Guide to modem importation and DJID/SDPPI Certification requirements in Indonesia.
A modem is a telecommunications device used to receive, convert, transmit, or regenerate data over a communication network. Products imported into Indonesia may include USB modems, 4G/LTE cellular modems, 5G modems, mobile hotspots, modem routers, cable modems, xDSL modems, and gateways incorporating modem functions.
Because modems perform telecommunications functions, DJID/SDPPI Certification should be assessed before commercial importation.
Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 provides Indonesia’s primary framework for telecommunications equipment and device certification. It requires telecommunications equipment and devices manufactured, assembled, or imported for trade and/or use in Indonesia to comply with the applicable Technical Standards. JDIH Kemkomdigi
Do Modems Require DJID Certification?
For a modem that qualifies as telecommunications equipment or a telecommunications device, DJID Certification is one of the main regulatory requirements that should be reviewed before commercial importation.
The assessment should not rely solely on the commercial product name “modem.”
Different modem types may use very different technologies. A product may communicate through a cellular network, fixed cable network, WiFi, satellite connection, or several technologies at the same time.
The exact configuration determines which Indonesian Technical Standards and test documentation may be relevant.
In 2025, DJID also announced the implementation of Minister of Communication and Digital Decision Number 469 of 2025 concerning the list of telecommunications equipment and devices required to comply with Technical Standards. DJID stated that this framework strengthens supervision of imported telecommunications products and supports coordination with Customs and Indonesia’s National Single Window. Postel
Different Types of Modems
The term modem may refer to several types of equipment.
A cellular modem connects to a mobile operator network through technologies such as GSM, WCDMA, LTE, or 5G and may use a SIM card or eSIM.
A USB modem normally connects directly to a computer while providing internet access through a cellular network.
A mobile hotspot or MiFi combines a cellular modem with WiFi so that several devices can share the connection.
A modem router may combine cellular or fixed-network access with routing, Ethernet, and wireless LAN functions.
Other products include xDSL modems, cable modems, industrial modems, and specialised communication gateways.
The exact equipment type should therefore be identified before determining the certification route.
Importing 4G LTE Modems
A 4G LTE modem connects directly to a mobile network, so its cellular radio configuration needs to be assessed.
Relevant information generally includes supported LTE bands, operating frequencies, channel bandwidths, transmission power, antenna configuration, SIM functions, and carrier aggregation capabilities where applicable.
Indonesia’s current Technical Standard for telecommunications equipment and devices based on LTE and IMT-2020 includes Minister of Communication and Digital Decision Number 569 of 2025, which is currently in force. JDIH Kemkomdigi
The term “4G modem” alone is therefore insufficient. The actual bands and radio configuration enabled in the imported product should be confirmed.
Importing 5G Modems
5G modems may be supplied as USB devices, industrial communication equipment, mobile hotspots, fixed wireless terminals, or integrated 5G routers.
These products can have more complex radio configurations than conventional modems.
An assessment may need to consider supported 5G NR bands, LTE fallback, bandwidth, transmission power, antenna configuration, and whether the product supports Standalone or Non-Standalone operation.
Minister of Communication and Digital Decision Number 569 of 2025 is currently the relevant Technical Standard for LTE and IMT-2020 cellular telecommunications equipment. JDIH Kemkomdigi
When the modem also supports LTE, the complete cellular capability of the product should be reviewed.
GSM and 3G Modems
Some industrial or specialised modems may still include GSM or IMT-2000 technologies.
For these technologies, Minister of Communication and Digital Decision Number 45 of 2025 establishes the Technical Standards for cellular telecommunications equipment based on GSM and IMT-2000 and is currently in force. JDIH Kemkomdigi
If one modem supports several cellular generations, the assessment should identify every radio technology enabled in the final product.
Modems with WiFi Router Functions
Many modern products are not simply modems.
An LTE router or 5G CPE, for example, uses cellular radio to connect to a telecommunications operator and WiFi to distribute internet access to end users.
This means the device may contain at least two separate wireless functions: cellular and RLAN/WiFi.
Minister of Communication and Digital Decision Number 12 of 2025 currently regulates class-licensed spectrum and the Technical Standards for Radio Local Area Network equipment. JDIH Kemkomdigi
A cellular modem-router should therefore be assessed for both its cellular and WiFi characteristics where both functions are present.
Frequency Bands and Radio Configuration
Frequency-band information is particularly important for cellular modem assessment.
Manufacturers may provide a long list of LTE and 5G bands because one global hardware platform is intended for several countries.
The imported Indonesian variant should therefore be checked against its actual firmware, hardware, RF report, and supported bands.
Technical information is normally obtained from product datasheets, module datasheets, RF specifications, or laboratory test reports.
Commercial descriptions such as “Global LTE Modem” or “Worldwide 5G Router” should not be used as the sole basis for regulatory assessment.
Transmission Power and Antennas
Transmission power and antenna configuration are also important.
A modem may use internal antennas, removable antennas, MIMO antennas, or external antenna connectors.
Industrial modems frequently support external antennas, which makes the antenna specifications particularly relevant to the assessment.
Where available, the RF test report should be compared with the antenna type and gain intended for the final product.
Changes in antenna configuration may affect the technical characteristics of the certified configuration.
IMEI Considerations for Cellular Modems
IMEI requirements may also need to be considered for certain cellular telecommunications devices.
