The relentless march of technology has brought transformative changes, permeating almost every aspect of our lives. From how we communicate, shop, work, and even how we conduct official processes. One such area where these changes are very apparent is in the realm of administrative systems and public services.
This includes the process of filling out official documents such as the Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD). This digital solution, designed by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise under the Indonesian Ministry of Finance, facilitates the customs process in a user-friendly, efficient manner.
The ECD system simplifies the process of declaring goods acquired from foreign countries upon entry into Indonesia. The electronic interface eliminates tedious queues at the airport, accelerating the customs protocol.
Recently returned from abroad or tourists coming to Indonesia and unsure about filling in the ECD form? Don't worry! This guide is here to help you navigate this process with ease.
The Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD) is an internet-based system conceived by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of the Republic of Indonesia. The purpose of this system is to help individuals in declaring personal goods brought into the country from overseas.
Such items could range from electronics, including mobile phones, laptops, tablets, to personal belongings like bags, shoes, and more.
The ECD was launched as a critical component of the Indonesian Customs' strategy to digitize and modernize its services. Utilizing the ECD results in a quicker, more efficient goods inspection process at the airports. Travelers can thus resume their journey without unnecessary delays.
It's important to note that all items, whether personal, intended for gifting, or merchandise, transported from foreign countries into Indonesia, should be reported via the ECD. Additionally, it serves as a platform to complete any required customs payments online.
Prior to outlining the steps involved, it's vital to gather specific details about the items you're bringing in. Equip yourself with the necessary information - passports, boarding passes, and other personal data to ensure a smooth declaration process.
This guide primarily focuses on instructions for mobile phone usage. However, if you prefer using a tablet or a laptop (provided it doesn't seem daunting), it works too!
Mobile phones are commonly used devices and favor efficiency, hence the focus. Let's look at the steps involved:
The first step is to head over to the official Indonesian Customs website. Upon landing on the main page, you'll promptly notice the ECD form titled "Customs Declaration".
Beneath, you'll find a slew of personal information to be provided, ranging from your full name to your nationality. Once you've gathered the required data, you can promptly start filling it out.
As mentioned earlier, this section requires input on the passenger's luggage data, beginning with personal information. Do provide your full name, email, passport number, nationality, occupation, and residential address in Indonesia.
Further significant data includes the flight/cruise/transportation number, the place, and date of your arrival in Indonesia. For instance, my husband and I, traveling by airplane and landing at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK), filled out our flight number (SQ 962) and listed Soetta airport as our arrival point.
Your flight number can usually be found on your boarding pass. Ensure to keep it handy or refer to your e-boarding pass, typically available in the airline's official application or your personal email.
After providing all the above data, proceed to fill in other specifics such as the number of baggage pieces brought in and any unaccompanied baggage.
Next, you'll be asked to input data about any family members traveling with you and the customs declaration. In my case, I entered '1' as the number of family members since I traveled solely with my husband. The family data to be filled includes names, passport numbers, and the relationship to the primary traveler.
If you travel with two or more people, their details must also be provided. Once done, hit the "Add" button, and the data will automatically be added. Then, click "Next" to proceed with more data entry.
On the next page, you'll encounter various customs declarations that need to be verified. There's a checklist for items, including cash, electronic goods, tobacco, and other articles with predetermined quantities.
If you possess items exceeding the permitted limit, select "YES". If not, simply choose "NO". Then, you're all set to move onto the next step. Remember, honesty in this declaration helps avoid potential penalties or seizure of goods by customs authorities.
The upcoming section might appear somewhat complex. If you're carrying communication devices like mobile phones, handheld computers, or tablets into Indonesia, you'll also need to provide data for the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) registration.
This step ensures the device can be used and registered with a telephone number in Indonesia. Locate the IMEI number of your device and input it into the designated area.
If you don't have the IMEI number at hand, don't worry. You can visit the IMEI counter, typically situated near airport immigration. After all the information has been accurately filled in, hit submit and await confirmation from Indonesian Customs.
However, for travelers not residing in Indonesia for more than 90 days (for instance, those visiting for work), IMEI registration isn't mandatory if the device being used in Indonesia:
In our case, since my husband and I didn't purchase any devices from overseas, we were able to bypass this section and simply click "Next". On the subsequent page, we just needed to confirm that all the entered information is accurate and truthful. Once done, click "Send".
Shortly after, I received a QR code and a confirmation that my Customs ECD submission was successful. It's crucial to download and save this barcode, as it will need to be scanned at the exit scanner upon leaving the immigration area at Soekarno-Hatta airport.
Next, let's delve into some common questions associated with filling out the ECD. I'll address each in turn. If you have additional questions, feel free to drop them in the comment section.
What is Unaccompanied Baggage?
Unaccompanied baggage is luggage or personal belongings shipped through a specific delivery method (such as air, sea, or ground cargo) and not carried by the owner on the same journey.
For instance, if we're moving from one country to another and decide to ship the majority of our belongings via cargo, while we travel by plane, these items are considered unaccompanied baggage.
Besides unaccompanied baggage, there's also a term called "delayed baggage". This occurs when the aircraft is at capacity and your luggage cannot be accommodated on the same flight.
It will be transported on the next available flight and is typically considered as unaccompanied baggage.
In these scenarios, the airline is usually responsible for resolving the issue and ensuring your luggage reaches its intended destination safely. They will inform you when and where you can retrieve your luggage.
However, regulations can vary from country to country. Therefore, it's best to verify or inquire about the procedures to follow if you encounter such a situation.
Don't hesitate to engage with an airline representative or customs officer at the airport if you need additional information or assistance. They're there to help, and your understanding of the process can make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.
