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Shipping boxes to and from Indonesia

Indonesia taxes almost every parcel from abroad, so it pays to know the rules before you pack. Above USD 3, most goods pay a flat 7.5% import duty plus 11% VAT, up to USD 1,500, and imports of used clothing are banned. Every consignment note needs the receiver's tax number, NIK, or passport number. People moving to Indonesia can bring used household goods free of duty, though VAT and income tax still apply.

Typical transit: 2-4 business days from elsewhere in Asia; 4-7 from Australia, Europe, or North America
Currency: IDR
Duty-free up to: USD 3 FOB (about IDR 53,000), and only for import duty
Receiver ID: NPWP, NIK, or passport number

Price a shipment to Indonesia

From

Boxes

Weight each (lb)

Box size

Choose where it's from and where it's going.

What it costs to ship boxes from the US to Indonesia

1 medium box (16 × 16 × 16 in, 20 lb)$186.08delivered in 4 to 7 business days
5 medium boxes (30 lb each)$930.38 totalabout $186.08 a box

Includes pickup at your door, express delivery, fuel and prepared customs paperwork. Import duties and taxes, if any, are set by Indonesia and paid by the receiver. Prices updated November 2, 2026.

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Sending to Indonesia

Duties and taxes1 2 4 7 8

Duty-free threshold: 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.
Import tax: VAT (PPN) at 12% on a tax base of 11/12 of the import value, which works out to 11% for everyday goods. Luxury goods subject to luxury-goods tax pay the full 12%. Import income tax (PPh) is not charged on consignments up to USD 1,500, except 5% on the cosmetics, watch, iron or steel, bag, textile, footwear, and bicycle groups. Above USD 1,500, standard tariff rates and the normal import taxes apply.
How value is worked out: The USD 3 and USD 1,500 limits are FOB values: the goods only, without shipping. The consignment note also records freight and insurance, and duty is normally worked out on the CIF value (goods plus shipping and insurance). VAT is then charged on that value plus duty. Declare an honest second-hand value for used items and describe each one clearly. Customs can ask for proof of value and set its own value and tariff. Foreign currency is converted at the weekly exchange rate set by the Ministry of Finance, which runs Wednesday to Tuesday. For September 23-29, 2026, USD 1 was IDR 17,707.
Who pays: Shipments are sent DAP. The receiver pays any duties and taxes before or on delivery. The courier pays customs on the receiver's behalf and bills them, and may add a clearance fee. Customs never asks for payment into a personal bank account.
Moving there?: People moving to Indonesia can import used household goods (barang pindahan) free of import duty under PMK 25/2025, but import VAT and income tax still apply. Indonesians qualify after living abroad for at least 12 months in a row, for work, study, or other reasons. Foreigners qualify when they come to work or study and live in Indonesia. The goods must be household items you used abroad, shipped from the country you lived in, arriving with you or within 90 days before or after you. Motor vehicles, boats, aircraft and their parts, excise goods such as alcohol and tobacco, and unusual quantities are excluded.

Worked example

Illustrative: a box of toys, board games, and a small kitchen appliance worth USD 300 FOB, with USD 60 of freight and insurance. Assumes duty and VAT are worked out on the CIF value of USD 360 (about IDR 6.37 million) and that nothing in the box falls in a special-rate group.

Duty: 7.5% x USD 360 = USD 27. VAT: 12% x 11/12 x (USD 360 + USD 27) = 11% x USD 387 = USD 42.57. No import income tax up to USD 1,500. Total USD 69.57.

About USD 70 (about IDR 1.23 million at IDR 17,707 per USD), plus any courier fee. New bags, shoes, or clothing in the same box would pay 25% duty plus 5% income tax instead.

How customs clearance works in Indonesia1 2

The courier acts as the receiver's customs broker. It files a consignment note (CN) for each shipment up to USD 1,500 FOB, customs or its computer system sets the duty and taxes, and a release approval (SPPBMCP) follows. The courier pays a consolidated bill and collects it from the receiver. Above USD 1,500, or when someone claims moving relief, a PIBK import declaration is filed instead, and the receiver can authorize the courier to file it.

