The PIB (Pemberitahuan Impor Barang) is the customs declaration for imported goods, filed in CEISA, the system of Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise. To file one online you need the commercial documents (invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill), the HS Code classification, the importer's data (NIB, NPWP, API), and a calculation of import duty, VAT and import income tax; you then enter and submit the data in CEISA to obtain an Aju (submission) number and complete clearance.
The PIB (Pemberitahuan Impor Barang, the import declaration) is the customs declaration you must file to bring goods into Indonesia. Since digitalization, the PIB is filed online through CEISA, the system of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) — from entering the document data and calculating the levies to obtaining the Aju (submission) number.
Many new importers ask how to file a PIB, which documents they need, and how long it takes. This article sums up the requirements, the documents, the import duty, VAT and income tax calculation, and the steps for filing a PIB online until the goods leave the port.
- The import declaration
- PIB
- The customs filing system
- CEISA
- Document submission number
- Aju
- Import duty, VAT & income tax calculated
- BM+PPN+PPh
What Is a PIB and Who Files It?
The PIB is the document carrying the information on imported goods — origin, value, HS Code and the levy calculation — on which the customs authority assesses import duty. The PIB is filed by the importer or by a licensed customs broker (PPJK) under the importer's power of attorney.
Requirements for Filing a PIB Online
Have valid importer data
An active business identification number (NIB, Nomor Induk Berusaha), tax number (NPWP) and Import Identification Number (API, Angka Pengenal Impor). Make sure your import licensing is in order — read how to become an importer if anything is missing.Gather complete commercial documents
The commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill from the exporter or shipper.Classify the correct HS Code
Every item must be classified under the right HS Code, because it decides the duty rate and whether the goods are restricted. Learn how in our complete guide to HS Codes.Calculate the levies
Calculate import duty, import VAT and Article 22 import income tax from the CIF value and the rates in force. See how to calculate import costs.Get access to CEISA
The PIB is filed through the customs authority's CEISA system, either directly or through a PPJK or integrated clearance software.
Documents Needed for a PIB
Commercial invoice
The exporter's basis for the value of the goods and the import duty calculation.Packing list
A list of the contents and packing details, used to match the quantity of goods.Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
The sea (B/L) or air (AWB) transport document that proves shipment.Restricted-goods permit (where applicable)
A permit or recommendation from the technical agency for goods that fall under prohibitions and restrictions (Lartas).
Steps for Filing a PIB Online
Prepare and cross-check the documents
Collect the invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Make sure the data is consistent: names, addresses, description of goods, quantity and value.Determine the HS Code and customs value
Classify the goods under the correct HS Code and calculate the customs value (CIF) along with import duty, VAT and import income tax.Enter the data in CEISA
Enter the document data, HS Code, value and levy calculation into the PIB form in the CEISA system.Submit and obtain the Aju number
Send the PIB and receive the Aju (submission) number, the sign that the system has accepted the document for the customs authority to process.Pay the levies and complete clearance
Pay the import duty, VAT and income tax, then follow the inspection process (if any) until the goods can be released from the port.
File the PIB Yourself or Use a PPJK?
Filing the PIB yourself gives you full control, but it demands an understanding of HS Codes, levy calculation and CEISA rules that keep changing. Many importers hand the work to a PPJK so the documents are accurate and clearance is on time, especially when import volume is high.
Common Mistakes That Slow a PIB Down
- The wrong HS Code — the duty rate and restricted-goods status come out wrong, triggering an inspection.
- A customs value or currency that differs between the invoice and the transport document.
- Importer data (NIB, NPWP, API) that is inactive or does not match.
- An inaccurate import duty, VAT or income tax calculation that has to be corrected.
- Completing the documents after the vessel arrives — demurrage keeps adding up.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file a PIB myself without a PPJK?
Yes. An importer has the right to file its own PIB through CEISA, provided it understands HS Codes, levy calculation and the filing flow. Many choose a PPJK for accuracy and speed.
How long does a PIB take until the goods are released?
It varies with how complete the documents are, the type of goods, and inspection. A complete, correct PIB can be processed faster; goods that need a physical or conformity inspection take longer.
What is an Aju number?
The Aju number is the submission number the CEISA system issues when the customs authority receives the PIB. It is the sign that your document has joined the customs processing queue.
Which documents must be attached when filing a PIB?
Generally the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a restricted-goods permit if the goods fall into that category.
Can software help file a PIB?
Yes. Software such as CEISA AI can draft the PIB from the invoice, validate the HS Code and prepare the filing data — without retyping the data, so there are fewer manual errors.