9 export documents you need before exporting out of Indonesia

Indonesia ranks as the 13th fastest growing economy in the Asia-Pacific region, according to World Economics. With a trade surplus of US$50.6 billion in the January-November period in 2022, according to REUTERS, ), Indonesian businesses should consider tapping into international markets to increase their revenues.

In order to export products and services, however, there are certain export procedures you need to follow. Preparing the necessary documents for export, such as the Certificate of Origin, export invoice and packing list is key. At the same time, the Indonesian authorities also require specific proof of information, such as your tax identification number. 

We dive into each of these export documents below.

List of documents required for export from Indonesia

1. Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak (NPWP)

As per procedure, any individual or company looking to export from Indonesia has to possess a tax identification number, or Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak (NPWP). These numbers prescribes a personal identification on your business when carrying out tax obligations. The NPWP is issued by the Tax Office in the applicant’s area of residence or the appointed Tax Office as stipulated by the Director General of Taxes Decree.

2. Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB) 

The Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB) is a buisness entity’s identification and is issued along with a unique 13-digit serial number. To register for one, individuals can access the Online Single Submission (OSS) System, an intergrated business liscensing platform. With an NIB, buisnesses can apply for business licenses and commercial licenses.

3. Nomor Identitas Kepabeanan (NIK)

Another important document required for exporting from Indonesia is the customs registration number, or Nomor Identitas Kepabeanan (NIK). The NIK is issued by the Director General of Customs and Excise. It permits the individual or company to exercise their rights related to customs. It is mandatory for Indonesian entities to receive the customs registration number before they can export any products or services. To obtain an NIK, you need the following documents:

• Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB)
• Import Identification Number or API
• Letter of Taxable Entrepreneur (Surat Pengukuhan Pengusaha Kena Pajak or SPPKP);
• Documents indicating ownership/control of the company office
• Tax Identification Number (NPWP)
• Documents indicating ownership/control of Warehouse/Factory
• Organisational structure and list of employees
• Latest Financial Report of Company
• Bank Account of the Company
• Audit report from Public Accountant Office or Tax Office
• Letter of statement with company letterhead

4. Certificate of Origin (COO)

The Certificate of Origin is another important document that verifies your product’s country of origin; i.e. where the product was manufactured, produced, and processed. The Certificate of Origin can be obtained from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN). If you are exporting to a country with which Indonesia has a free trade agreement, this Certificate of Origin renders your goods eligible for preferential customs taxes and duties. In the case where there are no reduced tariffs, the document will be termed as a non-preferential COO.

5. Packing List

The packing list contains details about the goods being shipped, including information about how the goods need to be stored and handled during transport. The packing list typically contains information such as:

• Date of export
• Contact information of shipper, exporter and consignee
• Origin address of shipment
• Delivery address of shipment
• Number of packages in shipment
• Detailed description of each package
  • Number of items
  • Volume and weight of each item
• Volume and weight of entire shipment
• Commercial invoice number of the shipment

6. Commercial invoice for export

The commercial invoice for export is another mandatory document that contains information about the goods being shipped. This invoice is created by the exporter for the buyer prior to exporting. It contains information regarding the:

• Buyer and seller 
• Detailed description of the goods
• Cost breakdown of goods
• Harmonised System (HS) codes of goods
• Terms of sale
• Insurance costs
• Country of origin

7. Bill of Lading

The bill of lading is another key document required when exporting from Indonesia. It is a legal document issued by the logistics company which details the type, amount, and destination to which a product is being sent. The bill of lading includes:

• The address of the destination
• Details of the shipment’s contents 
• Instructions on how to handle the shipment (including special requirements, such as temperature-controlled settings)

The bill of lading must be signed by the exporter, shipper and buyer so that all parties can verify the contents of the shipment. It also prevents asset theft. 

8. Pemberitahuan Ekspor Barang (PEB)

Lastly, you also need a customs export declaration, or Pemberitahuan Ekspor Barang (PEB). This document is submitted to the Directorate General of Customs and Excise to obtain final approval for exporting your product. The PEB will contain the following information:

• Details of exporter and buyer
• Details of customs broker (if any)
• Means of transport
• Destination country
• Type, quantity, container number and list of relevant documents 
• AWB/BL

Let a reliable courier service provider like DHL Express make document preparation for export convenient.

When you choose to export with DHL Express Indonesia, you can enjoy top quality service and professionalism throughout the process. Not only can you rely on our dedicated international team for smooth and fast delivery, but you can also leverage our suite of digital tools that make document preparation a breeze before you export your goods. With MyDHL+, you can create digital waybills, commercial invoice and more, at efficient speeds. With intuitive filters and auto generated fields based on prior information, the platform streamlines the shipping process, so you can focus on other aspects of your business that also matter. Leave the legwork to DHL Express – you can trust us to deliver well and on time.

Sign up for a DHL Express account today to learn more about how DHL Express can help you export products overseas.