import and export permit

When carrying out import activities, you need to know that not all types of goods can be freely imported from abroad. There are also types of goods included in the list of imported goods requiring special import permits or commonly referred to as prohibited and restricted goods (Lartas).

Goods included in the Lartas category require special permits that you must obtain when you want to import them into the country. So, what goods are included in the Lartas category? Check out the explanation below.

Understanding the List of Imported Goods Requiring Import Permits

By definition, Lartas goods are types of goods that are under strict supervision by the government. Therefore, you need to obtain special permits when engaging in international trade for these goods.

The implementation of regulations regarding the list of imported goods requiring import permits serves many purposes. Besides the fact that these goods fall into the prohibited category, it is also part of the government’s efforts to protect national interests and public health.

List of Imported Goods Requiring Import Permits in Indonesia

In practice, you can find 4 categories of goods included in the list of prohibited and restricted goods in Indonesia, namely:

1. Prohibited Goods

The government imposes a total ban on certain types of goods. Usually, goods in this category are dangerous goods and their possession constitutes a legal violation.

Examples of goods included in the import prohibition category into Indonesia include:

• Narcotics;
• Pornography;
• Explosives;
• Used goods containing hazardous substances such as mercury or asbestos;
• Firearms;
• And others.

2. Restricted Goods

Next, you may encounter a list of goods that can be imported with restricted access. Due to this limited access, you must import them by meeting certain requirements and quantities.

These restrictions apply because of the characteristics of the goods that may negatively impact health or the environment. Examples of goods included in the restricted category include:

• Hazardous chemicals;
• Waste and garbage;
• Medical and health equipment;
• Motor vehicles;
• Telecommunications equipment;
• Fishery and agricultural products;
• And industrial raw materials.

3. Certified Goods Category

Furthermore, there is also a category of imported goods requiring import permits known as certified goods. This category requires an attachment of certificates from authorized institutions. Therefore, if you want to import them, you need approval from the relevant agencies.

Examples of imported goods in the certified goods category include:

• Motor vehicles;
• Used electronic goods;
• Hazardous chemical compounds;
• Telecommunications equipment;
• Motor vehicles;
• And health equipment.

4. Goods with High Import Duties

Lastly, there is a category of imported goods with high import duties. This policy aims to protect domestic products. Examples of goods in this category include:

• Electronic products;
• Motor vehicles;
• Alcoholic beverages;
• Cigarettes;
• Textile products and processed foods;
• And luxury jewelry and watches.

Document and Permit Requirements for Imported Goods Requiring Import Permits

Companies engaged in import activities must have a Business Identification Number (NIB) which serves as an Importer Identification Number (API). Next, there are 2 main stages you need to go through in the import process, namely:

1. Before Importing

As an initial step, you need to take several important actions as follows:

• Identify the type of goods and determine their prohibited and restricted category;
• Obtain permits and certifications according to the type of goods;
• Prepare import documents such as invoices, Import Goods Notification (PIG), packing list, and others.

2. Goods Clearance

When the goods have arrived in the country, you need to follow the stages of goods clearance, including:

• Submit an import notification to the Directorate General of Customs and Excise;
• Customs inspection of the goods;
• Pay import duties and taxes according to the type of goods;
• Goods release.

That’s the explanation regarding the types and list of imported goods requiring import permits that you should know. In the process, you need to manage permits, which can be quite complex.

The good news is, you can entrust the permit management process to PT Elmar Konsultan Bisnis Indonesia. Elmar provides solutions to help you manage various permits needed to run your business or import goods into Indonesia.