Formal entry: Over USD 1,500 FOB (about IDR 26.6 million): a PIBK declaration for private receivers, or a full PIB import declaration for businesses, with standard tariff rates. Any shipment claiming duty-free moving relief also needs a PIBK.
How long it takes: Often 1-3 business days after arrival when the receiver's ID number and a clear contents list are in order. It takes longer if customs asks for data or documents, inspects the box, or needs a BPOM or quarantine clearance first. Duty bills issued to the courier are due within 3 days.
Inspections: Customs checks consignments selectively, based on risk, and scans them. It opens a box when the scan or other information suggests the contents don't match the consignment note or break import rules, or when the description or value is unclear. The courier opens and repacks the box as the receiver's representative. Customs can also ask for invoices, proof of payment, or permits before release.
If duties go unpaid: Consignments not cleared within 30 days of storage at the customs temporary storage facility are declared uncontrolled goods (barang tidak dikuasai). With customs approval, a courier shipment can be sent back abroad only if it was sent in error, is damaged, or can't legally be imported. A box that needs a permit stays in customs until the receiver provides it.

Moving to Indonesia: claiming duty relief2 4

01
Check you qualify
Indonesians need at least 12 months in a row living abroad, for work, study, or other reasons. Foreigners must be coming to work or study and live in Indonesia.
02
Get the moving certificate
You need a moving certificate (surat keterangan pindah) in the official format. Indonesians abroad can ask their Indonesian embassy or consulate how to get one.
03
Time the shipment
The goods must arrive with you or within 90 days before or after your arrival, and ship from the country where you lived. Goods that arrive later can lose the duty exemption.
04
File the PIBK declaration
An electronic PIBK import declaration goes to the customs office where the goods arrive, with a copy of your passport, the moving certificate, proof you qualify, and any permits for restricted items. You can authorize the courier to file it for you.
05
Pay VAT and income tax
Import duty is waived, but import VAT and income tax still apply. Vehicles, boats, excise goods such as alcohol and tobacco, and unusual quantities are not covered.
06
Inspection and release
Customs may inspect the boxes and ask for more documents, then releases them once taxes are paid.

Documents to have ready2 4 9

The receiver's NPWP tax number, or NIK (Indonesian citizens) or passport number (foreigners)
The receiver's phone number and full address
An itemized list of contents with a fair value for each item
The IMEI of any phone, tablet, or handheld computer in the box
Invoices or proof of value, if customs sends a request for data or documents
A doctor's prescription for any medicine
For people moving: a copy of your passport, the moving certificate (surat keterangan pindah) in the official format, proof you qualify, and permits for any restricted items

NPWP, NIK, or passport number: 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. We ask for it during booking.

Onvoyo prepares the commercial invoice from your contents list. You print three copies, sign them, and send them with your boxes.

Official forms2 3 4 5

Consignment note (CN) (opens in a new tab)
The customs declaration the courier files for each shipment up to USD 1,500 FOB, with the receiver's ID number, values, and any IMEIs.
PIBK import declaration (opens in a new tab)
Declaration for private receivers' shipments over USD 1,500 FOB, and for claiming duty-free moving relief on household goods.
Surat keterangan pindah (moving certificate) (opens in a new tab)
Certificate in the official format that people moving to Indonesia attach to the PIBK for household goods.
Export consignment note (CN) or PEB (opens in a new tab)
Export declaration for personal shipments: a CN for individuals' shipments up to 30 kg, and a PEB (Pemberitahuan Ekspor Barang) for heavier ones.
Customs Declaration (travelers) (opens in a new tab)
Arrival declaration for travelers' goods, used to declare goods over the duty-free limit and cash of IDR 100 million or more.

