Importer of Record: Import Into Indonesia Without a Local Entity
Use an existing registered import license to bring goods into Indonesia legally, without setting up a PT PMA or local corporate entity.
Enquire NowOverview
Setting up a legal entity in Indonesia just to import products is often unnecessary, and expensive, for companies still testing the market or running lower volume operations. Importer of Record (IOR) services let you legally import under BridgifyAsia’s registered import license, handling customs clearance, duties, and compliance on your behalf, without you establishing a PT PMA or other local entity.
When IOR Makes Sense
IOR fits companies running pilot shipments, occasional imports, or early stage market entry where the cost and time of entity formation isn’t justified yet. If you’re moving toward regular, ongoing distribution, it’s worth discussing at what volume threshold establishing your own entity becomes more cost effective than continuing under IOR.
What’s Actually Involved: Duties, VAT, and Import Tax
Landed cost isn’t just the product price. Import duty (based on your product’s HS code and CIF value), 11% VAT, and PPh22 import income tax (2.5 to 7.5% depending on importer status) all factor in, plus a de minimis exemption band for lower value shipments under PMK 4/2025.
BridgifyAsia manages the full import process: customs documentation, duty and tax calculation and payment, compliance liaison, and ongoing advisory as your shipment volume grows.
Estimate Your Landed Cost
Use our free IOR Landed Cost Calculator to estimate CIF value, import duty, 11% VAT, and PPh22 import income tax for your shipment, based on standard Indonesian customs formulas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a local entity to import into Indonesia?
No. Importer of Record services let you import legally under an existing registered importer's license, without establishing your own PT PMA or local company.
What does IOR actually cover?
Customs clearance, duty and tax calculation and payment, import documentation, and compliance liaison. Essentially the full import process, handled on your behalf.
How is landed cost calculated?
Duty (based on HS code and CIF value) plus 11% VAT plus PPh22 import tax (2.5 to 7.5%), with a de minimis exemption for lower value shipments.
At what point should I set up my own entity instead of using IOR?
This depends on shipment volume and frequency. Occasional or pilot shipments usually favor IOR, while regular high volume distribution often justifies entity formation. Worth discussing your specific volume with us directly.
Can IOR be used alongside other certifications like SNI or BPJPH Halal?
Yes. IOR handles the import and customs side. Product certifications like SNI or Halal are separate requirements that apply regardless of import structure.
Is IOR a long term solution or a bridge?
Either. Some companies use it long term for lower volume operations, others use it as a bridge while setting up their own entity for larger scale distribution.
Key Benefits
Our Process
Initial Assessment
We review your product, current status, and specific requirements to identify the optimal regulatory pathway.
Document Preparation
Our team compiles, translates, and legally notarises all required documentation according to Indonesian standards.
Submission & Liaison
We submit applications to the relevant authorities and actively follow up to prevent bureaucratic delays.
Approval & Handover
Upon successful certification or registration, we deliver all official documents and advise on ongoing compliance.
Enquire about Importer of Record (IOR)
Our senior partners will review your requirements and respond within one business day.