Indonesia Strengthens Import Controls with Latest Regulation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Trade has disseminated Ministerial Regulation (Permendag) No. 18/2026, the second amendment to import policies and regulations. The regulation is designed to improve the effectiveness of import licensing services and provide legal certainty for businesses.

The online dissemination was held on June 15, 2026, attended by businesses, associations, surveyors, and representatives from relevant ministries and institutions. The regulation itself was promulgated on June 4, 2026.

“Minister of Trade Regulation No. 18/2026 refines import policies to ensure the smooth flow of goods and increase the effectiveness of licensing services. It enhances electronic system integration while maintaining oversight and compliance,” said Director General of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Tommy Andana, in Jakarta on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Director of Imports at the Ministry of Trade, Andri Gilang Nugraha, explained that the new regulation is the result of an evaluation of previous import policies. “The goal is to strengthen legal certainty, increase service effectiveness, and refine oversight mechanisms,” he said.

Andri emphasized that the regulation contains four main elements. One provision allows the issuance of Surveyor Reports (LS) after the Import Approval (PI) expires, provided the importer has met substantive requirements.

This measure provides legal certainty for importers who have completed verification or technical import tracing, although administrative processes still prevent the issuance of LS before the PI expires.

Other elements include strengthening data validation between the import approval number in the LS and the import notification (PIB) document. This step aims to prevent discrepancies and support electronic, system-based monitoring.

The government also adjusted sanctions for importers who fail to submit import realization reports. Under the new regulation, the government can suspend business permits for importing the same commodity under certain conditions.

Furthermore, the regulation establishes a mechanism to resolve obstacles to the smooth flow of imported goods. These provisions enable the government to respond more quickly to conditions related to national interests and government programs. (Misni Parjiati)