In the world of international trade, import regulations play an important role in the smooth flow of goods into the country. Regulatory changes are often necessary to adapt to market dynamics and national needs. In 2024, Indonesia will experience a series of significant changes in its import regulations, which are reflected in several revisions to the Minister of Trade Regulation. In this article, we will review some of the latest changes to import regulations, the purpose of the changes, as well as several main substances contained in the newly promulgated import regulations.

Changes to Import Regulations from Minister of Trade Regulation Number 36 of 2023 to Minister of Trade Regulation Number 8 of 2024

1. Minister of Trade Regulation Number 36 of 2023
   Minister of Trade Regulation Number 36 of 2023 is the basis for import policy in Indonesia in 2023. This regulation regulates various aspects of imports, including procedures, document requirements and commodities that are permitted to enter.
2. First Revision: Minister of Trade Regulation Number 3 of 2024
   On March 5 2024, Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan issued Minister of Trade Regulation Number 3 of 2024. This revision aims to simplify the import process and adapt to global market developments.
3. Second Revision: Minister of Trade Regulation Number 7 of 2024
   A month after the first revision, the regulations were again changed to Minister of Trade Regulation Number 7 of 2024. This change was made to overcome several technical obstacles found in the implementation of Minister of Trade Regulation Number 3 of 2024. On April 30 2024, Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan stated that this change included the removal of restrictions on types and the number of goods sent by Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI), which will now be regulated through a Minister of Finance Regulation (PMK).
4. Third Revision: Minister of Trade Regulation Number 8 of 2024
   The latest and currently effective revision is Minister of Trade Regulation Number 8 of 2024, which was promulgated on 17 May 2024. This revision was carried out at the direction of President Joko Widodo in an effort to smooth the flow of imports, especially to resolve the problem of container buildup at ports.

Impact and Purpose of Revision of Import Rules

This change in import regulations has a significant impact on the logistics and trade sectors in Indonesia. Before the latest changes, there were 17,304 containers at Tanjung Priok Port and 9,111 containers at Tanjung Perak that were stuck. This condition creates serious problems in the supply chain and business operations.

Deputy Minister of Trade, Jerry Sambuaga, stated that the revision of import regulations was carried out after receiving input from many parties, including business associations and various ministries. The main aim of the revision is to smooth the flow of imports and ensure that there are no obstacles that disrupt the flow of goods. The government is trying to create regulations that are more flexible and responsive to market needs.

According to Jerry, the balance between protecting MSMEs and the needs of large industry is very important. Regulations that are too strict can hamper the supply of raw materials needed by domestic industry.

Main Substance in Minister of Trade Regulation Number 8 of 2024

In socialization carried out by the Ministry of Trade on 21 May 2024, several main points from Minister of Trade Regulation Number 8 of 2024 were conveyed to business actors:

1. Relaxation of Import Approval (PI) Application Requirements
   Importers holding Importer-Producer Identification Numbers (API-P) can now apply for PI for complementary, market test and after-sales goods without requiring technical considerations for 18 commodities whose imports are restricted.
2. Relaxation of Import Regulations for Eleven Commodity Groups
   Commodities such as electronics, traditional medicines and health supplements, cosmetics and household health supplies, footwear, apparel and apparel accessories, bags, valves, lubricant raw materials, certain chemicals (1 HS), textiles and textile products (2 HS ), and other finished textile goods (1 HS), get concessions in import regulations.
3. Relaxation of Regulations for Releasing Imported Goods
   The release of imported goods specifically for commodities that arrive at the port of destination from March 10 2024 to May 17 2024, and are detained at the port of destination, will receive relaxation for their expenditure. According to information from related parties, there are around 26 thousand containers stuck in this condition.
4. Exceptions to Prohibitions and Restrictions (Lartas)
   Beberapa komoditas seperti besi baja, dan produk turunannya, untuk kegiatan usaha dengan nilai maksimal USD 1.500 per pengiriman oleh importir pemilik API-P, tidak dibatasi frekuensi pengirimannya.
5. Simplification of Certificate Submission Requirements
   Requirements for exemptions from imports of sample goods not for trade and goods for research and product development purposes by importers who own API-P are made easier by simplifying the requirements.
6. Added Casualty Exception Provisions for Personally Delivered Goods
   Personal goods (non-business goods) can be imported in new or non-new condition, without restrictions on the type and quantity of goods, except for goods prohibited from import, dangerous goods and motorized vehicles.
7. Added Provisions for Personal Carry Personal luggage in the form of cell phones, handheld computers and tablet computers from outside the customs area into the Free Trade and Free Port Zone (KPBPB) is limited to a maximum of two units per arrival per year.