Ngurah Rai Customs reminds arrivals of two-device limit and ban on used goods

Denpasar — — Customs officers at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport are reminding arriving passengers that used or secondhand goods are prohibited from entering Indonesia and that each person is allowed to bring only two mobile phones or other communication devices, with any excess subject to detention under national trade regulations.

According to an English-language advisory on the Ngurah Rai Customs website, used or secondhand goods may not be brought into Indonesia in line with Indonesia Trade Ministry Regulation Number 20 of 2021. The same advisory states that passengers may only bring “handphones or other communication device” up to two pieces per person, and that any excess will be detained with reference to Trade Ministry Regulation Number 25 of 2022.

The Ngurah Rai advisory does not list specific brands or models but refers generally to phones and other communication devices. A separate FAQ published by Customs at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta uses similar language, noting that passengers are “only allowed 2 units/person” for mobile phones or other communication devices and that excess units will be held in accordance with Trade Ministry Regulation 25 of 2022.

Restrictions on used goods

Ngurah Rai Customs explains that used or secondhand goods are prohibited from entering Indonesia under Trade Ministry Regulation No. 20 of 2021. This measure targets imports of secondhand items and is separate from routine allowances for personal baggage.

General guidance from Indonesia’s Directorate General of Customs and Excise distinguishes personal use items from non-personal imports. Personal belongings used by the traveller, including items temporarily used in Indonesia and taken back when leaving, can qualify as personal baggage up to a customs value of USD 500 per person, above which duties and taxes apply.

However, the Ngurah Rai notice explicitly classifies used or secondhand goods as prohibited, meaning passengers should not treat secondhand purchases intended for import as regular personal baggage.

Two-device limit for phones and communication equipment

The advisory at Ngurah Rai states that for “handphones or other communication device” only two pieces per person are allowed, and that excess devices will be detained pursuant to Trade Ministry Regulation No. 25 of 2022. The Soekarno–Hatta FAQ repeats this limit and detention consequence for passengers bringing phones or other communication tools beyond two units.

Separate national guidance on IMEI registration clarifies that telecommunication devices covered by customs procedures include mobile phones, handheld computers based on cellular technology and tablets based on cellular technology. These devices are subject to IMEI registration if they are brought from abroad for permanent use in Indonesia, through customs declaration at Indonesian entry points.

Customs information for passengers states that personal baggage up to a customs value of USD 500 per person is exempt from import duty, but above that threshold, duty and taxes apply at flat rates for duty and value-added tax and variable rates for income tax depending on taxpayer status.

Practical implications for travellers

For visitors arriving in Bali, the key points from official customs guidance are that used or secondhand goods are not allowed to enter Indonesia and that personal baggage should consist of new or personal-use items within the duty-free value threshold. Passengers carrying more than two phones or other communication devices risk having the excess devices detained under Trade Ministry rules and may face additional customs procedures.

Travellers planning to use foreign-bought phones, tablets or similar devices permanently in Indonesia are expected to complete IMEI registration through customs declaration and may be liable for import duties and taxes depending on the value and circumstances. Those bringing high-value electronics or more than two communication devices are advised to clarify their obligations with customs officers and ensure they can demonstrate that items are for personal use rather than commercial purposes.

Passengers should consult the latest guidance from Indonesia’s customs authority and Ngurah Rai Airport before travel, as implementing rules and trade regulations may be updated over time.

Sources

• Bea Cukai Ngurah Rai – Barang Bawaan Penumpang
• FAQ BC Soekarno–Hatta – Barang Penumpang