{"id":17535,"date":"2026-06-11T09:55:32","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T02:55:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/investinasia.id\/blog\/?p=17535"},"modified":"2026-06-11T09:55:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T02:55:32","slug":"guide-for-import-license-indonesia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/investinasia.id\/blog\/guide-for-import-license-indonesia\/","title":{"rendered":"Import License Indonesia (API-U \/ API-P): Complete Guide for Foreign Companies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Foreign companies that want to import goods into Indonesia legally must hold an Importer Identification Number, known in Indonesian as the Angka Pengenal Importir (API)<\/strong>. Under the framework governed by Minister of Trade Regulation No. 16 of 2025 (Permendag 16\/2025), the API is embedded directly in your Business Identification Number (NIB)<\/a> and comes in two types: API-U<\/strong> for trading companies and API-P<\/strong> for manufacturers. Getting the classification right from the start matters, because switching between the two is restricted, and the wrong choice creates customs complications that are not easy to undo.<\/p>\n

What follows covers the difference between API-U and API-P, the entity requirements, the documents you need, the step-by-step process through the OSS system, and the regulatory changes from 2025 that affect compliance obligations for all importers in Indonesia.<\/p>\n

What Is an Import License (API) in Indonesia?<\/h2>\n
\"Import
Import License Indonesia (API-U \/ API-P): Complete Guide for Foreign Companies (pexels.com)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The API is the official identification number that allows a company to legally import goods into Indonesia. It appears on all import documentation and is verified by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC, also known as Bea Cukai) during customs clearance.<\/p>\n

Under the Online Single Submission (OSS) system, the API is no longer a separate document. It is embedded directly in the NIB issued at oss.go.id. When a company registers its business activities, it selects its API classification as part of the NIB application. The NIB then serves simultaneously as the company registration number, the importer identification number, and the customs registration number.<\/p>\n

The Ministry of Trade sets import policy and governs API classifications through INATRADE, its electronic trade licensing platform, which is fully integrated with OSS. The Ministry of Investment (BKPM) manages OSS itself. These two systems work together to process and validate import license applications.<\/p>\n

For more context on how the OSS system works for foreign companies, see InvestinAsia’s guide on OSS in Indonesia<\/a>.<\/p>\n

API-U vs. API-P: Which License Does Your Business Need?<\/h2>\n

Indonesia recognizes two types of API. The type your company holds determines what goods you can import, for what purpose, and what compliance obligations apply. A company can hold only one API type at a time. This is one of those things that catches foreign investors off guard when they first look into it.<\/p>\n

API-U (Angka Pengenal Importir Umum): General Importer<\/h3>\n

API-U applies to companies that import finished goods to sell or distribute in Indonesia. Trading companies, distributors, and foreign-invested PT PMA entities in wholesale trade typically hold this classification.<\/p>\n

Goods imported under API-U can be traded and transferred to buyers. Even after an API-U is revoked, goods already imported under it may still be sold. This classification suits companies importing consumer goods, electronics, fashion, industrial supplies, or machinery for resale.<\/p>\n

API-P (Angka Pengenal Importir Produsen): Producer Importer<\/h3>\n

API-P applies to manufacturing companies that import raw materials, semi-finished goods, or capital equipment for their own production processes. Imported goods under API-P are strictly for internal use and cannot be sold, transferred, or traded.<\/p>\n

This restriction is firm. MoT Regulation 37\/2025 explicitly states that goods imported under API-P may not be traded either before or after the API is revoked. A company that imports raw materials under API-P and then resells them is in direct violation of Indonesian import law, with consequences that include suspension of the license and mandatory re-export.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Criteria<\/th>\nAPI-U<\/th>\nAPI-P<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Business type<\/td>\nTrading \/ distribution<\/td>\nManufacturing \/ production<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Goods imported<\/td>\nFinished goods for resale<\/td>\nRaw materials, machinery for internal use only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Can resell imported goods?<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo. Strictly prohibited.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conversion to other type?<\/td>\nCan convert to API-P under limited conditions<\/td>\nCannot convert to API-U under any conditions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical KBLI codes<\/td>\n46900, 46xxx (wholesale trade)<\/td>\nManufacturing KBLI codes (10xxx to 33xxx)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Who Can Apply: Entity and KBLI Requirements<\/h2>\n

Only legally registered corporate entities can hold an API in Indonesia. Individual importers are not permitted under Indonesian law. For foreign investors, the standard vehicle is a PT PMA (Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing)<\/strong><\/a>, a foreign-owned limited liability company regulated under Investment Law No. 25 of 2007.<\/p>\n

Beyond legal entity status, your company’s registered business activities must align with your intended import function. This is where KBLI codes<\/strong> matter directly. If your PT PMA is registered only with a manufacturing or consulting KBLI but you intend to import and distribute goods, the OSS system will not recognize your NIB as a valid import license for those activities. Customs may flag the shipment.<\/p>\n

For API-U, common applicable KBLI codes include 46900 (wholesale trade of various goods) and other Category 46 wholesale trade classifications. For API-P, the KBLI must reflect actual manufacturing activity. Verify your KBLI against your business activities before completing OSS registration. KBLI errors are one of the most common causes of import license delays in practice. InvestinAsia’s guide on KBLI codes for PT PMA<\/a> covers the classification system in full.<\/p>\n

Foreign investors can hold 100% ownership in general wholesale trade (KBLI 46900) under Presidential Regulation No. 10 of 2021 (the Positive Investment List). For regulated product categories such as pharmaceuticals or certain food items, additional sectoral restrictions may apply and should be verified before incorporation.<\/p>\n

Documents Required for Your Import License Application<\/h2>\n

The API classification is selected during OSS registration, so there is no separate API application form. However, you need complete corporate documentation ready before the OSS process begins. The required documents are:<\/p>\n