REGULATORY GUIDE

API-U and API-P: Understanding Importer Designations in Indonesia

API-U generally concerns imports for trading, while API-P concerns goods for the importer's own business under applicable rules.

AKSARA REGULATORY INSIGHTS · GENERAL GUIDE

01

Understand the business activity

API-U generally concerns imports for trading, while API-P concerns goods for the importer's own business under applicable rules.

02

Check company records

Distribution model, importer identity and purchased goods should be reviewed together.

03

Separate importer identity from product permits

Importer identity does not remove product-licensing, technical-document or reporting duties.

Note / Catatan

General guide; verify current requirements with competent authorities before relying on it.

Key issues and supporting evidence

API-U and API-P: Understanding Importer Designations in Indonesia

These checkpoints identify the specific evidence and questions that matter for this topic.

01

API-U generally concerns imports for trading, while API-P concerns goods for the importer's own business under applicable rules.

02

Distribution model, importer identity and purchased goods should be reviewed together.

03

Importer identity does not remove product-licensing, technical-document or reporting duties.

The distinction between importer designations depends on the actual purpose and post-import use of the goods. Review the importer’s KBLI, NIB and goods distribution model. A valid API designation does not eliminate the need to check PI, LS, SNI or other controls for the particular product.

Official sources to check

Before relying on a requirement, review the current regulation, its schedules and any product-specific provisions.

Permendag 16/2025 – Kebijakan dan Pengaturan Impor ↗Permendag 37/2025 – Perubahan Permendag 16/2025 ↗Permendag 18/2026 – Perubahan kedua Permendag 16/2025 ↗

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