IMPORT POLICY REFINEMENTS THROUGH ACCELERATED LICENSING PROCEDURES

The Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia (“MOT“) has issued the Regulation of the Minister of Trade No. 18 of 2026 regarding the Second Amendment to the RM No. 16 of 2025 on Import Policies and Regulations (“RM 18/2026“). Effective as of 4 June 2026, this regulation represents a further refinement of Indonesia’s import regulatory framework, following the amendments previously introduced under the RM No. 37 of 2025. RM 18/2026 aims to facilitate the smooth flow of goods, accelerate import licensing processes, and provide legal certainty for business actors. The issuance of RM 18/2026 is also aligned with the Indonesia government’s broader efforts to strengthen the integration of trade licensing and supervisory systems using electronic platforms, including Indonesia National Trade Repository (“INATRADE”) and the System Indonesia National Single Window (“SINSW“).

Below are the key provisions introduced under RM 18/2026:

1.      Expedited Import Licensing Process

One of the key changes under RM 18/2026 is the enhancement of import licensing services through an integrated electronic system. The regulation introduces clear processing timelines, requiring administrative verification of import license applications to be completed within 15 (fifteen) business days from receipt by the INATRADE system. Where an application is complete and satisfies all requirements, the import business license must be issued electronically through INATRADE and transmitted to SINSW within 5 (five) business days. Significantly, if the relevant authority fails to issue the license within the prescribed timeframe despite the application being complete, the license will be automatically issued electronically through INATRADE and forwarded to SINSW. On the contrary, applications that do not satisfy the applicable requirements will be rejected electronically within the stipulated timeframe.

2.      Amendments and Extensions of Import Approvals

RM 18/2026 also introduces a clearer procedure for amendments to import business licenses. Applications for amendments are subject to administrative verification within 15 (fifteen) business days, and approved amendments must be issued electronically through INATRADE and transmitted to SINSW within 5 (five) business days of a complete submission. Where a complete amendment application is not processed within the prescribed timeframe, the amended license will be automatically issued through INATRADE. The regulation further clarifies that amendments relating to HS codes, types of goods, quantities, or units of measurement will only remain valid for the remaining validity period of the original import business license.

In addition, importers may apply for an extension of their import approval for goods that have already been loaded onto a means of transport prior to the expiry of the approval but whose arrival is delayed due to force majeure events, natural disasters, humanitarian disasters, technical disruptions affecting the means of transport, or other circumstances resulting in shipment delays.

3.     Strengthened Verification and Monitoring of Import Data

RM 18/2026 reinforces oversight and validation of import data through enhanced integration between INATRADE, SINSW, and customs systems. Data verification and reconciliation processes are now conducted more comprehensively, covering key elements such as import approval numbers and validity periods, tariff classifications, quantities and units of goods, and destination ports.

4.      Refinements to Surveyor Report Requirements

RM 18/2026 clarifies that surveyor reports for certain goods requiring an import business license may only be issued once the applicable licensing requirements have been fulfilled. However, the regulation also permits the issuance of a surveyor report after the expiry of the relevant license in specific circumstances, provided that the required technical verification has been completed and the goods have already been loaded or arrived in accordance with the applicable requirements.

5.      Enhanced Digitalization of Import Services

Import licenses and supporting certificates are now issued electronically through INATRADE and SINSW using electronic signatures and QR codes, eliminating the need for physical stamps or wet signatures. This development further supports the government’s digitalization initiatives and facilitates more efficient import administration processes.

Conclusion

RM 18/2026 reflects the Indonesia government’s continued efforts to improve the efficiency of import administration through digitalization, streamlined licensing procedures, and enhanced legal certainty for businesses. By introducing clearer processing timelines, mechanisms for the automatic issuance of import licenses under certain circumstances, and more detailed provisions on the amendment and extension of Import approvals, the regulation seeks to address practical challenges frequently encountered by importers and to facilitate smoother trade flows.

This Client Alert is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact us if you require further information or assistance in relation to import policy refinements through accelerated licensing procedures or related matters.

LINK PDF: Client-Alert-regarding-Import-Policy-Refinements-through-Accelerated-Licensing-Procedure3.pdf