Can I send books to Indonesia?
Allowed
Yes.
Books pay 0% duty and no income tax in consignments up to USD 1,500. Knowledge and educational books (buku ilmu pengetahuan) are also free of VAT; other books pay VAT.
Before you ship to Indonesia
- Tax-free limit
- USD 3 FOB (about IDR 53,000), and only for import duty. A consignment worth up to USD 3 pays no duty but still pays VAT. From USD 3 to USD 1,500 FOB (about IDR 26.6 million), most goods pay a flat 7.5% duty plus VAT, with no import income tax. Eight groups of goods have their own rates: books 0%; cosmetics, watches, and iron or steel goods 15%; and bags, textiles and clothing, footwear, and bicycles 25%. Letters, postcards, and documents are free of duty and import tax.
- Receiver ID
- NPWP, NIK, or passport number needed. Every consignment note must carry the receiver's tax number (NPWP). If the receiver doesn't have one, Indonesian citizens give their NIK (national ID number) and foreigners their passport number.
- Transit
- 2-4 business days from elsewhere in Asia; 4-7 from Australia, Europe, or North America
Questions
Can I send books to Indonesia?
Yes. Books pay 0% duty and no income tax in consignments up to USD 1,500. Knowledge and educational books (buku ilmu pengetahuan) are also free of VAT; other books pay VAT.
Ask about a specific item
Official sources
- 1.
Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai (DJBC)
FAQ Barang Kiriman (opens in a new tab) - 2.
Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai (DJBC)
Barang Kiriman (opens in a new tab) - 3.
Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan (BPOM)
Perkuat Pengawasan Obat dan Makanan Jalur Pribadi, BPOM Jajaki Digitalisasi dan Sinkronisasi Lintas Sektor (opens in a new tab) - 4.
Badan Karantina Indonesia (Barantin)
Barantin Musnahkan 62,9 Ton Pangan Tidak Layak Konsumsi (opens in a new tab) - 5.
Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai (DJBC)
Larangan Pembatasan (opens in a new tab)
General guidance, not legal advice. Customs in Indonesia makes the final decision on every box.