Your 5G radio units are crated for a tower roll-out, or a new range of WiFi routers is about to launch with an Indonesian distributor. Before anyone talks about freight, customs will want to know one thing: does every model with a transmitter have an SDPPI certificate, and whose name is on it? This page is for telecom vendors, tower contractors, internet providers, system integrators and device brands who need network gear and devices cleared in Indonesia without a surprise hold.
What we offer for telecom cargo:IDX Import Port to Port with IDX Customs Clearance when the certificate holder imports in its own name, and IDX Import DTD DDP (air minimum 50 kg chargeable weight per air waybill; sea LCL or FCL) where the goods are eligible, reviewed per shipment. Where customs happens: in Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta or Tanjung Priok); delivery to sites and other cities is quoted per shipment. Rate pages · Quote app →
A telecom shipment that is perfectly packed and fully paid can still sit in a Jakarta warehouse if a single model on the invoice has no valid device certificate, if the certificate is held by a different company from the importer, or if a phone’s IMEI numbers cannot be registered. Duty is not the problem; the certificate is. We look at the certificate position first, model by model, and only then quote the freight.
2. SDPPI type approval in plain terms
What it is. A device certificate issued by the Directorate General of Resources and Equipment of Post and Informatics (SDPPI) for each brand and model (type) of telecom equipment.
Who holds it. An Indonesian legal entity, such as the manufacturer’s local company, a distributor or an importer. A foreign manufacturer cannot hold it directly.
What needs it. Devices that transmit or receive radio: 4G and 5G radios and handsets, WiFi and Bluetooth products, LoRa and other IoT radios, microwave links and two-way radios. Wired network equipment that connects to public networks may also need it; we check per model.
When it is needed. Before import. Customs checks the certificate for the model on the invoice; a missing certificate cannot be fixed by paying more duty.
Extra conditions. 4G and 5G handsets and tablets also face local-content (TKDN) requirements, and certified devices carry a certificate label.
Cellular phones, handhelds and tablets need their IMEI numbers registered in Indonesia’s IMEI database, or they will not work on Indonesian mobile networks. For commercial imports this is handled by the importer that holds the device certificate. Some cellular devices also have additional import requirements for the importer under trade rules, which we check against the HS code. If your Indonesian buyer cannot register the IMEIs, the goods are not saleable even if customs releases them.
4. Network gear, antennas, tower parts and fibre
Active network equipment
Radio units, base station equipment, routers, switches, ONTs and microwave radios: certificate per model where required, plus lithium battery rules for units with backup batteries.
Antennas and RF accessories
Passive antennas, combiners, jumpers and connectors usually do not transmit on their own; we confirm per item, especially for active or integrated antennas.
Tower and shelter parts
Steel sections, mounting hardware, cable trays and shelters. Some steel products are restricted HS codes that may need an import approval or SNI.
Fibre and cable
Fibre-optic cable, closures, splitters and patch panels. Some cables are on the mandatory SNI list; drums are heavy and quoted by sea or as project cargo.
5. How DDP works when certificates are involved
The buyer holds the SDPPI certificate. The certificate and the importer usually belong together, so the cleanest route is for the certificate holder, with an NIB with import licence, to import in its own name: IDX Import Port to Port for the freight and IDX Customs Clearance for the declaration, with duty and taxes paid by the buyer. Whether a DDP quote is possible for certified goods is reviewed per shipment, together with the buyer, before anything is booked.
The buyer does not hold a certificate. Radio devices cannot be cleared just by paying duty. An Indonesian entity must obtain the certificate first. We do not quote DDP for uncertified radio devices.
Goods without a radio function. Passive items, tower steel, fibre and accessories that need no product permit can move under IDX Import DTD DDP, imported through a registered Indonesian importer of record arranged by us.
6. If you are a vendor supplying an Indonesian project
Many telecom shipments are sold by an overseas vendor to an Indonesian operator, tower company or integrator under a supply contract. Before the goods are produced, agree three things with your buyer: which Indonesian company holds the device certificates, which company will be named as importer and consignee on the air waybill or bill of lading, and who pays duty and taxes. When those three line up, clearance is routine. When they do not, the documents have to be reissued, and that costs more time than any flight. Send us the draft invoice and model list early and we will point out mismatches before the cargo moves.
7. How a telecom shipment runs
Model list. Send model numbers, radio functions, certificate holder and quantities.
Certificate check. We match each model to its certificate and confirm the importer route.
Written quote for freight, clearance and onward delivery to the warehouse or site.
Booking in our app with your PO or project reference; documents uploaded.
Freight, clearance in Jakarta, delivery as quoted.
8. Documents to prepare
Commercial invoice listing brand and exact model number for every line, with clear function descriptions, values and country of origin.
SDPPI certificate numbers per model and the name of the holder.
Datasheets showing frequency bands and radio functions.
IMEI lists for cellular devices.
Battery information, MSDS and UN38.3 test summary where batteries are included.
Packing list with weights and dimensions; drum sizes for cable.
9. Duty, taxes and quotes
Import duty plus VAT (11% effective) and income tax article 22 apply, with exact amounts per HS code and customs value. See Indonesia import duty and tax. Quotes are issued in Indonesian rupiah (IDR), with a USD reference on request, after we have checked the model list.
Does every device with WiFi or Bluetooth need an SDPPI certificate?
Yes, for import and sale in Indonesia, per brand and model, held by an Indonesian legal entity. We check each model on the invoice before booking.
Can our company abroad hold the SDPPI certificate?
No. The holder must be an Indonesian legal entity, such as your local company, distributor or importer.
Our Indonesian buyer holds the certificate. Can you ship DDP?
It is reviewed per shipment with the buyer. Often the simplest route is for the certificate holder to import in its own name with IDX Import Port to Port and IDX Customs Clearance.
Do we need to register IMEI numbers?
For cellular phones, handhelds and tablets, yes. Without registration the devices will not work on Indonesian networks; this is done by the importer that holds the certificate.
Do antennas, tower parts and fibre cable need SDPPI?
Passive items usually do not, but some steel products and cables can need SNI or an import approval. We confirm per item.
Can you ship sample units for certification testing?
Test samples are reviewed per shipment. Tell us they are for testing and who the applicant is, so the documents match.
What about lithium batteries in our equipment?
They are dangerous goods in transport. Send the MSDS and UN38.3 test summary; each shipment is reviewed for mode and packing.
In which currency do you quote?
In Indonesian rupiah (IDR). A USD reference amount can be shown on request.