Indonesia importer ID: NIB as API-U or API-P, and customs registration
An Indonesian importer needs a NIB (Nomor Induk Berusaha) from the OSS system that serves as its importer identification number (Angka Pengenal Importir, API). Under Minister of Trade Regulation 16/2025 it holds either API-U, for goods it trades, or API-P, for goods used in its own production, and the same NIB serves as its customs access.
Checked against official sources: 2026-10
At a glance
Who needs a NIB as API
Minister of Trade Regulation (Permendag) 16/2025 on import policy, which replaced Permendag 36/2023 and its 2024 amendments, says that an importer must have a NIB that serves as API (article 3). The NIB is the business registration number issued through the OSS (Online Single Submission) system and is the business's identity for its activities.
For an exporter selling to Indonesia, the point is who imports: the Indonesian buyer, or whoever acts as importer, needs a NIB with the right API type before the goods are cleared. Ask for it before you ship.
API-U or API-P
- API-U (Angka Pengenal Importir Umum): for business entities that import goods to trade or transfer them
- API-P (Angka Pengenal Importir Produsen): for business entities that import goods for their own use as capital goods, raw or auxiliary materials, or to support production
- An importer holds one type only, and the NIB as API belongs to the head office; branches with similar business activities can use it
- Goods imported under API-P may not be traded or transferred to others, apart from the exceptions listed in the regulation
- A change from API-U to API-P is made through the OSS system
Customs registration
To deal with Indonesian customs (Bea Cukai), a business needs customs registration (Registrasi Kepabeanan), which gives access to the customs service systems. For importers and exporters this comes through OSS: once the business holds a NIB that serves as company registration, API and customs access, it is treated as registered, and the customs registration data are linked to the NIB data in OSS.
The rules for this are Minister of Finance Regulation 219/PMK.04/2019 and Director General of Customs Regulation PER-35/BC/2019, which Bea Cukai's registration page still lists, together with PP 28/2025.
Rules changed in 2025 and 2026
- PP 28/2025 on risk-based business licensing replaced PP 5/2021; OSS has applied it since 5 October 2025, and business licences issued before it remain valid
- Permendag 16/2025 replaced Permendag 36/2023 and its amendments 3/2024, 7/2024 and 8/2024
- Permendag 16/2025 has since been amended by Permendag 37/2025 and Permendag 18/2026
Step by step
- Ask the Indonesian buyer for its NIB and whether it serves as API-U or API-P.
- If the buyer will resell the goods, check that it holds API-U; an API-P holder imports for its own production.
- If the buyer has no NIB, it registers its business in the OSS system (oss.go.id) first.
- Check that the buyer's NIB also gives customs access before the first shipment.
- Check the import requirements for each HS code under Permendag 16/2025 before quoting delivery dates.
Documents you usually need
- Importer's NIB serving as API-U or API-P
- HS codes of the products
- Import approvals or other permits where the goods need them
Common problems and how to avoid them
What to do: Goods imported under API-P are for the importer's own production; a buyer that resells needs API-U.
What to do: The buyer registers its business in OSS to get a NIB before the goods are cleared.
What to do: The NIB as API is held by the head office; branches with similar activities can use it.
What to do: That regulation was revoked; the current rule is Permendag 16/2025 as amended.
Sources
- Permendag Nomor 16 Tahun 2025 tentang Kebijakan dan Pengaturan Impor BPK RI, Database Peraturan
- Permendag 16/2025 (text) BPK RI, Database Peraturan
- Registrasi Kepabeanan Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai
- PMK 219/PMK.04/2019 tentang Registrasi Kepabeanan JDIH Kementerian Keuangan
- PP Nomor 28 Tahun 2025 BPK RI, Database Peraturan
- Penegasan keberlakuan perizinan berusaha pasca PP 28 Tahun 2025 OSS (Online Single Submission)
- Permendag Nomor 18 Tahun 2026 BPK RI, Database Peraturan
Rules change often. This note is practical guidance based on the sources above, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority, your importer or a licensed customs broker before you ship.
Port codes by country
Weekly email: trade rule changes
One short email a week: new and changed import and export rules from official sources, plus our new guides and tools. Free, unsubscribe at any time.
Trade notes
Common questions
What is the NIB?
The business registration number issued through Indonesia's OSS system; it is the business's identity and, for importers, serves as the API.
What is the difference between API-U and API-P?
API-U is for importing goods to trade or transfer them; API-P is for importing goods a producer uses itself, such as capital goods and raw materials.
Can an importer hold both API-U and API-P?
No. Under Permendag 16/2025 an importer chooses either a NIB serving as API-U or one serving as API-P.
Which regulation applies now?
Permendag 16/2025 on import policy, as amended by Permendag 37/2025 and 18/2026; it replaced Permendag 36/2023.
Does the NIB also give access to customs?
Yes. For importers and exporters the NIB serves as customs access, and Bea Cukai's registration data are linked to OSS.
More free tools
Triplicate is free and keeps getting better. Found it useful? Support Triplicate ♥
Prefer no ads? Pro removes all ads · $1/month