A guide to exporting and shipping from Indonesia to the USA

The United States of America (USA) is the world's largest economy and among the biggest importers of goods. According to recent statistics from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the US imported a total of US$3,438.4 billion worth of goods in 2025¹.

Simultaneously, in 2025, Indonesian exports amounted to US$282.91 billion, based on numbers by Trading Economics². Exports to the US alone totalled US$31.02 billion. This made the United States one of Indonesia's major export partners (11.6%), following China (10%) and leading Japan (9.9%).

Reports by Trading Economics³ revealed that in 2025, the major Indonesian exports to the US include:

• Electrical, electronic equipment (US$6.03 billion)
• Articles of apparel, knit or crocheted (US$2.81 billion)
• Footwear, gaiters and the like (US$$2.8 billion)

These statistics further cement how important the US market is for Indonesian businesses looking for significant global expansion. However, to export from Indonesia to the US, businesses must follow certain procedures for customs clearance. This involves preparing the right documents and paying customs duties and import taxes once the goods arrive in the US.

In this article, we will share more about the import and export requirements and guidelines in Indonesia, as well as details about US customs such as taxes, duties and clearance. We will also cover the essential strategies for navigating the regulatory shifts, including the new reciprocal tariff framework and compliance standards.

US trade landscape changes in 2026: how it affects Indonesian exporters

The US-Indonesia trade relationship has undergone a "historic shift" since 2025. While new opportunities exist for Indonesian businesses, the "entry price" for the US market has changed due to aggressive new tariffs and compliance frameworks designed to balance bilateral trade.

Baseline 19% reciprocal tariffs

The US-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (signed January 2026) established a baseline 19% tariff rate on most Indonesian goods entering the US. This free trade agreement (FTA) aims to equalize trade terms, with the notable exception of commodities not naturally available in the US, such as palm oil and cocoa. Hence, Indonesian exporters must factor in the 19% duty when calculating landed costs to remain competitive in the American market.

Suspension of the US$800 de minimis exemption

The trade landscape was further impacted by the August 2025 Executive Order, which suspended the "De Minimis" exemption for commercial shipments. Previously, low-value items under US$800 could enter the US duty-free. However, today, smaller imports from Indonesia now face formal duties and mandatory customs processing, regardless of the shipment's value.

Stricter anti-transshipment rules

To combat trade evasion, a 40% Transshipment Penalty is now applied to goods originating in higher-tariff countries that are routed through Indonesia. There is now a higher burden of proof for the "Substantial Transformation" rule — exporters must prove that significant manufacturing occurred in Indonesia to qualify for the 19% tariff rate. A Certificate of Origin (COO) is no longer optional; it is a critical defence against being hit with "stacked" penalties of 40% or more.

1. Exporting from Indonesia to the USA: export requirements

Export licences

Export licences are required by local businesses before they can ship their goods overseas, including to the US. These include Tax Payer Identification Number (NPWP), Business Identification Number (NIB), and other documents required by the regulations. If you are exporting restricted goods, you may also require a Registered Exporter (ET), export permits (SPE), Surveyor's Report (LS), Certificate of Origin (COO) and other documents specified by the regulations. These are issued by the Ministry of Trade.

Documentation

Before exporting from Indonesia to the US, businesses must comply with the documentation requirements. The key documents required for exporting include:

• Commercial invoice
• Company Registration Certificate
• Bill of Lading, Airway Bill or equivalent transport documents
• Customs Export Declaration
• Export Declaration of Goods (PEB)
• Insurance Certificate
• Export Permits & Licences
• Business Licence
• Certificate of Origin
• Packing List

2. Exporting from Indonesia to the USA: customs clearance

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement organisation responsible for ensuring compliance with international trade laws. The agency specifies certain requirements that must be met by all overseas exporters and local importers before their goods can be cleared for entry by the US Customs authorities.

Regardless of whether you are exporting from Indonesia or other countries, you must follow the procedures listed below:

Import licences and permits

Although CBP does not require an import licence or permit, other agencies may make it mandatory depending on the type of goods entering the country. Hence, all necessary import licences, permits, or certifications must be applied for and obtained to avoid any issues at the border.

Entry documents

The importer must prepare the necessary documents for customs clearance within 15 calendar days from the date the goods arrive in the US. These include:

• Entry Manifest (CBP Form 7533) / Application and Special Permit for Immediate Delivery (CBP Form 3461) / Other documents that allow port directors to release the goods
• Permit or evidence of right bring goods into the country
• Commercial or pro forma invoice (should the former not be produced)
• Packing lists (where applicable)

In addition, all customs duties and taxes must be paid within 10 working days of the goods entering the US. So what are the duty requirements when exporting from Indonesia to the US?

3. Exporting from Indonesia to the USA: customs duties and taxes

As mentioned above, the removal of the de minimis exception means all commercial shipments from Indonesia, even low-value e-commerce orders, are now subject to duties. Additionally, there are different tariffs to consider depending on the type of product and its specific HS code classification.

The US applies the Harmonised System (HS) codes for classifying and calculating tariffs through the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). Depending on the origin of products, customs duties and tariffs may vary. Duties and taxes are calculated ad valorem based on the Cost, Insurance and Freight value. As the HTS is subject to updates and reclassifications, you should always refer to the official Harmonized Tariff Schedule website for the most current classification and rates.

It's also important to note that the CBP may require you to pay additional taxes and fees on behalf of other federal agencies. Some of these taxes and fees include the Federal Excise Tax, which is applied to alcoholic beverages and tobacco imports. The Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) of 0.3465% will apply to goods worth over US$2,500, capped at a minimum of US$33.58 and a maximum of US$651.50.

4. Exporting from Indonesia to the USA: prohibited and restricted items

Before exporting from Indonesia to the US, businesses must be aware of certain prohibited and restricted products that are not allowed to enter the country. Prohibited goods are strictly forbidden for entry, while restricted items require additional permits from the relevant authorities.

In general, products that pose a threat to public health, safety, plant and animal life, or US national interests are forbidden from entering the country. These include:

• Dangerous toys
• Cars without adequate safety measures
• Bushmeat
• Counterfeit currency
• Dog and cat fur products
• Drug paraphernalia
• Illegal drugs and substances

Restricted products that require special permits from a federal agency include:

• Firearms
• Certain fruits and vegetables
• Alcoholic beverages
• Automobiles
• Animal products
• Animal by-products
• Biologicals
• Cultural artefacts and property
• Defence articles or items with military applications
• Medication
• Plants and seeds
• Fish and wildlife

Master importing and exporting with DHL Express

When exporting from Indonesia to the USA, there are many regulatory shifts to navigate and shipping guidelines to adhere to, from packing basics and labeling to complex international logistics compliance. Partnering with a reliable logistics carrier like DHL Express ensures your products reach their intended destinations safely and without hassle. Sign up for a DHL Express account today to learn more about how we can help you reliably deliver your products worldwide.