For companies that want to import goods into Indonesia, understanding import licensing requirements is an important first step. One key point is knowing the difference between API-U and API-P.
Both terms refer to the Angka Pengenal Importir (API), or Importer Identification Number. Companies use this importer identity when carrying out import activities in Indonesia.
Although API-U and API-P both relate to import activities, they serve different purposes. Therefore, companies need to understand which type matches their business activities.
So, what are API-U and API-P, and how are they different? The following explanation will help you understand both types.
1. What Is an Importer Identification Number (API)?
The Angka Pengenal Importir (API) is an importer identity for businesses that import goods into Indonesia.
Today, the Indonesian government integrates API with the Business Identification Number or Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB) through the Online Single Submission or OSS system.
As a result, companies no longer need to obtain API as a separate document under the old licensing system. Instead, they use an NIB that also serves as an API according to their import activities.
Under Indonesia's import rules, an NIB that serves as an API consists of two main types:
- API-U (Angka Pengenal Importir Umum) for importing goods that a company intends to trade or transfer to another party.
- API-P (Angka Pengenal Importir Produsen) for importing goods that a company will use for its own production or business activities.
However, companies should understand that an NIB that also serves as an API does not automatically allow them to import every type of product.
For certain products, companies must also meet additional import requirements under the applicable regulations.
2. What Is API-U?
API-U stands for Angka Pengenal Importir Umum, or General Importer Identification Number. Companies use API-U to import goods that they plan to sell, distribute, or transfer to another party.
In other words, a company can import products from another country and then sell or distribute them in the Indonesian market.
API-U is generally suitable for companies involved in trading and distribution activities.
Companies that commonly use API-U include:
- Trading companies
- Distributors of imported products
- General importers
- Retail companies
- Suppliers of imported goods
For example, a company may import electronic products from another country and sell them to distributors or consumers in Indonesia.
In this case, the company uses an NIB that serves as API-U because the purpose of the import is trade.
What Are the Benefits of API-U?
API-U provides a legal basis for companies to import goods for trading purposes according to applicable regulations.
In addition, API-U can support several business activities, such as:
- Carrying out imports for trading activities
- Distributing imported products to customers or business partners
- Expanding product distribution and marketing networks
- Supporting international trade activities
- Managing import administration based on the company's business activities
Therefore, API-U plays an important role for companies that import goods for trading and distribution.
3. What Is API-P?
Unlike API-U, API-P stands for Angka Pengenal Importir Produsen, or Producer Importer Identification Number. Companies use API-P to import goods for their own use, especially for production activities.
Industrial and manufacturing companies generally use this type of API.
Goods imported under API-P may include:
- Raw materials
- Supporting materials
- Production components
- Industrial machinery and equipment
- Capital goods
- Materials that support production activities
For example, an automotive manufacturer in Indonesia may import vehicle components from Japan and use them to assemble finished vehicles.
In this case, the company uses an NIB that serves as API-P because it uses the imported components for its production process.
In principle, companies may not trade or transfer goods imported under API-P to other parties.
However, regulations may provide exceptions for certain situations and categories of goods. Therefore, companies should check the applicable rules before selling or transferring imported goods.
What Are the Benefits of API-P?
API-P helps industrial companies obtain raw materials, components, machinery, and other production equipment from overseas.
Its main benefits include:
- Supporting production activities
- Helping companies obtain imported raw materials and components
- Supporting the purchase of machinery and industrial equipment
- Helping manufacturers manage their production supply
- Providing a legal basis for imports based on the intended use of the goods
In addition, using the correct API-P status can help companies reduce the risk of document inconsistencies during the import process.
4. What Is the Difference Between API-U and API-P?
The main difference between API-U and API-P is the purpose of the import and how the company will use the goods after they enter Indonesia.
Companies use API-U mainly for trading activities. In contrast, companies use API-P mainly for their own business or production needs.
The following table explains the main differences.
As the table shows, companies need to choose the appropriate API based on their business activities and the intended use of the imported goods.
Therefore, companies should determine their import purpose before applying for or updating their business licensing information through OSS.
5. How Are API-U, API-P, and NIB Related?
As Indonesia continues to develop its business licensing system, the government has integrated many licensing services through OSS.
One important change is the use of the NIB as a business identity that can also serve as an Importer Identification Number or API.
However, companies still need to determine whether their NIB serves as API-U or API-P.
In other words, the integration of API into NIB does not remove the distinction between the two importer types.
A company that imports goods for resale uses an NIB that serves as API-U.
On the other hand, a company that imports goods for production activities uses an NIB that serves as API-P.
In addition, companies should make sure that their business information and licensing data match their actual business activities.
Is NIB Enough to Start Importing?
Not always.
An NIB that serves as API is one of the basic requirements for business import activities.
However, certain goods may require additional documents, permits, or technical requirements.
Depending on the type of goods and the applicable regulations, companies may also need:
- Import Approval (Persetujuan Impor/PI)
- Technical requirements from the relevant ministry or government agency
- Technical verification or inspection
- Surveyor Report (Laporan Surveyor/LS)
- Other import restriction requirements
Therefore, companies should check the import requirements based on the product category and Harmonized System Code or HS Code before shipping the goods.
This step can help reduce the risk of delays or problems during customs clearance.
6. API-U and API-P Regulations in Indonesia
API-U and API-P form part of Indonesia's import policy and regulatory framework.
One of the regulations governing these import activities is Minister of Trade Regulation No. 16 of 2025 concerning Import Policy and Regulation.
The government later amended this regulation through Minister of Trade Regulation No. 37 of 2025 and Minister of Trade Regulation No. 18 of 2026.
These regulations cover various import requirements, including the use of an NIB that serves as API.
In addition, companies should review specific regulations that apply to the type of product they want to import.
By understanding the applicable rules, companies can prepare their import activities more effectively.
7. Why Should Companies Understand the Difference Between API-U and API-P?
Understanding API-U and API-P is not only important for company administration.
More importantly, the correct API type helps ensure that a company's import activities match the applicable regulations.
There are several reasons why companies should understand the difference.
Avoid Licensing Errors
Companies can choose the importer identity that matches the purpose of their business activities.
As a result, they can reduce the risk of inconsistencies between their documents and actual import activities.
Support a Smoother Customs Process
Correct import documents can help companies during customs inspection and cargo clearance.
However, companies must still meet all other applicable requirements.
Make Additional Import Licensing Easier
The type of API may relate to additional licensing requirements for certain products.
Therefore, companies should confirm their API status before applying for other import documents.
Reduce Administrative Risks
Using the wrong importer identity or declaring the wrong purpose for imported goods may create administrative and compliance problems.
In contrast, a clear understanding of import requirements can help companies prepare their documents correctly from the beginning.
Conclusion
API-U and API-P are two types of Importer Identification Numbers used for different import activities in Indonesia.
Companies use API-U when they import goods for trading or transferring to another party. Meanwhile, companies use API-P when they import goods for their own use, especially for production activities.
Today, Indonesia integrates API with the Business Identification Number (NIB) through the OSS system. However, the distinction between API-U and API-P still applies according to import regulations.
Therefore, companies should understand the difference between both types before starting their import activities.
In addition to choosing the correct API type, companies should also make sure that their imported products meet all applicable licensing and technical requirements.
With proper preparation, companies can carry out import activities more efficiently and in line with Indonesian regulations.