September 08, 2025
Exporters need a thorough understanding of customs clearance when exporting textiles from Indonesia. Efficient clearance ensures compliance, timely delivery, and reduces the risk of penalties or delays.
Since the 1960s, Indonesia’s textile industry has experienced steady growth. As of February 2025, Tech In Asia reported textile and clothing exports reached US$1.02 billion, up 1.41 percent from January. In 2025, the global sector employed approximately 430 million workers, demonstrating a significant worldwide impact (Uniform Market, 2025).
Indonesia's textile industry is increasingly competitive globally. However, to penetrate international markets, textile businesses must have a thorough understanding of administrative processes, including customs clearance completed, which is a crucial aspect of the exporting process. Therefore, this article will discuss the practical steps involved in customs clearance when exporting textile products from Indonesia. Stay tuned!
Indonesia’s textile (TPT) industry faces complex export customs challenges that reduce competitiveness, such as:
Differences in the regulations of destination countries complicate textile classification and customs compliance. Navigating these challenges requires substantial knowledge and coordination with customs agents.
Complex procedures and documentation errors hinder textile exports. Issues include inaccurate Import Declarations (PIB), electronic system failures, and delays in document verification.
Rupiah fluctuations and shifting tariffs, such as new import or anti-dumping duties, directly affect textile export costs.
Indonesia’s textile industry faces intense competition from countries with more efficient processes and lower costs. To compete, exporters must address tariffs and maintain high-quality standards.
Limited transport and port infrastructure raise export costs and delivery times, complicating customs and reducing competitiveness.
In 2023, according to calculations by the Indonesian Filament Fiber and Yarn Producers Association (APSyFi), illegal textile imports reached 300-400 thousand tons per year, valued at Rp 35 trillion, with 1,400 containers entering through major ports on the islands of Java and Sumatra (CNBC Indonesia, 2023). As a result, by 2024, many domestic textile industries collapsed and carried out mass layoffs.
According to data from the Kompas.id website, at least 72,000 containers of illegal textiles from China have entered Indonesia over the last five years, resulting in the state suffering losses of up to Rp 46 trillion. This has also sparked disappointment with Customs and the Ministry of Trade, which are considered to have been less than optimal in addressing this issue.
Illegal textile imports are expected to continue posing a significant challenge to the Indonesian textile industry through 2025. These imports pose a threat to the long-term viability of domestic manufacturers and result in substantial economic losses for the country. The situation is further complicated by the reported involvement of specific individuals in enabling these unlawful activities.
Overcoming these challenges requires planned strategies and cooperation among exporters, the government, and customs to ensure textile export clearance runs efficiently.
Indonesia’s textile export clearance involves administrative steps and inspections completed before goods leave ports or airports, ensuring compliance with state regulations. Steps include:
Exporters must register with Customs to obtain a Customs Identification Number (NIK) and acquire the required textile licenses, including a Certificate of Origin.
Exporters prepare the primary documents, including the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and other required documentation for textile regulations.
Export documents are submitted electronically. Officials verify them and may inspect goods or collect samples for testing.
Once verified, exporters are required to pay duties and fees. After payment, Customs releases the goods for shipping.
Customs may conduct audits after clearance to verify compliance. Discrepancies can result in fines or action.
Frequently forgetting to check HS Codes can lead to errors in textile import classification, compromising accuracy and customs compliance.
The Harmonized System or HS Code for textile products falls under Section XI, which covers Textiles and Textile Articles, including Chapters 61 to 63. Chapter 61 covers knitted or crocheted garments and accessories. Chapter 62 covers non-knitted clothes and accessories. Chapter 63 covers other textile items, such as linen, household furnishings, sets, and used clothing.
To verify the official HS Code for textile products, visit the Indonesian Directorate General of Customs and Excise website and access the Indonesian Customs Tariff Book (BTKI) by searching for the product description or keyword in the tariff lookup tool. Alternatively, use the Indonesian National Single Window (INSW) website to search the national and international HS Code database using relevant product details.
Textile exporters must ensure documents are complete and accurate to prevent customs clearance delays. Errors or non-compliance can result in delays, additional costs, or export cancellations. To help:
Following these standards helps exporters minimize delays and costs, thereby enhancing their efficiency and international competitiveness.
References:
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