Imported Passenger Goods Items Regulation – In today’s era of globalization and easily accessible transportation, shopping abroad has become increasingly popular among travelers. Many take advantage of their trips to hunt for desired items, whether for personal use or resale. However, based on the latest immigration regulations starting March 10, 2024, travelers need to be cautious. Indonesian authorities have tightened regulations concerning goods brought into the country, or imported passenger carry-on items.
According to the latest immigration regulations, the Main Office of Customs and Excise of Soekarno-Hatta Customs Type C (KPUBC TMP) in Tangerang will soon implement new rules regarding the restriction of passenger travel goods from abroad to Indonesia. Under the new rules, there are five types of passenger baggage items with restricted quantities.
The new regulations are being implemented in line with the enactment of Minister of Trade Regulation Number 36 of 2023 concerning Import Policies and Regulations as of March 10, 2024.
The main regulation to be implemented by Soetta Customs is the restructuring of import policies by shifting the import surveillance of several commodity goods entering Indonesia.
“This regulation shifts commodities whose import surveillance is post-border back to border,” said Head of Soekarno-Hatta Customs Office Gatot Sugeng Wibowo, as quoted by Antara on Monday (11/3/2024).
5 Restricted Imported Passenger Goods Items
Gatot explained that the implementation of this regulation will affect import activities through passenger aircraft carry-on goods. The quantity of passenger carry-on commodity goods will be given a maximum limit upon returning to the homeland.
Under the new regulations, passengers returning to Indonesia are limited in the quantity of certain items they can bring. Five categories of passenger baggage are affected: electronics, footwear, textiles, bags, and shoes.
Passengers are allowed a maximum of two pairs of footwear, two bags, and five pieces of other textile items. Additionally, each passenger can only carry up to five electronic devices valued at $1,500, including a maximum of two cell phones or tablet computers.
These regulations apply to all international travelers, including Indonesian migrant workers returning home. Exceeding the prescribed limits will result in professional import charges imposed by Soetta Airport Customs.
Authorities urge importers to adhere to the new regulations and plan their import activities accordingly. They stress the importance of Minister of Trade Regulation No. 36 of 2023, as these goods are commonly brought back by passengers as souvenirs or gifts for family and friends.
Impact of the Latest Immigration Regulations
This new policy is expected to have a positive impact on the domestic industry by increasing the competitiveness of local products. Additionally, this regulation is also expected to increase state revenue from customs duties.
Although this regulation may be perceived as burdensome by some, it fundamentally aims to create a fair and equitable trade climate. It is hoped that with this regulation, the domestic industry can develop and compete with imported products.
Minister of Trade (Mendag) Zulkifli Hasan, or commonly known as Zulhas, said that the restriction on the number of passenger carry-on items from abroad aims to limit imported goods entering Indonesia.
“Minister of Trade Regulation 36 changes from post-border to border, whereas post-border goods used to come directly from everywhere (enter), online is direct, while our products have many requirements,” said Zulhas at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Wednesday (13/3/2024).
Zulhas said that previously, passenger-carried products were allowed to enter freely, while local products had many requirements such as permits from the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), and then the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) for electronic goods.
Calculating Import Duties and Taxes on Goods from Abroad
To assist travelers in understanding import duties and taxes, the Mobile Customs Duty application provides a user-friendly platform. Travelers can easily calculate the duties and taxes applicable to their imports, ensuring compliance with regulations.
According to the KPU BCTMP B Surakarta website, the import duty and tax rate for imports are generally 7.5% for import duties and 10% for Value Added Tax (VAT).
The determination of import duty and tax collection rates can be done through the Mobile Customs Duty application. Here are the steps:
- Download the Mobile Customs Duty application on the Google Play Store.
- Select the ‘Calculate Collection’ menu.
- Fill in the data including the type of import (consignment via PJT?POS), type of goods, currency (adjusted to the currency used for payment), free on board (value of goods/price of goods), insurance (optional if there is insurance cost), freight (shipping cost), and Taxpayer Identification Number (NPWP).
- Press the ‘Calculate Now’ button.
- After all the steps are completed, the amount of collection to be paid will appear.
By implementing these measures, Indonesia aims to strengthen its economy and promote the growth of local industries. These regulations mark a significant step towards achieving a fair and equitable trade environment for all stakeholders involved.