The import business has become one of the growing business sectors in recent years.
In addition to offering significant opportunities, the potential profits can also be attractive.
As a seller, you may even be able to obtain high-quality products at relatively lower prices compared with those available in the local market.
This is one of the reasons why many local entrepreneurs have started expanding into the import sector by bringing products from countries such as China, the United States, and European countries to be resold in Indonesia.
If you are interested in entering a similar business, you first need to understand API and NIK, which were previously important requirements for conducting import activities.
What Are API and NIK?
NIK (Nomor Identitas Kepabeanan), or Customs Identification Number, is a registration or identification number issued by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise to individuals or companies.
The number serves as an authorization to access customs-related activities, including the importation of goods.
Meanwhile, API (Angka Pengenal Importir), or Importer Identification Number, is an identification number provided to individuals or companies so they can officially conduct import activities within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Indonesia.
The regulations concerning API are stated in Minister of Trade Regulation No. 70/M-DAG/PER/9/2015 of 2015 concerning Importer Identification Numbers.
Before the implementation of OSS (Online Single Submission), API was divided into two types:
- API-U (General Importer Identification Number)
API-U was issued to individuals or companies carrying out import activities for goods intended to be resold.
In other words, API-U was generally used by importers whose main purpose was to bring goods into Indonesia for commercial resale.
- API-P (Producer Importer Identification Number)
API-P was specifically issued to individuals or companies importing goods for use as production materials or similar purposes.
Therefore, goods imported using API-P could not be transferred or resold.
Each individual or business entity could only hold one type of API.
This importer identification remained valid as long as the importer continued to conduct import business activities, subject to re-registration every five years.
How to Obtain API and NIK Through OSS
Since the implementation of the OSS system, business licensing and permit processes have been integrated under OSS, including the processing of API and NIK as import-related permits.
Through OSS, each company receives an NIB (Nomor Induk Berusaha) or Business Identification Number.
The NIB also functions as an importer identification number for import licensing purposes and as a customs identification number when the company processes import-related permits.
The NIB remains valid for as long as the company continues to operate.
Therefore, businesses engaged in import and export activities no longer need to separately apply for API and NIK because these functions have been replaced by the NIB.
However, businesses still need to make sure whether they are required to fulfill additional technical requirements from the relevant authorities when carrying out import and export activities.
In other words, import companies or companies involved in export activities no longer need to go through a separate process to obtain API and NIK.
However, importers still need to ensure that they comply with technical import requirements imposed by the relevant authorities.
Need Assistance with Business Licensing?
Managing business legality documents such as NIK and API can be a complicated process.
However, you do not need to worry because you can entrust the process to the legal team at IZIN.co.id.
We are ready to help you prepare your business licensing requirements through a fast, easy, and professional process.
IZIN.co.id is a company that provides trusted business legality services.
With a fast and transparent process, our team has helped more than 4,000 entrepreneurs across Indonesia manage their business licensing requirements.