Online Traders Now Required to Hold NIB, Here's How to Obtain One

The government has tightened online trading rules through Trade Minister Regulation No. 19 of 2026 concerning the Implementation of Trading Business Through Electronic Systems (PMSE). E-commerce platforms are now required to reject the registration of traders who do not have a Business Permit, at the very least a Business Identification Number (NIB). This provision is stipulated in Article 4, paragraph (4) of the regulation, which obliges Electronic Trading System Providers (PPMSE) that provide PMSE facilities for traders to refuse registration requests from online sellers who have not obtained a business permit in accordance with the provisions. Furthermore, Article 4, paragraph (5) states that the Business Permit must at least be an NIB for the trade sector, along with compliance with technical standards or requirements for goods and/or services according to applicable regulations. Article 17, paragraph (3) allows marketplaces to accept traders who do not yet have a business permit, but they are required to attach a ‘Legislation in Process’ status to the seller’s account. Meanwhile, paragraph (4) stipulates that online sellers must complete their business permits no later than six months after registration. If this obligation is not met within the specified timeframe, Article 17, paragraph (5) requires the marketplace to restrict access rights by temporarily or permanently suspending trade transactions on the seller’s account. The NIB is an official identity number for business actors issued electronically through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system. It is a unique 13-digit code valid for the lifetime of the business. For Micro and Small Enterprises (UMK), the NIB is the primary and most basic requirement to operate legally, including registering and selling on electronic trading platforms. When registering for an NIB, applicants must enter a KBLI code, which stands for the Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification. This standard code groups types of economic activities. The most common KBLI code for online traders selling general goods is 47911 for retail trade via the internet. To create an NIB, users must log in to the OSS application, select the ‘Manage NIB’ menu, add a business field, complete business activity data and select the appropriate KBLI, fill in technical business data, and validate the risk level. For micro-businesses with low risk, typically only an NIB is required.