Yes, you generally have to pay customs duties and taxes on clothes imported from China to Indonesia, but the final amount depends on several factors. Here’s a clear breakdown:
1. Mandatory Costs for Clothing Imports:
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Import Duty:
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5–20% of the CIF value (varies by HS code).
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Example: Cotton work shirts (HS 6205) typically incur 10–15% duty.
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Value-Added Tax (VAT): 11% of (CIF value + Import Duty).
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Income Tax (PPh 22): 2.5% (with importer license) or 7.5% (without) of CIF value.
2. When Duties Might Be Reduced/Exempt:
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ACFTA Preference:
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With a Form E Certificate of Origin, duties can drop to 0–5% (e.g., cotton T-shirts may qualify for 0%).
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Temporary Exemptions:
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Certain industrial workwear (e.g., PPE for manufacturing) may qualify for duty exemptions under specific government programs.
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Sample Shipments:
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Commercial samples (low-value, non-saleable) may be duty-free.
pay customs on clothes from china
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3. “De Minimis” Rule?
Indonesia does not have a de minimis threshold for duty-free imports (unlike the US/EU). Even small parcels (e.g., DHL/FedEx) incur full duties/taxes unless explicitly exempt.
4. Critical Compliance Notes:
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HS Code Accuracy: Misclassifying clothing (e.g., calling “synthetic work jackets” HS 6211 instead of 6201) risks penalties + higher duties.
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SNI Standards: Safety workwear (e.g., flame-resistant clothing) requires mandatory SNI certification – non-compliant goods may be seized.
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Labeling: Tags must include Indonesian text, importer details, and fabric composition.
Cost Example:
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Shipment Value: $5,000 (CIF)
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Import Duty: 10% = $500
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VAT: 11% × ($5,000 + $500) = $605
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PPh 22: 2.5% × $5,000 = $125
✅ Total Fees: $500 + $605 + $125 = $1,230 (24.6% of CIF value).
Key Takeaway:
All commercial clothing imports from China incur duties/taxes in Indonesia, but costs can be minimized by:
Using ACFTA Form E for tariff reductions.
Ensuring precise HS code classification (check via Indonesian Customs BTKI).
Partnering with a licensed customs broker (PPJK) to handle clearance.
For personal shipments (e.g., online shopping), taxes/duties still apply – no exemptions for low-value goods. Always declare accurately!
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