To export from Indonesia you need a legal entity with an NIB (business identification number) issued through OSS, an active tax number (NPWP), and any export license that applies to your commodity. Exports are declared on a PEB (Pemberitahuan Ekspor Barang / Export Declaration) filed into the customs CEISA system, together with the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin where a tariff preference is being claimed.
An exporter is a company or individual that takes goods out of Indonesian customs territory and sends them abroad. Becoming a registered exporter opens global markets, but it requires legal standing — an NIB and an NPWP — a PEB declaration, and compliance with HS code and restricted-goods (Lartas) rules.
Plenty of manufacturers and small businesses want to know how to become an exporter and what the requirements actually are. This article sets out the conditions, the export documents, how to file a PEB through CEISA, and what to prepare before sending goods abroad.
- Business identification number via OSS
- NIB
- Export declaration
- PEB
- The customs filing system
- CEISA
- Certificate of Origin (FTA)
- COO
What an Exporter Is, and Who Can Be One
An exporter is the party that sends goods abroad, whether to trade them or to fill a foreign buyer's order. Unlike importing, which requires an API import identification number, exporting generally needs only an NIB and an NPWP — though some commodities require a specific export license or verification.
Requirements for Becoming an Exporter
A legal entity with an NIB
A registered business — usually a PT, CV or cooperative — with a business identification number issued through OSS.An active NPWP
An active company tax number, for tax purposes and for export reporting.Commodity export licensing
Some commodities need a license or export verification from the relevant technical ministry — agricultural and forestry products, or anything on the restricted-goods list.Goods data and documents
Have the HS code, invoice, packing list and transport documents ready so the PEB can be drafted.Access to CEISA
The PEB is filed through the customs CEISA system, either directly or through a customs broker or freight forwarder.
Documents Needed to Export
PEB (Export Declaration)
The customs declaration for an export, filed with the customs authority through CEISA. Compare it with the PIB in PIB vs PEB.Commercial invoice
The document stating the value and description of the goods, from exporter to foreign buyer.Packing list
The breakdown of contents and packaging, used for inspection and for transport.Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
The sea (B/L) or air (AWB) transport document evidencing the shipment abroad.Certificate of Origin
Proof of the origin of the goods, used to claim a tariff preference under a trade agreement (FTA) in the destination country.Export restriction permit (where it applies)
A license or recommendation from the technical ministry for commodities on the export restriction list.
How to Become an Exporter: Step by Step
Register the business and get an NIB
Complete the business registration and obtain an NIB through OSS. Make sure the business classification code matches your export activity.Activate the NPWP and any licenses
Confirm the tax number is active and arrange export licensing for any commodity that needs it.Prepare the goods and the paperwork
Settle the HS code, prepare the invoice, packing list and transport documents, and confirm the goods meet the destination country's requirements.File the PEB through CEISA
Draft and file the PEB into the customs CEISA system with the goods data and supporting documents.Ship, and keep the documents
Once the PEB is processed, ship through your freight forwarder and keep the documents for reporting and for claiming preferences — the certificate of origin for an FTA, for example.
This guide covers the export side. If you also bring goods in, the requirements and documents for importing are in our guide to becoming an importer.
Frequently asked questions
Does an exporter need an API like an importer does?
Generally no. Exporting requires an NIB and an NPWP, plus an export license for certain commodities. That differs from importing, which requires an API import identification number.
Which documents are mandatory for an export?
The core set is the PEB, the commercial invoice, the packing list, and the bill of lading or air waybill. A certificate of origin is needed when claiming a tariff preference or an FTA rate.
Can I export without using a customs broker?
Yes. You can file the PEB yourself through CEISA. Many exporters still work with a broker or freight forwarder to keep the documents and the transport moving.
What is a PEB, and how does it differ from a PIB?
A PEB is the export declaration for goods leaving the country; a PIB is the import declaration for goods coming in. Both are filed through CEISA, with different documents and different flows.
How do I claim a tariff preference when exporting?
Prepare a Certificate of Origin under the trade agreement covering the destination country so the buyer receives the preferential rate. Check the specific rules with your freight forwarder or the relevant authority.