Endang Mulyani, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has revised its import policy through Trade Minister Regulation (Permendag) No. 18 of 2026, refining procedures for surveyor reports, import approval validation, reporting obligations, and the resolution of import bottlenecks.
"The amendment is expected to improve the effectiveness of import services, provide greater legal certainty for businesses, and strengthen regulatory oversight," Imports Director Andri Gilang Nugraha said during a livestream hosted by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade on Monday.
The regulation introduces four key changes: allowing the issuance of Surveyor Reports (LS) after the expiration of Import Approvals (PI) for imports requiring both documents; introducing validation requirements between Import Approval numbers used in Import Declarations (PIB) and those stated in Surveyor Reports; adjusting sanctions for importers that fail to submit import realization reports; and strengthening provisions to resolve obstacles affecting the smooth flow of imported goods.
"The first three provisions will take effect 30 days after the regulation comes into force, on July 4, 2026. The fourth provision took effect on the enactment date, June 4, 2026," Andri said.
Issuance of surveyor reports after import approval expiration
The government said the revision to Article 29 is intended to give importers greater certainty when processing imported goods. Previously, some importers faced problems when their Import Approvals (PI) expired before all administrative paperwork had been finalized, even though inspections had already been completed and the goods had already arrived in Indonesia.
Under the new regulation, Surveyor Reports (LS) can still be issued after an Import Approval expires, provided the inspection or verification process was completed before the permit expired and the goods had already arrived at the destination port.
Validation of import approval and surveyor report data
Amendments to Article 31 introduce a new validation mechanism between Import Approvals (PI) and Surveyor Reports (LS) to improve data consistency across government systems.
The Trade Ministry said authorities previously found discrepancies between Import Approval numbers listed in Surveyor Reports and those used in customs import declarations, creating obstacles during the validation process. Under the new regulation, the Import Approval number and date used in both documents must match and be traceable across systems.
The validation mechanism for import documents will take effect on July 4, 2026.
Adjustments to sanctions for import reporting
Articles 69 and 70 introduce stricter sanctions for importers that fail to submit import realization reports, which the government uses to monitor imported goods and evaluate trade policies.
Under the new regulation, importers that fail to submit the required reports within 30 days after receiving an electronic warning may face administrative sanctions, including the suspension of existing Import Approvals within the same commodity category.
According to the Trade Ministry, the tougher sanctions are intended to improve compliance and ensure the government has more accurate import data to support policymaking and regulatory oversight.
Resolving obstacles to the flow of imported goods
Article 91A expands the government's authority to intervene when problems disrupt the flow of imported goods, particularly in situations involving national interests, public welfare, government priority programs, or presidential directives.
Under the provision, the government may introduce exemptions or special measures to help maintain the supply of goods and prevent disruptions to trade and logistics. Such decisions must be coordinated through meetings led by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, or a special task force established by the President.
According to the Trade Ministry, the provision is intended to allow the government to respond more quickly to supply chain disruptions and national needs while supporting strategic government programs and maintaining the availability of essential goods.