Guide on importing from and exporting to South Korea

Indonesia is making significant strides in strengthening its economic ties with South Korea, marking a new chapter in bilateral trade relations. Amid the global trade turbulence caused by the United States' sweeping tariff hikes, both nations are focusing on enhancing cooperation. The meeting agenda centered on boosting economic collaboration, expanding investment opportunities, and fostering strategic partnerships in various sectors¹.

These efforts pave the way for greater opportunities for Indonesian businesses shipping to South Korea and importing Korean products. If you're looking to tap into this trade potential, it's essential to understand the key requirements, documents, and procedures involved.

A growing partnership: Indonesia and South Korea's economic ties

South Korea is one of Indonesia’s key economic partners in East Asia, with total trade between the two countries reaching US$18.37 billion from January to November 2024². The strengthening of economic ties between both nations will further help grow this trade, creating new opportunities for collaboration and boosting economic growth on both sides.

To ensure continued growth, Indonesia is intensifying its efforts to maximize the potential of the Indonesia-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This bilateral agreement aims to liberalize international shipping to or from South Korea, expand market access, and deepen collaboration.

Additionally, the implementation of the Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES) in March 2024 will streamline trade processes by streamlining the exchange of goods data. This system aims to enhance the efficiency of customs procedures, minimize paperwork, and expedite processing times, ultimately making bilateral trade smoother and more reliable for businesses in both countries.³

Step-by-step guide: Exporting from Indonesia to South Korea

Shipping to South Korea from Indonesia involves a clear set of procedures and documentation to ensure smooth customs clearance and successful cross-border delivery.

Initial steps for exporting from Indonesia

Before exporting goods from Indonesia to South Korea, businesses must secure the necessary export licences.

Individual exporters are required to have an NPWP (Taxpayer Identification Number). On the other hand, companies must obtain a Business Identity Number (also known as Nomor Induk Berusaha), a Customs Identification Number (also known as Nomor Identitas Kepabeanan), a SIUP (Trade Business License), a TDP (Company Registration), an NPWP, and other essential documents as mandated by law.

These requirements ensure that exporters are properly registered and compliant with national export regulations, as outlined in Regulation No. 13/M-DAG/PER/3/2012.

Product-specific requirements for exports

Certain goods require additional documentation before they can be exported from Indonesia to South Korea. For instance, exporters dealing with restricted items must hold specific permits, such as an ET (Registered Exporter), SPE (Export Permit), COO (Certificate of Origin), and LS (Surveyor’s Report)⁴.

Since requirements can vary by product type, it’s best to consult relevant authorities or international shipping service providers to understand the exact permits needed for your shipment.

Moreover, it is equally important to classify your goods accurately using the correct HS Code. This classification determines which export paperwork or documents are needed and helps ensure smooth clearance at the border.

You can use tools like DHL’s MyGTS to find your product’s HS Codes.

Essential export documentation

The following export documents are typically required to ship goods to Korea from Indonesia:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
• Certificate of Origin
• Customs Export Declaration (Pemberitahuan Ekspor Barang or PEB)

Importing from South Korea: Requirements and documentation

Successfully importing from South Korea begins with understanding the necessary import regulations and ensuring all required documents are properly prepared.

General import requirements

To bring South Korean export goods into Indonesia, businesses must first secure the necessary licenses.

The process starts with registering through Indonesia’s Online Single Submission (OSS) system to obtain a Business Identification Number (NIB). This serves as both a business and import license.

Depending on the nature of the business, companies may apply for one of three import licenses:

• API-U (General Importer Identification Number): For businesses that import finished goods for trading or resale in the Indonesian market.
• API-P (Producer Importer Identification Number): For manufacturers importing raw materials, components, or finished goods strictly for their own production use — not for resale.
• API-T (Limited Importer Identification Number): A special permit issued by BKPM that allows specific import activities, including the import of finished goods, but typically within investment-related projects or for specific business scopes.

Importers must follow Indonesia’s dual licensing rules, which state that a company cannot hold both an API-U (for commercial resale) and an API-P (for internal production use) under the same business entity. A company may, however, apply for an API-T separately if it qualifies under BKPM’s specific criteria⁵.

Key import documentation when importing from South Korea

Much like exporting to South Korea, importing Korean goods into Indonesia requires a similar set of documents to ensure smooth customs clearance and regulatory compliance. These documents not only verify the shipment’s legitimacy but also determine eligibility for tariff benefits under free trade agreements.

Essential documents include:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of lading or air waybill
• Certificate of origin

In addition to the above, certain product categories, such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and electronics, may require special import permits, product registrations, or safety certifications. It’s advisable to consult relevant Indonesian authorities, such as BPOM or the Ministry of Trade, to confirm any additional documentation needed for your specific goods.

Navigating import declarations from South Korea

To import goods from South Korea, Indonesian businesses must submit an import declaration to Customs via the DJBC (Customs and Excise) website. This declaration includes details such as importer/exporter information, product description, import value, HS codes, and any applicable duties or taxes.

Import duties and taxes, based on the HS Code and origin, must also be paid online before goods can be cleared. Once approved, importers present clearance documents at the port of entry to release their shipment.

Some goods may have additional post-import requirements depending on their type. For businesses unfamiliar with the process, using a licensed customs broker or logistic companycan help ensure a smooth, compliant, and timely clearance.

Streamline your shipments with DHL Express Indonesia

As trade between Indonesia and South Korea continues to grow, businesses have more opportunities than ever to expand across borders. Whether you're exporting Indonesian goods to Korea or importing high-demand Korean products, tapping into this strengthened partnership can unlock significant growth potential. To fully take advantage of these opportunities, working with a trusted logistics partner can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of international shipping.

DHL Express Indonesia is a leading international logistics provider you can rely on to simplify every step of the shipping process, ensuring speed, compliance, and peace of mind from origin to destination.

Here’s how we can support your business:

• Expertise in customs clearance: Our specialists manage the full customs process for both Indonesian exports and Korean imports, helping you avoid delays and ensure smooth border transitions.
• Guidance on complex regulations: We assist with preparing and verifying your import and export documentation to ensure full compliance with trade regulations in both countries.
• Advanced shipment tracking: Track your shipment with us in real-time, from pick-up to delivery, for complete visibility and peace of mind.
• Flexible delivery options: From same-day and next-day delivery to standard international shipping, we offer flexible options to match your schedule and shipping requirements.

Open a business account with DHL Express Indonesia today to unlock the full benefits of our import and export services and solutions for a seamless, efficient trade with South Korea.