The Surveyor Report for Imports in Indonesia

1. What is Laporan Surveyor (LS)?

Laporan Surveyor (LS), also known as a Surveyor Report, is an official verification document issued by an authorized Surveyor Agency such as Sucofindo, Surveyor Indonesia or Anindya. This document serves as critical evidence that imported goods have been inspected and verified to comply with Indonesian import regulations and shipment documentation.

For many regulated products — including cosmetics, food, and beverages — obtaining an LS is a mandatory requirement before customs clearance and for SKI (Surat Keterangan Impor) submission to BPOM. Without this critical document, importers face significant delays, potential rejection of goods at customs, and complications in the regulatory approval process.

2. Purpose and Importance of Laporan Surveyor

The LS acts as a comprehensive verification mechanism in Indonesia’s import control framework. Understanding its multiple functions helps importers appreciate why this document is non-negotiable for regulated product categories.

The main functions of Laporan Surveyor include:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that the product’s documentation, labeling, quantity, and specifications match the shipment data and comply with relevant BPOM or Ministry of Trade regulations.
• Verification of Origin and Quality: Confirms that the goods being imported are consistent with the declared origin, specifications, and condition, preventing fraudulent or substandard imports.
• Customs Requirement: Serves as a mandatory supporting document for customs clearance and SKI applications, facilitating smooth border processing.
• Transparency and Traceability: Provides a clear audit trail of the goods, helping authorities and importers verify shipment legitimacy throughout the supply chain.
• Risk Mitigation: Reduces the risk of importing non-compliant or mislabeled products that could face rejection or recall in the Indonesian market.

3. Authorized Surveyor Agencies in Indonesia

Only surveyor agencies officially appointed by the Indonesian government can issue a valid Laporan Surveyor. These agencies operate under strict oversight and must comply with standards set by the Ministry of Trade and BPOM.

The most common authorized agencies are:

• PT Sucofindo (Persero): One of Indonesia’s largest inspection, verification, testing, and certification companies with extensive international networks
• PT Surveyor Indonesia (Persero): State-owned inspection and certification agency providing comprehensive surveyor services across multiple industries
• Anindya(Persero): PT Anindya Wiraputra Konsult (ANINDYA) is an Indonesian independent survey and verification company established in 1982, headquartered in Jakarta. It provides inspection, testing, and verification services for commodities such as coal, minerals, and oil & gas, primarily supporting export–import activities.

Each surveyor operates under specific regulations depending on the product type and country of origin. The assignment of which surveyor agency handles a particular import is typically determined by:

• Product category (cosmetics, food, etc.)
• Country of origin or port of shipment
• Existing agreements between the surveyor agency and regulatory authorities
• Importer’s previous registration or relationship with the surveyor

4. When is Laporan Surveyor Required?

An LS is typically required for regulated imports, which are products subject to pre-market approval or registration with Indonesian authorities. Understanding whether your product category requires an LS is crucial for import planning and compliance.

Product categories that commonly require Laporan Surveyor include (but are not limited to):

• Cosmetics and Skincare Products: All imported cosmetics require LS for SKI submission to BPOM
• Food and Beverage Items: Processed foods, beverages, supplements, and functional foods
• Medical Devices: All classes of medical devices, from Class A to Class D. (Note: Not all medical devices require an LS (Letter of Statement); this depends on the product’s HS Code.)
• Pharmaceutical Raw Materials: Active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients
• Certain Household Products: Household health products and chemical preparations
• Traditional Medicines: Herbal products and traditional remedies

In these cases, the LS must be obtained before the shipment arrives in Indonesia or prior to SKI application. The timing is critical: attempting to obtain an LS after goods have arrived can complicate the process and lead to storage fees, demurrage charges, and customs complications.

5. Required Documents for LS Application

Before applying for an LS, importers must prepare a comprehensive set of documents to verify product identity and compliance. Having complete and accurate documentation is essential for smooth processing and avoiding verification delays.

The commonly required documents include:

Providing accurate and complete documentation helps reduce verification delays and ensures smooth processing. Any discrepancies between documents can result in verification holds or requests for additional information.

