Destination guide
Shipping Heavy Equipment to Indonesia
In 2025 the United States reported exporting 621 machines worth $55.8 million to Indonesia in the 15 classes we track, up 43% on 2024. None of the carrier schedules we track lists a direct call in Indonesia, so we confirm the routing with each quote. RoRo service: Limited from the East and Gulf Coast, regular from the West Coast. Duty and VAT on a $100,000 CIF excavator come to $22,100, or 22% of its value.
The four ways to ship machinery to Indonesia
Container, flat rack, RoRo and breakbulk, with where each one lands. RoRo availability is by U.S. coast; the other three are booked on the services that run when the cargo is ready.
| Method | From the U.S. | Where it lands, and conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Container | Booked on request | Container ports: Port of Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Port of Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), Port of Belawan (Medan). No schedule we track lists a direct call, so the carrier and any transshipment are confirmed at booking. |
| Flat rack | Booked on request | For machines too wide or tall for a closed box, on container lines that accept out-of-gauge cargo. Discharge at Port of Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Port of Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), Port of Belawan (Medan), subject to the terminal taking flat racks. |
| RoRo | Limited from the East and Gulf Coast, regular from the West Coast | RoRo ports: Port of Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Port of Tanjung Perak (Surabaya). Carriers call these routes on their schedules[3]; we confirm the next sailing at booking. |
| Breakbulk | Liner breakbulk or charter | For cargo too large or heavy for a flat rack, loaded by ship or shore crane. Breakbulk and heavy-lift ports: Port of Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Port of Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), Port of Balikpapan, Port of Belawan (Medan). |
What the U.S. ships to Indonesia
U.S. exports to Indonesia by machine class, 2025 against 2024, as reported by the United States to UN Comtrade[1]. Units are as declared; the average is customs value divided by units.
| Machine class | Units 2025 | Units 2024 | Change in units | Value 2025 | Average per unit[1] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crawler tractors | 290 | 121 | +140% | $24 million | $82.6 thousand |
| Self-propelled drill rigs | 166 | 149 | +11% | $16.8 million | $101 thousand |
| Wheeled tractors | 52 | 1 | +5,100% | $6.03 million | $116 thousand |
| Diesel generator sets | 18 | 33 | −45% | $4.91 million | $273 thousand |
| Wheel loaders | 15 | 29 | −48% | $2.36 million | $157 thousand |
| Forklifts and telehandlers | 65 | 9 | +622% | $1.13 million | $17.3 thousand |
| Crawler and rough-terrain cranes | 8 | 0 | – | $395 thousand | $49.4 thousand |
| Combine harvesters | 4 | 2 | +100% | $143 thousand | $35.8 thousand |
| Crushers | 3 | 82 | −96% | $43.7 thousand | $14.6 thousand |
| Motor graders | 0 | 7 | – | $0 | – |
A dash means the quantity was not reported for that year. Classes the U.S. did not ship here in either year are left out.
Import duty on machinery in Indonesia
The most-favoured-nation (MFN) duty applied to each machine class, as a simple average of the national tariff lines under its HS subheading[2]. Preferential rates under trade agreements can be lower.
| Machine class | HS subheading | MFN applied duty | Range across lines | Tariff year[2] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excavators | 8429.52 | 10% | – | 2023 |
| Wheel loaders | 8429.51 | 10% | – | 2023 |
| Crawler dozers | 8429.11 | 10% | – | 2023 |
| Motor graders | 8429.20 | 10% | – | 2023 |
| Backhoes and other excavating machines | 8429.59 | 10% | – | 2023 |
| Crawler and rough-terrain cranes | 8426.41 | 5% | – | 2023 |
| Forklifts and telehandlers | 8427.20 | 15% | – | 2023 |
| Off-highway dump trucks | 8704.10 | 20% | 5–50% | 2023 |
| Wheeled tractors | 8701.93 | 15% | – | 2023 |
| Crawler tractors | 8701.30 | 5% | – | 2023 |
| Combine harvesters | 8433.51 | 15% | – | 2023 |
| Self-propelled drill rigs | 8430.41 | 5% | – | 2023 |
| Crushers | 8474.20 | 5% | – | 2023 |
| Diesel generator sets | 8502.13 | 5% | – | 2023 |
| Truck-mounted cranes | 8705.10 | 5% | – | 2023 |
The range shows the lowest and highest line within the subheading; a dash means every line has the same rate.