What you can pack, category by category1 2 6 9 10

What you can pack, by category
Category	Status	What to know
Clothing and shoesMore on clothes	Conditions	New clothing is allowed but pays 25% duty, 5% income tax, and VAT in consignments up to USD 1,500. Used clothing is a banned import and customs applies the ban to parcels. If you're moving, confirm with customs before packing worn clothes.
Books and papersMore on books	Allowed	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.
ElectronicsMore on electronics	Conditions	Most electronics pay 7.5% duty plus VAT up to USD 1,500. The consignment note must list the IMEI of any phone, tablet, or handheld computer. Keep batteries installed in the device.
MedicationMore on medicine	Conditions	Only with a doctor's prescription, up to 90 days of treatment. No narcotics, and psychotropic medicines can't come by parcel.
FoodMore on food	Conditions	Sealed, processed food up to 5 kg per sender or receiver. Animal, fish, and plant products need a health certificate from the country of origin, or quarantine may destroy them. No fresh or raw food.
Cosmetics and toiletriesMore on cosmetics	Conditions	Up to 20 pieces per sender or receiver. They pay 15% duty and 5% income tax plus VAT in consignments up to USD 1,500. No aerosols or nail polish.
Alcohol and tobaccoMore on alcohol or tobacco	Not allowed	Excise-free only up to 350 ml of alcohol or 40 cigarettes per receiver per shipment, customs destroys any excess, and express carriers generally refuse them. Don't pack them.
Sports and outdoor gearMore on sports and outdoor gear	Conditions	Bicycles and e-bikes pay 25% duty plus 5% income tax, and so do sports shoes and sportswear. Other gear usually pays 7.5%. Clean off soil and leave out fuel canisters.
Children's items and toysMore on toys and baby gear	Conditions	Toys pay the standard 7.5% duty plus VAT in consignments up to USD 1,500, but children's clothes and shoes pay 25%. Remove loose batteries.
Documents and photosMore on documents and photos	Allowed	Letters, postcards, and documents are free of duty and import tax. Declare photo albums and other keepsakes clearly.
Other	Conditions	Bags and luggage pay 25% duty, and watches and iron or steel goods 15%, both with 5% income tax. Plants, seeds, and animal products need quarantine certificates. Unusual quantities look commercial.

Quantity limits1 2 5 9

Quantity limits for Indonesia
Item	Limit
Consignments up to USD 3	No import duty, but VAT still applies. Letters, postcards, and documents are free of duty and import tax.
Alcohol in a shipment	Up to 350 ml per receiver per shipment is free of excise. Customs destroys any excess, and express carriers generally refuse alcohol.
Tobacco in a shipment	Up to 40 cigarettes, 5 cigars, or 40 g of cut tobacco per receiver per shipment is free of excise. Customs destroys any excess.
Medicines in a shipment	Up to 90 days of treatment, with a doctor's prescription.
Cosmetics, supplements, and food in a shipment	Cosmetics up to 20 pieces, traditional medicines and supplements up to 5 pieces per type, and processed food up to 5 kg, per sender or receiver.
Traveler duty-free (travelers only)	USD 500 per person per arrival, plus 1 liter of alcohol for travelers 21 and over and 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 100 g of tobacco for travelers 18 and over. These don't apply to boxes sent separately.
Cash (travelers only)	Cash or other payment instruments worth IDR 100 million (about $5,650) or more must be declared to customs on arrival. Never pack cash in a box.

What you can't send to Indonesia1 2 5 6 9 10

Not allowed

Aerosols, spray cans, and compressed gas cylinders
Flammable liquids and solids: fuel, lighter fluid, paint, nail polish, matches
Loose or spare lithium batteries and power banks not installed in a device
Cash, gift cards, checks, and other negotiable items
Firearms, ammunition, replicas, and weapon parts
Perishable food, and meat, dairy, or fresh produce
Cannabis, CBD, and THC products, even where they are legal at origin
Used clothing (pakaian bekas), which Indonesia bans as an import
Narcotics, and psychotropic medicines, which can't be sent by parcel
Waste and ozone-depleting substances