6. Step-by-Step Process of Obtaining Laporan Surveyor

The LS application and verification process follows a structured workflow that involves coordination between the importer, surveyor agency, and overseas shipper. Understanding each step helps importers manage timelines and expectations effectively.

Complete LS Process Flow:

1. Document Review and Registration

   The importer submits the required documents to the appointed Surveyor Agency. The surveyor conducts an initial review to confirm completeness and conformity with regulatory requirements. Any missing or incorrect documents are flagged at this stage.

2. Account Activation and Verification Request (VR)

   The importer or their authorized representative registers an account with the Surveyor Agency’s online system and submits a Verification Request (VR) — an official request to begin the LS process. This VR contains shipment details, product specifications, and shipper information.

3. Verification Order and Inspection Scheduling

   Once the documents are accepted and the VR is approved, the Surveyor Agency issues a Verification Order (VO) and coordinates the inspection schedule with the shipper or exporter at the origin country. The surveyor’s local affiliate in the exporting country is assigned to conduct the physical inspection.

4. On-Site Physical Inspection

   A qualified inspector from the surveyor agency’s local affiliate carries out the physical inspection at the shipper’s warehouse or factory. During this critical stage, the surveyor checks:

   • Product Quantity and Packaging: Verification that declared quantities match actual goods
   • Batch or Lot Numbers: Confirmation of production batches and traceability codes
   • Expiry Dates: Verification of manufacturing and expiration dates
   • Product Labeling: Inspection of labels for compliance with submitted documents
   • Physical Condition: Assessment of packaging integrity and product condition
   • Document Consistency: Cross-verification between physical goods and submitted documentation
5. Inspection Report Preparation

   After completing the physical inspection, the surveyor compiles detailed findings and photographs. This information is transmitted to the main office in Indonesia for review and final report preparation.

6. LS Finalization and Issuance

   After final review and approval, the surveyor issues the official Laporan Surveyor (LS). The report summarizes all inspection findings and confirms whether the shipment meets Indonesian import verification standards. The LS is then made available to the importer in both digital and physical formats, as required for customs and SKI applications.

7. How INSIGHTOF Consulting Indonesia (ICI) Can Help

INSIGHTOF Consulting Indonesia (ICI) provides comprehensive support throughout the Laporan Surveyor application process, helping importers navigate the complex coordination between surveyors, shippers, and regulatory bodies.

While importers can manage LS applications independently, coordinating between multiple parties across different countries and time zones often requires detailed administrative work, regulatory expertise, and persistent follow-up. This is where ICI’s specialized services deliver significant value.

Our comprehensive Laporan Surveyor services include:

• ✅ Surveyor Agency Account Activation: Assistance in registering and activating accounts with Surveyor Agencies in Indonesia
• ✅ Document Review and Verification: Pre-submission review of all import documents to ensure completeness and accuracy
• ✅ Verification Request (VR) Submission: Professional preparation and submission of VR with all required attachments
• ✅ Inspection Coordination: Liaison between surveyor agencies and overseas shippers to schedule and facilitate inspections
• ✅ Progress Monitoring: Regular follow-up and status updates throughout the LS issuance process
• ✅ Issue Resolution: Troubleshooting and resolution of any verification issues or document discrepancies
• ✅ Final LS Delivery: Secure delivery of completed LS documents for customs and SKI application use
• ✅ Integration with BPOM Services: Seamless coordination of LS with SKI applications and BPOM registrations

Why Choose INSIGHTOF for LS Services?

• Established Relationships: Long-standing partnerships with both major surveyor agencies ensure priority processing
• Regulatory Expertise: Deep understanding of Indonesia’s import verification requirements and BPOM procedures
• Proactive Communication: Regular updates and transparent communication throughout the process
• Problem Prevention: Pre-emptive identification and resolution of potential issues before they cause delays
• Time Efficiency: Streamlined processes that minimize turnaround time and prevent costly delays
• Comprehensive Support: End-to-end assistance from initial document review to final LS delivery