Worked example: a $100,000 excavator
Import duty: 10% of $100,000 CIF is $10,000 (HS 8429.52, 2023 tariff)[2].
VAT: 11% of the duty-inclusive $110,000 is $12,100 (Indonesia Customs (DJBC), checked June 2026)
Total duty and tax: $22,100, or 22% of CIF.
- Excise, port charges, broker fees and any registration tax are extra. The final rate depends on the exact tariff line your broker declares.
Vehicles and other taxes
Indonesia bans the import of used passenger cars (Ministry of Trade Reg. 18/2021). New non-ASEAN CBU vehicles face a steep import duty (~50%) plus luxury sales tax and 11% VAT; ASEAN-origin CBUs are duty-free under ATIGA. Right-hand-drive market.
Source: Indonesia Ministry of Trade / Customs (DJBC), checked June 2026.
- Import duty: ≈50% on non-ASEAN CBU (0% ASEAN-origin under ATIGA)
- VAT: 11%
- Other charges: Luxury goods sales tax (PPnBM) by engine/emissions; import permit required
Rules for used machinery in Indonesia
Under Permendag 24/2025, used capital goods require a Ministry of Trade Import Approval (PI) and a surveyor report (LS), and only producer-importers (API-P) may import them. Excavators, loaders and dozers (HS 8429) are capped at 20 years, and certain locally made size ranges are excluded.
- Licence or permit: Permendag 24/2025, Art. 2: imports must normally be new. Used capital goods (BMTB) not available domestically may be imported only with a Ministry of Trade Import Approval (Persetujuan Impor, PI) obtained before entry into the customs area.[4]
- Age limit: Permendag 24/2025 Annex I, Group A (max 20 years, API-P only) lists HS 8429 machines. Excluded: bulldozers of 160-250 hp, motor graders of 125-135 hp, road rollers of 8.5-15 t and excavators of 70-325 hp.[4]
- Age limit: Permendag 24/2025 Annex I, Group A 20-year list for mining companies: off-highway dumpers (HS 8704.10) may be imported used by API-P mining companies, with Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources technical consideration.[4]
- Inspection: Permendag 24/2025, Art. 7: listed used goods require Verification or Technical Tracing by a surveyor appointed by the Minister of Trade. The result is a Surveyor Report (Laporan Surveyor, LS) confirming conformity of the imported goods.[4]
- Documents: Directorate General of Foreign Trade: used capital goods imported by direct-user companies need both a PI and an LS. Groups A, B and C set age caps by HS line, from 5 years to unlimited. Only producer-importers (API-P) may import.[5]
- Documents: Group A PI applications need a business licence (NIB / risk-based licence) and a signed statement that the used goods will not be resold or scrapped and do not exceed the group's age cap (for example, 20 years).[4]
Documents for Indonesia
The papers a machinery shipment to Indonesia usually needs at destination. Your consignee and their customs broker confirm the list for the exact cargo.
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Origin
- Surveyor Report (LS)
- Import License (API)
- Equipment Specifications
U.S. export rules
What every shipment from the U.S. has to clear before it sails, whatever the destination.
- Electronic Export Information (15 CFR 30)U.S. Census Bureau
Electronic Export Information is filed in AES for each Schedule B number worth more than $2,500 going to one consignee on one conveyance, and for every vehicle whatever its value. For vessel cargo it is due at least 24 hours before loading; the Internal Transaction Number (ITN) goes to the carrier with the booking.[6][7]
Applies to: Any Schedule B line over $2,500, and every vehicle
- Used self-propelled vehicles: 72-hour ruleU.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. regulations count self-propelled construction and agricultural machinery as vehicles. A used one must be filed in AES at least 72 hours before export, whatever its value or destination, and the ITN, the VIN or serial number and the ownership documents go to CBP at the port of export. Filing after departure is not allowed.[8][9][7]
Applies to: Used machines that drive: excavators, loaders, dozers, tractors, trucks
- ISPM 15 wood packagingIPPC, administered in the U.S. by USDA APHIS
Wood packaging and dunnage must be heat-treated to a core temperature of 56 °C for at least 30 minutes, or fumigated, and carry the IPPC mark with the US country code, the facility number and HT or MB. Marked wood can be reused; repaired or remanufactured wood must be treated and marked again.[10]
Applies to: Crates, skids, blocking and dunnage
- Export classification under the EAR (ECCN or EAR99)BIS (U.S. Department of Commerce)
An item subject to the EAR is either listed on the Commerce Control List under an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) or classified EAR99, the basket for items not listed. The ECCN’s reasons for control, read against the Commerce Country Chart, decide whether the destination needs a license. An EAR99 item rarely needs one, but no item, EAR99 included, may go to a person under a denial order or to a prohibited end use or end user without BIS authorization.[11][12][13]
Applies to: Every export of goods subject to the Export Administration Regulations
Clearance notes for Indonesia
- A Ministry of Trade import permit and technical recommendation are required before shipment.
