New Regulation on Recommendations for Importers of Gadgets

The Ministry of Industry (“Ministry”) has issued Regulation No. 68/M-IND/PER/9/2016 on Provisions for the Granting of Recommendations for the Appointment of Registered Importers of Mobile Phones, Handheld Computers and Tablet Computers (“2016 Regulation”). The 2016 Regulation sets out the various procedures which must be satisfied by businesses which are looking to obtain a recommendation from the Ministry. This recommendation is one of the requirements which has to be met in order to secure an Acknowledgement as a Registered Importer (Importir Terdaftar/”IT”) of mobile phones, handheld computers and tablet computers (collectively referred to as“Gadgets”).The 2016 Regulation is of relevance to all businesses which are currently involved in, or intending to become involved in, the importation of gadgets.Eligible PartiesIn order to import Gadgets into Indonesia, a business must first secure Acknowledgement as a Gadget IT from the Ministry of Trade. Prior to applying for such acknowledgement, a business (“Applicants”) must secure a recommendation from the Ministry, pursuant to their categorization, as detailed below: [1]