New customs regulation, only 5kg of processed food allowed per person?

[fastpitch17]

In Indonesia, the issue lies in the fact that when an individual, a government official makes a policy mistake, rather than facing dismissal, they often receive rewards.
Only when public outcry demands their removal do they come under serious scrutiny.

First off, they pass the blame off to a subordinate.

 

[El_Goretto]

I hope I'm correct but frankly, I think people are making an unnecessary big deal out of this.

There were already limitations to the value of imports for some time now. Now, they actually give some limits on some items which overall increases the value of what can be brought in.

Obviously, this new rule applies to new products bought overseas and is clearly aimed at the grey import market. Such rules exist in so many other countries as well.

As for the profiling, frankly I don't see it happening. I landed at Soetta last week from overseas, just a day after the implementation of the rule. I saw both Indonesians and foreigners alike being sent to the jalur merah. The bule in front of me was sent to jalur merah and I was sent to the green. It's just a matter of luck, really.

A friend of mine landed days later, Indonesian, who specifically did some shopping in Europe because it's cheaper for branded items. They got sent to the jalur merah and got hit with import duties because they were not aware of the new rules which had just come out.

It is what it is, but realistically, like everywhere in the world, they will never be able to check every passenger. And if you are just a regular traveller not bringing 3 suit cases of full of luxury bags, electronics, alcohol and medicine without a script, you don't have anything to worry about really.

Funnily, I still see people selling jastip services... I guess this will come to a stop now.

 

[snpark]

I always go through the red line because it's empty. Saves me 5 mins

 

[snpark]

Now you have to download the app also and show the qr scan thingy

 

[Samoerai]

Now you have to download the app also and show the qr scan thingy

What app?

 

[Helpful Herbert]

I think it is primarily aimed at the jastip services. But they can (and I'm sure will) apply it to anyone.

But how on earth will they check that people bring in a maximum of two pieces of footwear PER YEAR. What does that even mean? A registry of footwear will be set up? Does it include the shoes you are wearing at the airport?

 

[snpark]

Now when you land there used to be a paper customs declaration form

Now it's a thingy QR code you download and complete and it sends you a bar code and they scan it at the customs point

No sneaking through. And you have to complete every section online
Of course can still put any old nonsense just to get past every question

Also SG immigration is online pre approved etc have to complete it before you go through and can do 48 hours before you land.

And no more physical stamps in passport to prove you were outside the country when your wife was poisoned. It's all on a database in Norway

 

[merahputih]

What app?

I think he meant electronic declaration card / kartu kedatangan:

Indonesian Customs Declaration (e-CD)

Indonesian Customs Declaration (e-CD). Official Website Direktorat Jendral Bea dan Cukai. Submit your Customs Declaration (e-CD) online. Mandatory for all international arrivals

ecd.beacukai.go.id

 

[Samoerai]

I think he meant electronic declaration card / kartu kedatangan:

Indonesian Customs Declaration (e-CD)

Indonesian Customs Declaration (e-CD). Official Website Direktorat Jendral Bea dan Cukai. Submit your Customs Declaration (e-CD) online. Mandatory for all international arrivals

ecd.beacukai.go.id

So, every passenger has to complete this declaration card?

And based on this card, one will be picked out at the airport and send to jalur merah?

 

[snpark]

I guess depends what you declare

 

[Samoerai]

It all comes down to "how ticking the boxes". Ticking all boxes with "nothing to declare" ... looks suspicious.

 

[gemima]

I think it is primarily aimed at the jastip services. But they can (and I'm sure will) apply it to anyone.

But how on earth will they check that people bring in a maximum of two pieces of footwear PER YEAR. What does that even mean? A registry of footwear will be set up? Does it include the shoes you are wearing at the airport?

I'm pretty sure this is going to be mainly used to go after the jastip people - they know exactly who is doing it (if they are FIFO daily to SG or wherever they likely recognise them already). I had a jastip lady I used to buy cosmetics from occasionally who I bumped into every time i was in SG airport.
They can force these guys through the appropriate customs channel - make sure they fill the declaration form and have it on file for if they come back the next day/ week doing more Jastip.
I've actually never had my luggage checked in all the 9 years I've been flying in and out of jakarta. They know by the look of me and the size of my luggage that Its not full of designer handbags and shoes.

 

[Ruserious]

Obviously, this new rule applies to new products bought overseas

Is it that obvious? So what you are saying is that now one pair of new shoes and one new handbag per year is duty free? Even if they cost $10k?

There is nothing obvious about these vague rules and that is the main problem.

 

[Helpful Herbert]

Deliberately vague, so they can apply them in whatever way they want.

Imagine you have a very expensive pair of shoes bought in Jakarta. You take them abroad and bring them back - good luck trying to avoid paying tax on them unless you keep receipts for everything you buy.

 

[snpark]

Deliberately vague, so they can apply them in whatever way they want.

Imagine you have a very expensive pair of shoes bought in Jakarta. You take them abroad and bring them back - good luck trying to avoid paying tax on them unless you keep receipts for everything you buy.

But they will look worn right? Scuffed etc

 

[El_Goretto]

Is it that obvious? So what you are saying is that now one pair of new shoes and one new handbag per year is duty free? Even if they cost $10k?

There is nothing obvious about these vague rules and that is the main problem.

I've seen it in several "official" looking guides that it applies to new goods.

But I mean, come on, let's use common sense:
1. Do you expect they would make a rule where you are only allowed to bring 5 pieces of clothing with you? It's ridiculous. So now everyone traveling to Indonesia will just bring a carry-on because what's the point since you can only bring a handful of items?
2. Do you expect that they will go and sniff everyone's dirty underwear looking for the grey market Calvin Klein imports?

It just isn't possible.

I know that Indonesia sometimes makes weird rules that they backtrack later on. But at some point, let's push aside the clickbaity headlines and use common sense.

That's the hysteria over the non-married sex being illegal and destroying tourism all over again. It was in the end a big old nothing.

Indonesia is a protectionist country with a poor trade balance and low tax compliance. This is squarely aimed at the grey market imports in my opinion.

 

[centurion]

Now when you land there used to be a paper customs declaration form

Now it's a thingy QR code you download and complete and it sends you a bar code and they scan it at the customs point

Another useless form and activity by the GOI.

 

[Dave70]

This is squarely aimed at the grey market imports in my opinion.

Could be signs of a cash-strapped country desperate for revenue?

 

[Hawk256]

I've seen it in several "official" looking guides that it applies to new goods.

But I mean, come on, let's use common sense:
1. Do you expect they would make a rule where you are only allowed to bring 5 pieces of clothing with you? It's ridiculous. So now everyone traveling to Indonesia will just bring a carry-on because what's the point since you can only bring a handful of items?
2. Do you expect that they will go and sniff everyone's dirty underwear looking for the grey market Calvin Klein imports?

It just isn't possible.

I know that Indonesia sometimes makes weird rules that they backtrack later on. But at some point, let's push aside the clickbaity headlines and use common sense.

That's the hysteria over the non-married sex being illegal and destroying tourism all over again. It was in the end a big old nothing.

Indonesia is a protectionist country with a poor trade balance and low tax compliance. This is squarely aimed at the grey market imports in my opinion.

I agree 100% but you know a few agents will see the possible payday. That is life.

 

[El_Goretto]

Could be signs of a cash-strapped country desperate for revenue?

In a country where tax compliance is so low for both individuals and businesses alike, this is no surprise that they try all they can to increase tax-revenue.