Indonesia officially entered a new phase of trade regulation on 1 January 2026. With the enactment of Permendag No. 47 Tahun 2025, the government introduced a refreshed framework of Import Prohibitions in 2026 that directly affects how goods can be brought into the country. While the regulation applies broadly to all importers, its impact is particularly significant for new companies, including foreign investors setting up a PT PMA, startups preparing for their first imports, and businesses in the early stages of company incorporation and company registration.
For new market entrants, Indonesia’s regulatory environment can already feel complex. The introduction of stricter and more explicit import prohibitions adds another layer of compliance that must be addressed early—often before a company becomes operational. Understanding how Import Prohibitions in 2026 work, and how they interact with licensing, customs, and corporate structuring, is now a critical part of doing business in Indonesia.
Why Indonesia Introduced New Import Prohibitions in 2026
The legal foundation of the Import Prohibitions in 2026 lies in the government’s assessment that previous rules on prohibited imports were no longer aligned with current legal, economic, and policy developments. Permendag 47/2025 formally revoked earlier regulations on prohibited imports and replaced them with a clearer and more comprehensive framework.
The objectives behind the new prohibitions include strengthening protection for public health, safeguarding the environment, ensuring consistency with customs law, and supporting domestic industries. Importantly, the regulation reflects a shift toward preventive control, meaning prohibited goods are restricted before they enter Indonesia or its special zones, rather than being addressed only after arrival.
For new companies, this policy shift means compliance planning must begin far earlier than before—often at the business planning or incorporation stage.
What Are the Import Prohibitions in 2026?
Under Permendag 47/2025, the government establishes a definitive list of goods that are completely prohibited from import. These prohibitions apply universally, including imports into Indonesia’s customs territory and special facilities.
The categories of prohibited goods include, among others:
- Sugar and rice
- Ozone-depleting substances
- Used clothing, used bags, and used sacks
- Certain cooling systems and cooling-based electronics
- Specific pharmaceutical and food-related materials
- Hazardous and toxic materials (B3)
- Registered waste, both hazardous and non-hazardous
- Finished hand tools
- Medical devices containing mercury
The technical scope of each category is further detailed in the annex of the regulation, which uses product classifications to determine applicability.
Why Import Prohibitions in 2026 Matter More for New Companies
Established companies often have compliance teams, historical import data, and established supplier relationships. New companies, on the other hand, frequently begin operations while still completing company registration, licensing, and operational setup.
This is where Import Prohibitions in 2026 pose heightened risk.
New companies may unknowingly structure their business model around raw materials, components, or equipment that fall under prohibited categories. Once a company is incorporated and capital is committed, adjusting supply chains can become costly and disruptive.
For foreign investors forming a PT PMA, import restrictions can directly affect:
- Feasibility of the business plan
- Choice of suppliers
- Equipment procurement
- Timeline to operational readiness
In many cases, import compliance issues emerge only after incorporation, when goods are ready to be shipped—by then, options are limited.
Import Prohibitions and Company Incorporation Planning
One of the most overlooked aspects of company incorporation in Indonesia is the relationship between corporate structure and operational compliance. While incorporation establishes legal presence, it does not automatically authorize all types of business activities or imports.
Under the Import Prohibitions in 2026, new companies must ensure that:
- Their intended business activities align with permitted imports
- Their HS classifications are reviewed before sourcing goods
- Import restrictions are assessed alongside licensing requirements
For PT PMA entities, this assessment is particularly important because foreign-owned companies often rely on imported machinery, materials, or components during the early stages of operation.
PT PMA, Company Registration, and Import Compliance
During company registration, businesses focus heavily on obtaining a Business Identification Number (NIB), business licenses, and sectoral approvals. However, import compliance under Permendag 47/2025 operates independently from corporate registration status.
In other words, being legally registered does not grant any exception from the Import Prohibitions in 2026.
New PT PMA companies must therefore integrate import compliance into:
- Corporate structuring decisions
- Capital investment planning
- Vendor and supplier contracts
Failure to do so can result in shipments being rejected, detained, or ordered for re-export—often before the company has begun generating revenue.
Are There Any Exceptions for New Companies?
Permendag 47/2025 provides only limited and narrowly defined exceptions.
The main exception applies to the re-importation of goods previously exported from Indonesia, provided all customs requirements are met. This exception is generally irrelevant for new companies that have not yet conducted exports.
A separate transitional provision applies only to specific cooling-system goods shipped before the regulation took effect and arriving no later than 31 January 2026. This is a one-time, time-bound relief and should not be relied upon for long-term planning.
For most new companies, there are no special exemptions simply because the business is newly incorporated.
Enforcement Risks Under Import Prohibitions in 2026
Violations of Import Prohibitions in 2026 expose companies to sanctions under customs and trade laws. These risks are particularly serious for new companies that may not yet have compliance infrastructure in place.
Potential consequences include:
- Refusal of import clearance
- Mandatory re-export or destruction of goods
- Administrative penalties
- Delays to operational launch
- Increased scrutiny in future licensing or import applications
For startups and newly incorporated PT PMA entities, even a single enforcement issue can significantly disrupt early-stage operations.
Strategic Considerations for New Market Entrants
For new companies entering Indonesia in 2026 and beyond, Import Prohibitions in 2026 must be treated as a strategic consideration, not a technical footnote.
Effective approaches include:
- Conducting import feasibility reviews before company incorporation
- Aligning business models with permitted goods and materials
- Structuring supplier contracts with regulatory flexibility
- Seeking professional guidance during company registration and licensing
By integrating import compliance early, new companies can avoid costly restructuring later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Import Prohibitions in 2026 apply to newly incorporated companies?
Yes. The prohibitions apply equally to all companies, regardless of whether they are newly incorporated or long-established.
Does forming a PT PMA provide any exemption from import bans?
No. PT PMA status does not create any exemption from Import Prohibitions in 2026.
Can prohibited goods be imported temporarily for testing or setup?
No. The regulation does not provide exceptions for testing, trial use, or temporary imports of prohibited goods.
When did the new import prohibitions take effect?
The Import Prohibitions in 2026 took effect on 1 January 2026.
Conclusion: Import Prohibitions as a Foundational Business Issue
Indonesia’s Import Prohibitions in 2026 represent more than a trade policy update. They reshape how new companies must approach market entry, supply-chain planning, and compliance.
For businesses undergoing company incorporation or company registration—especially foreign investors establishing a PT PMA—the regulation underscores a simple truth: import compliance is no longer a downstream concern. It is a foundational element of business planning in Indonesia.
Companies that recognize this early are far better positioned to enter the market smoothly and sustainably.
Navigating Import Prohibitions in 2026 while managing company incorporation, company registration, and PT PMA establishment can be challenging—especially for new market entrants.
CPT Corporate supports businesses by:
- Advising on import feasibility under Permendag 47/2025
- Integrating import compliance into company incorporation planning
- Assisting with PT PMA setup and regulatory alignment
- Helping new companies avoid costly compliance missteps
If you are planning to establish a business in Indonesia in 2026 or beyond, now is the time to ensure your import strategy is aligned with the new rules.
Contact CPT Corporate to start your business in Indonesia with clarity, compliance, and confidence.