Allowed with conditions

Medicines: Allowed only with a doctor's prescription, and no more than 90 days of treatment, under BPOM rules. Narcotics are banned, and psychotropic medicines can't come by parcel.
Traditional (herbal) medicines and health supplements: Up to 5 pieces per type, per sender or receiver.
Cosmetics: Up to 20 pieces per sender or receiver. In consignments up to USD 1,500 they pay 15% duty and 5% income tax, plus VAT.
Processed food: Up to 5 kg per sender or receiver under BPOM rules. Send it sealed and labeled.
Animal, fish, and plant products, such as seeds, herbs, and dried meat or fish: Need a health certificate from the country of origin and must be reported to the quarantine agency (Barantin). Products that arrive without one are held and can be destroyed.
Alcohol and tobacco: Excise-free only up to 350 ml of alcohol, or 40 cigarettes, 5 cigars, or 40 g of tobacco, per receiver per shipment. Customs destroys any excess. Express carriers generally refuse them.
Phones, tablets, and handheld computers: The consignment note must show each device's IMEI. A phone that will use an Indonesian mobile network also needs its IMEI registered, so check with the courier first.
Used personal belongings: Customs applies Indonesia's import bans and restrictions to parcels, and used clothing is banned outright. People moving can clear used household goods under the moving rules. If you're not moving, check with Bravo Bea Cukai before you send your own used things.
Shipments over USD 1,500 FOB: Cleared on a PIBK declaration (a full PIB for businesses) at standard tariff rates, plus VAT and import income tax.

Sending from Indonesia

Shipping boxes out of Indonesia1 3

Sending your own belongings out of Indonesia by express courier is simple. For individuals, shipments up to 30 kg go out on a consignment note (CN) that the courier files; heavier ones may need a full export declaration (PEB). You count as the exporter, and goods on the trade ministry's export ban or restriction lists need a permit, even in a non-commercial parcel.

Documents

An itemized packing list with a fair value for each item
The sender's ID (KTP or passport)
A permit or exemption letter from the relevant agency for any export-restricted item
Receipts for crafts, jewelry, or artworks bought in Indonesia

Can't leave the country

Goods on the trade ministry's export ban or restriction lists need a permit or exemption letter, even as samples or non-commercial parcels
Antiques and objects that may be cultural heritage (cagar budaya) may need government permission to leave Indonesia
Protected wildlife and products made from it, such as coral or turtle shell, may be banned from export or need permits
Couriers will not carry cash or negotiable items

Before pickup

Shipping more than 30 kg? Ask the courier whether it will file a consignment note or a full export declaration.
Personal parcels worth up to IDR 2.5 million (about $140) per person per shipment are exempt from export duty.
Leave antiques, fossils, coral, and wildlife products out unless you have the permits.
Check the destination's rules for food, herbal remedies, and wooden crafts before you pack.

Addresses, delivery and timing

Writing the address

Write the street (Jalan, or Jl.) and house number, the RT/RW neighborhood numbers, then the kelurahan or desa, the kecamatan, the city or regency, the province, and the 5-digit postal code. Add a landmark outside big cities, and always include a mobile number.

Budi ContohJl. Contoh Raya No. 12, RT 003/RW 005Kelurahan Contoh, Kecamatan Kebayoran BaruJakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta 12160Indonesia+62 812 0000 0000

Example only; not a real address.

Delivery coverage

Fastest to: Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, Semarang, Denpasar, Makassar, Batam.

Remote areas: Papua, Maluku, East and West Nusa Tenggara, inland Kalimantan and Sulawesi, and small islands can add several days and a remote-area surcharge.

Greater Jakarta and Surabaya get the fastest service. A landmark and a working mobile number help the courier find rural addresses.

When things slow down

The weeks around Idul Fitri (Lebaran) are the slowest time of year, with collective leave days and heavy courier volume before and after. Christmas and New Year, Chinese New Year, and Nyepi, when Bali's airport closes for a day, also cause delays.

Advice for your situation

Students

Indonesian students coming home after 12 months or more abroad, and foreign students coming to study and live in Indonesia, can claim duty-free moving relief for used household goods. VAT and income tax still apply, and the goods must arrive within 90 days of you.

Returning home

Indonesians returning after at least 12 months abroad for work, study, or other reasons can bring used household goods free of import duty. Ship them from the country you lived in, within 90 days before or after you arrive. Families can also bring home the household goods of an Indonesian who died abroad, within 90 days of the death.

Expats and relocations

Foreigners coming to work and live in Indonesia qualify for the same moving relief. Keep your passport and moving certificate handy, and budget for VAT and income tax, which are not waived. Cars and motorbikes are not covered by the relief.

