Foreign manufacturers of automotive parts entering Indonesia from 20 May 2026 must comply with mandatory SNI (Standar Nasional Indonesia) certification before customs clearance. This requirement is not optional, without valid SNI, products will be seized or destroyed.
SNI Certification is Indonesia’s system for ensuring that products meet nationally recognized standards for safety, quality, and environmental protection. Mandated by Indonesia’s Law No. 20/2014 on Standardization and Conformity Assessment, products like batteries must be certified before they are marketed or sold in the country.
Here’s the background and what foreign manufacturers must do:
- Indonesia’s automotive market: Largest in Southeast Asia, with over 1 million vehicles sold annually and 120 million motorcycles in circulation.
- Regulatory tightening: Since 2024, the Ministry of Industry has expanded mandatory SNI certification. By 2025, new rules required trademark registration, a local representative, and ISO/IATF-based quality systems.
- Enforcement deadline: From 20 May 2026, foreign manufacturers cannot import automotive parts (tires, rims, safety glass, lubricants, batteries, etc.) without valid SNI certification.
Key Requirements for Foreign Manufacturers
Local Entity Requirement: Only Indonesian business actors can hold SNI certificates. Foreign companies must either:
- Establish a PT PMA (foreign-owned company),
- Appoint a local representative, or
- Enter into brand cooperation (KSM) with an Indonesian partner.
Trademark Registration: Must be filed with Indonesia’s DGIP before certification. This process takes ~18 months, so early filing is critical.
Certification Scheme: Automotive parts fall under Type 5 Certification, requiring:
- Factory audit,
- ISO 9001:2015 or IATF 16949:2016 compliance,
- Product testing in KAN-accredited Indonesian labs (foreign test reports not accepted).
Annual Surveillance: Certificates valid up to 4 years, with yearly audits and product testing.
Customs Clearance Obligations
Even after obtaining SNI certification, importation requires:
- SPPT-SNI Certificate: Authorizes use of the SNI logo.
- Import License (API): Linked to the certificate holder’s NIB (Business Identification Number) via the OSS system.
- Proper HS Code Declaration: Customs will verify HS codes against mandatory SNI standards.
- Representative as Importer of Record: If using a local representative, they must hold the certificate and import license.
Step-by-Step Process for Foreign Manufacturers
In short, foreign manufacturers must start preparations now, trademark filing, entity setup, and lab testing to avoid missing the 20 May 2026 enforcement deadline.
Source: https://businesshubasia.com/