Chandra Maurits, Senior Manager – Operations & Compliance for Asian Tigers, Indonesia has advised of an important update on customs policy at Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta. The policies came into effect on the 21 October, 2024 and apply only to sea shipments.
1. The Customs Authority has established a policy that requires all shipments entering the Tanjung Priok customs area to pay Value Added Tax (VAT) and/or VAT plus Luxury Goods Tax (LGT). This new policy will be applicable even if the shipments comply with existing regulations and the submitted import documents are complete. This policy will apply to all shipments of personal belongings/ HHG owned by foreign nationals who will be working in Indonesia. However, it will not apply to diplomatic/semi-diplomatic shipments or returning citizens.
2. For every shipment of personal belongings/HHG entering the Tanjung Priok customs area, it is necessary to include several HS Codes in the Bill of Lading. These HS Codes must correspond to the items being shipped. The HS Codes used can be global and represent multiple items considered to be similar.
3. The customs value of the shipped items must be indicated in the packing list or accompanied by a proforma invoice.
Chandra advises shippers to be aware that, due to these new regulations, there may be delays in the customs clearance process for shipments, as well as potential additional costs associated with compliance. He said that the policy will be enforced by the customs authority, is unavoidable and recommends informing clients to anticipate these delays and costs and to plan accordingly.