Tips for a smooth delivery

Get the receiver's NPWP, NIK, or passport number before you book. Every consignment note needs it.
List every item with an honest value. Unclear descriptions or values are a common trigger for inspection and document requests.
Leave worn clothes out of ordinary parcels. Indonesia bans used-clothing imports.
Moving there? Ship from the country you lived in, time it to land within 90 days of your arrival, and budget for VAT and income tax.
Send medicine only with a prescription, and no more than 90 days' supply.
Pay only the courier's official bill. Customs never asks for payment into a personal bank account.

Shipping to and from Indonesia: questions

Is there a duty-free limit for parcels to Indonesia?

Only for import duty, and only up to USD 3 FOB. VAT of 11% still applies. From USD 3 to USD 1,500, most goods pay a flat 7.5% duty plus VAT, and some groups, such as clothing, shoes, bags, and cosmetics, pay more.

Why does the courier need my NIK or passport number?

Customs requires the receiver's NPWP tax number on every consignment note. If you don't have one, Indonesians give their NIK and foreigners their passport number.

Can I send used clothes to Indonesia?

Indonesia bans imports of used clothing, and customs applies the ban to parcels, so don't send worn clothes in an ordinary box. If you're moving, ask customs how clothing in your household goods will be treated before you ship. New clothing pays 25% duty plus 5% income tax and VAT.

Can I bring my household goods duty-free when moving to Indonesia?

Yes, if you are an Indonesian returning after 12 months or more abroad, or a foreigner coming to work or study and live in Indonesia. The goods must arrive within 90 days before or after you. Import duty is waived, but VAT and income tax still apply.

Can I send medicine to Indonesia?

Yes, with a doctor's prescription and no more than 90 days of treatment. Narcotics are banned, and psychotropic medicines can't come by parcel.

How long does shipping boxes to Indonesia take?

Express door to door usually takes 2-4 business days from elsewhere in Asia and 4-7 from Australia, Europe, or North America, plus customs time.

What can't I send to Indonesia?

Used clothing, narcotics, waste, and ozone-depleting substances are banned imports, and couriers refuse aerosols, flammables, loose batteries, weapons, and cash. Animal, fish, and plant products need quarantine certificates, processed food is limited to 5 kg, and medicines need a prescription.

How do I ship boxes out of Indonesia?

Book an express courier and give a clear list with values. For individuals, shipments up to 30 kg go out on a consignment note the courier files. Items on the trade ministry's export ban or restriction lists need permits, even in personal boxes.

Official help in Indonesia

Bravo Bea Cukai (DJBC contact center) (opens in a new tab)
Call 1500225 (daily, 08:00-17:00 Western Indonesia Time), email bravobeacukai@kemenkeu.go.id, or use the web chat.

Official sources

Every section above is checked against these official pages. Rules change, and customs in Indonesia makes the final decision on every shipment. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

1.
Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai (DJBC)
Barang Kiriman (opens in a new tab)
Customs · checked September 26, 2026
2.
Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai (DJBC)
FAQ Barang Kiriman (opens in a new tab)
Customs · checked September 26, 2026
3.
Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai (DJBC)
FAQ Ekspor Barang Kiriman (opens in a new tab)
Customs · checked September 26, 2026
4.
Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai (DJBC)
Barang Pindahan (opens in a new tab)
Customs · checked September 26, 2026
5.
Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai (DJBC)
Barang Penumpang (opens in a new tab)
Customs · checked September 26, 2026
6.
Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai (DJBC)
Larangan Pembatasan (opens in a new tab)
Customs · checked September 26, 2026
7.
Direktorat Jenderal Pajak (DJP)
PMK 131/2024: Tarif PPN Sebelas-Dua Belas (opens in a new tab)
Tax authority · checked September 26, 2026
8.
Direktorat Jenderal Strategi Ekonomi dan Fiskal, Kementerian Keuangan
Kurs Pajak (opens in a new tab)
Government · checked September 26, 2026
9.
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)
Health regulator · checked September 26, 2026
10.
Badan Karantina Indonesia (Barantin)
Barantin Musnahkan 62,9 Ton Pangan Tidak Layak Konsumsi (opens in a new tab)
Biosecurity · checked September 26, 2026

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