Plan the next buying step
Use this earlier article as background. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority or agent for the exact product, importer and route. The country EV import-guide directory is a starting point for passenger-EV enquiries; parts, machinery and other vehicle categories require their own assessment.
Keep the shipment scope explicit with the customs clearance and vehicle approval checklist. Have the destination assess the actual vehicle specification and approval route separately from customs release before scheduling road use.
Request a destination-specific sourcing and shipping quotation with the product identity, quantity and delivery scope.
Indonesia is a massive market for cars and trucks in Southeast Asia, one of its largest automobile markets, offers “huge” opportunity for Chinese carmakers and distributors who want to extend their export base. With an increasing need for passenger vehicles in the nation, together with recent incentives for electric vehicles (EV), the country becomes one of the blooming locations for car exports from China.
But Indonesia has a number of overlapping and complicated import requirements: from vehicle age restrictions, to emissions levels, and down to detailed customs compliance. This blog will detail the full step by step process from A to Z when exporting cars from China to Indonesia, including, but not limited, to all aspects of documents, shipping, taxes and risks of clearance.
1. Understanding Indonesia’s Vehicle Import Policy
Before initiating the export process, it’s crucial to understand Indonesia’s automotive import regulations:
Vehicle Age Limit: Only new vehicles are permitted. Used vehicle imports are generally banned, with very few exceptions for special purposes or government use.
Left-Hand Drive: Indonesia mandates right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles only. LHD vehicles must undergo special approval or conversion prior to registration.
Emission Standard: All imported vehicles must comply with Euro 4 or above, per Indonesian Ministry of Environment regulations.
EV Incentives: As of 2024, Indonesia provides significant tariff and tax reductions for electric vehicles, especially if the exporter partners with local assembly plans under the government’s EV roadmap.
2. Pre-Export Preparation in China
Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Purpose |
| Commercial Invoice | Must include vehicle type, HS code, VIN, value (in USD), and buyer/seller info |
| Packing List | Container number, loading method, dimensions, weight |
| Bill of Lading (B/L) | Issued by shipping line; essential for customs release |
| Certificate of Origin (COO) | Required to benefit from ASEAN-China FTA tariff concessions (Form E or general CO) |
| Vehicle COC Certificate | Confirms technical compliance with emissions and safety standards |
| Export License | Required for some vehicle categories (apply via China’s Ministry of Commerce) |
| Sales Contract | Dual language (English-Chinese), signed and stamped |
Note: All documents must be translated into Bahasa Indonesia or English, and legalized if requested by Indonesian authorities.
3. Shipping to Indonesia: Best Routes & Tips
Logistics Options
20ft/40ft Containers: Suitable for high-value or modified vehicles, providing better protection
Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off): Lower cost, ideal for large volumes, but less secure and exposed to elements
Recommended Routes
| Port in China | Transit Time | Destination Port in Indonesia |
| Shanghai | 10–15 days | Jakarta (Tanjung Priok Port) |
| Guangzhou | 10–12 days | Surabaya (Tanjung Perak Port) |
| Tianjin | 15–18 days | Batam or Belawan (for West Indonesia) |
Insurance is strongly advised, especially during monsoon seasons when container damage risk increases.
4. Indonesia Customs Clearance Process
A. Pre-Arrival Declaration
All importers must submit a PIB (Import Declaration Form) electronically through Indonesia’s INSW (Indonesia National Single Window) platform at least 7 days before ETA. Required digital uploads include:
Invoice
Packing list
COO
Vehicle data sheet
HS code confirmation
Failure to submit on time may result in cargo holds or delays.
B. Duties and Taxes (2024 Updated Rates)
| Fee Type | Rate | Notes |
| Import Duty | 10%–80% | Based on vehicle type and engine capacity |
| VAT (PPN) | 11% | Applied to CIF + Duty |
| Luxury Goods Tax (PPnBM) | 10%–125% | For high-displacement engines, sedans, and high-performance cars |
| Excise | Varies | Applicable to certain categories (hybrids, limousines) |
Electric vehicles (EVs) can benefit from reduced or exempted duties, subject to participation in local assembly or distribution plans.
C. Customs Inspection & Release
Indonesia Customs (DJBC) may randomly inspect shipments. Focus points include:
VIN and engine number matching with documents
Physical vehicle condition
Emissions and safety equipment compliance
Presence of required equipment (tool kits, spare tire, manuals)
To avoid demurrage fees, clearance must be completed within 5–7 working days of arrival.
5. Common Pitfalls & Avoidance Strategies
| Issue | Risk | Mitigation |
| Importing LHD vehicles | Registration denied | Export only RHD vehicles |
| Missing PIB/INSW entry | Delay of up to 2 weeks | Hire licensed Indonesian agent for pre-submission |
| Under-invoicing | Fines and blacklist | Declare minimum 70–80% of true CIF value |
| Untranslated documents | Clearance delay | Use certified translation + consular notarization |
| Exceeding age limits | Confiscation | Ship only new (unused) vehicles |
6. Post-Clearance Requirements in Indonesia
After successful customs clearance:
Register vehicle with Samsat Office (Regional Vehicle Tax Office)
Apply for STNK (Vehicle Registration Certificate) and TNKB (Number Plate)
Obtain Mandatory Insurance (Jasa Raharja) before legal driving
7. Auto From China: Your Reliable Export Partner for the Indonesian Market
Auto From China supports clients exporting vehicles from China to Southeast Asia, with special focus on complex markets like Indonesia. Whether you’re dealing with fuel vehicles or EVs, we ensure a seamless export experience with:
Complete document preparation
Indonesia PVoC and KEBS pre-inspection coordination
Customs code classification
Containerized or Ro-Ro transport
Right-hand drive conversions and compliance advice
EV charger export and port compatibility (GBT to Type 2)
Start Your Vehicle Export Journey to Indonesia
Ready to ship models like AION Y Plus, BYD Dolphin, Wuling Air EV, or compact fuel-efficient sedans?
Contact Auto From China for a full quotation, HS code classification, customs strategy, and end-to-end support to Jakarta, Surabaya, or Batam.
Your trusted one-stop vehicle export solution across ASEAN.
