the port on duty free basis.

Foodstuffs

• Non-perishable food items may be exported in small amounts.

Alcohol

• Export of alcohol is allowed for FULL DIPLOMATS ONLY but limited to the annual quota agreed by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective embassies in the country. Alcohol is prohibited for non-full diplomats.

• Including wine, spirits, and beer.

Prohibited Items

• Firearms.
• Ammunition (including air guns).
• Pornography.
• Politically sensitive material.
• Narcotics.
• Illicit drugs.

CD’s; DVD’s; VCD’s; Video/Audio tapes, books

• Detailed listing at packing list as long not new and adult Video.

• Can be exported in ‘reasonable’ quantities provided they are not pornographic or politically sensitive or against Moslem.

Indonesia Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Indonesia Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Original passport
• Original packing list stamped by the Indonesian Embassy at origin
• Original inventory
• Original bill of lading (OBL) or air waybill (AWB)
• Boarding pass
• Original work permit (IMTA)
• Original residence permit (KITAS)
• Letter of employment from company at origin
• Copy of ITAS online

• Original passport
• Original packing list stamped by the Indonesian Embassy at origin
• Original inventory
• Original bill of lading (OBL) or air waybill (AWB)
• Boarding pass
• Original letter from the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate at origin
• Original ID card (KTP)

• Diplomat passport
• Copy of ID card
• Copy of visa
• Original letter of approval from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (PP8)
• Original packing list stamped by the Indonesian Embassy at origin

• Original letter of approval from the Indonesian Ministry of State Secretariat (PP19)

Specific Information

Document validity: For foreign citizens, all documents must be valid for a minimum of 12 months before arrival of the shipment.

Packing list must be embassy-stamped: The original packing list must be stamped by the Indonesian Embassy in the country of origin. This is a strict requirement.

Shipment timing (air): Air shipments must arrive within 14 days after the owner's arrival date in Indonesia. Delivery takes approximately 5 to 8 business days after receipt of necessary documents.

Shipment timing (sea): Sea shipments must arrive within 3 months after the owner's arrival date in Indonesia. Delivery takes approximately 10 to 12 business days for FCL or 12 to 15 business days for LCL after port arrival for Jakarta delivery.

Air and sea sequencing: If sending both an air and sea shipment, the air shipment must arrive first. Only one importation of each type is permitted.

Port of entry: All shipments should be sent to the Jakarta port of entry (Tanjung Priok for sea, Soekarno-Hatta for air) to avoid complications, intensive examinations, and delays with customs.

Customs inspection: All shipments are physically inspected by customs, excluding diplomatic shipments.

Incomplete documentation: Delays caused by incomplete documentation may result in extra charges including demurrage, port storage, and customs penalties.

ISPM 15: Wood packaging materials should comply with ISPM 15 standards.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions: Household goods and personal effects can be imported duty-free for returning Indonesian citizens who worked or studied abroad for at least 12 months. Diplomatic shipments are free of import duty and tax.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Alcohol (within household goods shipments; )
• Buddha head statues made of stone (strictly prohibited)
• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
• Gasoline and explosive gases
• Motor bikes, motorized scooters, and vehicle spare parts (non-diplomatic)
• Pornographic material
• Politically sensitive material
• Narcotics and illegal drugs
• Protected species under CITES CITES
• Commercial or merchandised goods as part of baggage (infringements charged IDR 25,000 per piece)
• Counterfeit goods
• Cardboard boxes as baggage (must be dissuaded per VisaHQ)

Personal duty-free allowances (per VisaHQ):

• 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 100 grams of tobacco (no limitations for diplomats)
• 1 litre of liquor
• A reasonable quantity of perfume
• Personal goods up to USD 250 per passenger or USD 1,000 per family

Within household goods: The following items may qualify for free import at "reasonable" quantities: cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, perfume, dry food.

Electronic equipment: Importation of electronic equipment is not permitted for tourists. Non-tourist passengers must pay duties for photo and film cameras unless the equipment is registered in their passport by Indonesian customs on a previous visit. Film, pre-recorded video tapes, video laser discs, records, and computer software must be screened by the censor board.

Video cameras, portable radios, binoculars, and sports equipment: May be imported by tourists provided they are exported upon departure.

Chinese medicines and printings: Not permitted without a license.

Firearms and ammunition: Not permitted without a license. PERMIT REQUIRED

Other restricted items:

• Cultural objects and statues may be taken to the Indonesian Directorate of History and Archaeology for examination
• Cordless telephones (not permitted without license)
• Fresh fruit (not permitted)

Special Categories

• Attempting to import pets directly to Bali (not permitted)
• Not obtaining the import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture before arrival
• Failing to have the packing list stamped by the Indonesian Embassy at origin
• Not notifying the quarantine station at least 2 days before arrival
• Attempting to import dogs from Thailand (embargoed) or pets from China/Taiwan (embargoed)

• Pet quarantine period: The IAM guide (2016) states "14 days' quarantine." PetTravel (2026) states "7-14 days" with the shorter period available if a PCR test is done. Both are consistent; PetTravel provides the more current and detailed information about the PCR test option.
• Rabies titer test: The IAM guide (2016) does not mention a titer test. PetTravel (2026) states a rabies titer test is required from all countries. This appears to be a requirement added after the IAM guide was published.
• Microchip: The IAM guide does not mention microchip requirements. PetTravel recommends (but does not explicitly require) a microchip. The destination agent should confirm current requirements.
• Alcohol prohibition: The IAM guide lists alcohol as a prohibited item in household goods. VisaHQ lists 1 litre of liquor as a duty-free personal allowance for travelers. These are not contradictory: the personal traveler allowance is for accompanied luggage, while the IAM guide refers to household goods shipments where alcohol is prohibited.

• The specific duty rates for non-exempt items in household goods shipments could not be verified against a current DJBC source (the website is in Indonesian only). The destination agent should provide current rates.
• The embassy-stamped packing list requirement (from the 2016 IAM guide) is a critical operational requirement but could not be independently verified against a current official source. It is consistent with Indonesian customs practice and should be assumed to remain in effect.
• Whether Indonesia's list of rabies-free countries has been updated since the PetTravel listing could not be confirmed. The embargoes on Taiwan, China, and Thailand dogs are PetTravel-sourced and should be verified with the destination agent.

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air and sea shipments.

Embassy-stamped packing list: This is the single most important document for Indonesia. The original packing list must be stamped by the Indonesian Embassy in the country of origin before the shipment departs. Without this stamp, customs clearance will be significantly delayed or refused.

Jakarta as port of entry: All shipments should be routed through Jakarta to avoid complications. Using other ports may result in intensive examinations and delays.

Shipment sequencing: If sending both air and sea shipments, the air shipment must arrive first. Only one of each type is allowed.

Timing deadlines: Air: within 14 days of owner's arrival. Sea: within 3 months of owner's arrival. Missing these deadlines creates duty liability.

Customs inspection: All non-diplomatic shipments will be physically inspected. Ensure the packing matches the inventory exactly.

Alcohol: Prohibited in household goods shipments. Do not include any alcohol.

Incomplete documentation: Any documentation gaps will result in demurrage, storage fees, and potential customs penalties. Indonesian customs is strict about documentation completeness.