Trade Regulation 15/2026 Sets Transition for Coal Exports via State-Owned Enterprise
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) has issued Minister of Trade Regulation (Permendag) Number 15 of 2026, which regulates the phased implementation of coal exports through designated State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) acting as exporters.
Muhammad Rivai Abbas, Director of Industrial Product and Mining Export at the Directorate of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Trade, stated that the primary objective of the policy is to ensure that the export of the strategic commodity, coal, can only be conducted through export-oriented SOEs.
However, during an online socialisation session regarding Natural Resource Export Regulations in Jakarta on Tuesday, he noted that implementation will occur gradually through a transition period lasting until the end of 2026.
“The initial spirit is that the export of the strategic commodity, coal, can only be carried out by government exporters. Nevertheless, adjustments are certainly necessary, involving a gradual transition,” said Rivai.
Rivai explained that the transition period will run from 1 June until 31 December 2026.
During this period, export activities can still be conducted by business actors who possess valid business licences and the status of Registered Exporter (ET) for coal, but they are required to submit reports to the SOEs designated by the government.
Throughout this transition, the entire export process will continue to use coal ET documents and Surveyor Reports (LS) under the names of the previously operating business actors.
Furthermore, exporters are obligated to submit export documents, sales contracts, and other necessary data to the designated export SOEs through an integrated system.
The commodities regulated under this policy cover eight tariff headings, consisting of four tariff headings under HS 2701, two under HS 2702, and two under HS 2703. All remain subject to prohibitions and restrictions (lartas), specifically the obligation for ET and LS.
“During this period, an evaluation of the implementation of the existing export governance will be conducted within three months,” he added.
Starting 1 January 2027, coal exports may only be conducted by the government-appointed export SOE, namely PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (PT DSI).
At that stage, the entire export process—from pre-customs and customs to post-customs—will be managed by PT DSI. Nonetheless, the export SOE will still be required to hold coal ET and Surveyor Reports as supplementary customs documentation.
To obtain the ET, DSI must possess a special production operation mining business licence (IUP) for transport and sales, or a transport and sales licence (IPP), and meet several other administrative requirements.
Permendag 15 of 2026 also outlines several exceptions to the coal ET and LS obligations. These exceptions apply to goods not intended for business activities, such as those for research and development, sample goods for exhibitions, and re-exports that do not meet specifications or are unused.
Additionally, exceptions are granted to business actors whose products are not coal but share the same Harmonised System (HS) code as the restricted coal commodities.
Similar provisions apply to coal ET holders whose business licences have expired but who still hold production stock from when the licence was still valid.
Rivai added that exporters remain obligated to submit electronic reports on export realisation to the Minister of Trade, covering both realised and unrealised exports.
Violations of these reporting obligations will be subject to administrative sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations.
He emphasised that coal ET licences issued before the enactment of Permendag 15 of 2026 remain valid until 31 December 2026, or until the expiry of the business licence if it ends sooner.