Hajj Pilgrims Bringing Cigarettes: Check the Rules

The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) of the Ministry of Finance has stated that there are provisions regarding the carriage of cigarettes by Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. Head of Import Section III of DJBC, Chinde Marjuang Praja, during a virtual media briefing on Customs Services and Facilities for Hajj Pilgrims in Jakarta on Thursday, explained that customs regimes in many countries generally regulate imported goods more than exports. In that context, Indonesia provides excise duty exemptions for cigarette products, but with a maximum limit of 200 sticks. “So, when Hajj pilgrims return from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia carrying more than 200 cigarettes, the excess will be destroyed,” said Chinde. These rules are stipulated in Minister of Finance Regulation No. 34 of 2025. Details include excise duty exemptions for excise goods from tobacco (CHT) carried by passengers: maximum 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 100 grams of cut tobacco. Other processed tobacco products maximum 100 grams or equivalent, solid electronic cigarettes maximum 140 sticks or 40 capsules, open-system liquid electronic cigarettes maximum 30 millilitres, or closed-system liquid electronic cigarettes maximum 12 millilitres for passengers aged 18 and above. If a passenger carries more than one type of CHT item, the excise exemption is given proportionally. Meanwhile, for cigarettes as export baggage, the government does not regulate limitations. However, Chinde reminded Hajj pilgrims to pay attention to the policies applicable in the destination country, including Saudi Arabia. “It needs to be conveyed to Hajj pilgrims what the regulations are in Saudi Arabia. Not only cigarettes, but also other restricted items there,” he said. In general, DJBC provides exemptions from import duties and import taxes on baggage or shipped goods of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj season. Regular Hajj pilgrims receive full exemption facilities for all baggage. For special Hajj pilgrims, the government sets an import duty exemption limit with a customs value or Free on Board (FOB) maximum of $2,500. Excess value will be subject to import duty collection of 10 per cent and Value Added Tax (VAT) as per regulations, while Income Tax (PPh) is exempted.