- Tanjung Priok (Jakarta) and Tanjung Perak (Surabaya) are the main gateways.
Questions buyers ask
How much heavy equipment does the U.S. ship to Indonesia?
U.S. exporters reported 621 machines worth $55.8 million to Indonesia in 2025 across 15 machine classes, up 43% on 2024. The largest class by value was crawler tractors, at $24 million. Figures are U.S. export declarations reported to UN Comtrade.
How long does shipping from the U.S. to Indonesia take?
None of the carrier schedules we track lists a direct call in Indonesia. Cargo moves on container lines, usually through a transshipment hub, or on a RoRo or breakbulk sailing to Port of Tanjung Priok (Jakarta); we confirm the current routing and transit with each quote.
Can I ship machinery to Indonesia by RoRo?
RoRo service: Limited from the East and Gulf Coast, regular from the West Coast. RoRo suits machines that drive or tow on board. Ports that take RoRo cargo: Port of Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Port of Tanjung Perak (Surabaya). Where RoRo does not run, machines ship on flat racks or as breakbulk.
What duty and VAT apply to a used excavator in Indonesia?
The MFN duty on excavators averages 10% of CIF, and VAT is 11% on the duty-inclusive value. On a $100,000 CIF excavator that comes to $22,100 before excise, port and broker charges.
Which rules apply to used machinery in Indonesia?
Under Permendag 24/2025, used capital goods require a Ministry of Trade Import Approval (PI) and a surveyor report (LS), and only producer-importers (API-P) may import them. Excavators, loaders and dozers (HS 8429) are capped at 20 years, and certain locally made size ranges are excluded.
Which documents do I need to ship to Indonesia?
A shipment to Indonesia usually needs: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Surveyor Report (LS), Import License (API), Equipment Specifications. From the U.S., the export filing (EEI) goes in before loading, and titled machines need their title at the port 72 hours before export.
Export checklist (PDF)
A one-page checklist with the facts on this page for shipping Indonesia: methods, duty, rules and documents. Give it to your customs broker.
Download the checklistSources
Every figure on this page comes from the documents below, each checked on the date shown. Carriers and authorities revise them, so we confirm the current figure when we book.
- [1]World Bank WITS, UN Comtrade: exports reported by the United States, checked October 18, 2026
- [2]UNCTAD TRAINS via World Bank WITS: MFN applied tariff, checked October 18, 2026
- [3]Höegh Autoliners, Main trade routes (Annual Report 2023), checked October 18, 2026
- [4]BPK JDIH - Permendag No. 24 of 2025 (used goods and non-hazardous waste imports), checked October 2026
- [5]Kemendag Ditjen Daglu - FAQ, checked October 2026
- [6]eCFR, 15 CFR 30.37 Miscellaneous exemptions (Foreign Trade Regulations), checked October 18, 2026
- [7]U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Regulations FAQs, checked October 18, 2026
- [8]eCFR, 19 CFR 192.1 Definitions (used self-propelled vehicles), checked October 18, 2026
- [9]U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Exporting used self-propelled vehicles, checked October 18, 2026
- [10]USDA APHIS, Export ISPM 15-compliant wood packaging material, checked October 18, 2026
- [11]eCFR, 15 CFR 734.3 Items subject to the EAR (EAR99), checked October 18, 2026
- [12]eCFR, 15 CFR 738.4 Determining whether a license is required, checked October 18, 2026
- [13]eCFR, 15 CFR 732.3 Steps regarding the ten general prohibitions, checked October 18, 2026
Send us the machine and the destination
Give us the model or the measured dimensions and weight. We come back with the method, the sailing and a price, and the figures behind them.