Regulation Number 3 of 2024 states that certain telecommunications equipment and devices must have a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity, with the specific equipment subject to the requirement determined by the Director General. JDIH Kemkomdigi
It would therefore be inaccurate to assume that every product commercially called a modem has exactly the same IMEI requirement.
For cellular modems, the device category and actual network configuration should be reviewed to determine whether IMEI-related provisions are relevant.
HS Code for Modems
The customs classification of a modem depends on the actual characteristics of the imported product.
Indonesian tariff schedules list HS 8517.62.41 for modems including cable modems and modem cards. Insw API
However, not every product sold commercially as a modem will necessarily fall under that exact subheading.
A modem-router, cellular CPE, gateway, or multifunction communication device may require additional classification analysis based on its principal functions and configuration.
The final HS Code should therefore be confirmed against the actual datasheet and product architecture.
This is also important for DJID supervision because Regulation Number 3 of 2024 provides that the list of telecommunications equipment and devices required to meet Technical Standards is structured using Harmonized System codes. JDIH Kemkomdigi
DJID Certification and Customs Import Data
DJID certification data is transmitted to the Indonesia National Single Window (SINSW) in real time.
The data includes the Certificate number, issuance date, final date for use of the Certificate for import purposes, tariff/HS code, country of origin, brand, and equipment type. JDIH Kemkomdigi
Consistency between certification and customs documentation is therefore important.
The actual product model, country of origin, HS classification, and Certificate information should be checked before shipment.
A mismatch between the Certificate and import documentation may create issues during the customs process.
Documents to Prepare Before Importing a Modem
Before shipment, importers should obtain sufficient technical documentation from the manufacturer.
Typical documents include product and label photos, product datasheets, user manuals, RF specifications, cellular band information, transmission power, antenna specifications, and RF test reports where available.
For modems built around a cellular communication module, the cellular module datasheet is also useful.
Where the device contains WiFi, technical documentation for the WiFi function should be prepared as well.
Obtaining these documents before placing a large purchase order helps identify potential certification issues at an earlier stage.
Is a Certified Cellular Module Sufficient?
Not necessarily.
An existing certificate or test report for the cellular module can be useful supporting documentation, but the complete modem still needs to be assessed.
Integration into the final product may affect antennas, enabled frequency bands, transmission power, firmware, enclosure, and additional wireless technologies.
For example, a certified LTE module may later be integrated into a modem that also contains WiFi, Bluetooth, GNSS, or other communication functions.
The module certificate should therefore be reviewed together with the final product configuration.
Foreign RF Test Reports
A foreign laboratory report can be valuable supporting documentation for DJID Certification.
However, it needs to be reviewed against the actual model, cellular module, frequency bands, test standards, antenna configuration, and applicable Indonesian Technical Standards.
Regulation Number 3 of 2024 defines testing as an assessment of the characteristics of telecommunications equipment or devices against applicable Technical Standards through measurement. JDIH Kemkomdigi
An FCC, CE, or other foreign test report should therefore not automatically be treated as equivalent to DJID Certification.
Its suitability depends on the certification route and the technical requirements applicable to the specific modem.
Who Can Apply for DJID Certification?
Regulation Number 3 of 2024 specifies several categories of Certificate applicants.
For business entities, applicants may include a trademark holder registered in Indonesia, an appointed representative or distributor of the trademark holder, certain manufacturers or assemblers, and businesses using telecommunications equipment for their own purposes. JDIH Kemkomdigi
For commercial importation, the intended Certificate holder should therefore be determined before the application begins.
This is particularly important where the principal, importer, distributor, and local trademark holder are different companies.
Import Process for Modems
For commercial shipments, technical and regulatory assessment should ideally be completed before the goods leave the manufacturing country.
A typical process may include product identification, HS-code review, cellular and wireless assessment, examination of RF reports, identification of applicable Technical Standards, determination of testing requirements, DJID/SDPPI Certification, labeling preparation, and verification of import documentation.
DJID has stated that Decision Number 469 of 2025 is intended to strengthen the control and supervision of imported telecommunications equipment and has been implemented in coordination with Customs and LNSW. Postel
Completing the assessment before shipment can therefore significantly reduce regulatory uncertainty.
Certificate Period for Import Activities
Under Regulation Number 3 of 2024, the Certificate itself does not expire.
However, the Certificate holder may manufacture, assemble, or import the relevant equipment for trade and/or use in Indonesia for up to three years from the date the Certificate is issued. JDIH Kemkomdigi
If those activities continue beyond that period, the applicable provisions concerning Technical Standard compliance and a new Certificate need to be followed.
Importers planning repeated shipments of the same modem model should therefore monitor the Certificate issuance date.
DJID Labeling for Modems
Certified modems are also subject to labeling requirements.
Regulation Number 3 of 2024 requires the label to include the Certificate number and PLG ID, QR Code, and warning sign. JDIH Kemkomdigi
The QR Code contains certification information including the Certificate number, PLG ID, brand, and device type.
Certificate holders are also required to submit evidence of labeling through the certification system within the period specified by the regulation. JDIH Kemkomdigi
Label design should therefore be considered before mass production and commercial shipment.
Why Pre-Shipment Assessment Is Important
Modems are frequently offered in multiple regional or radio configurations even when the external design and commercial product name are identical.
For example, one product family may have a 4G variant, a 5G variant, an LTE + WiFi version, a 5G + WiFi version, or different global and regional cellular-band configurations.
These differences can affect the applicable Technical Standards, RF reports, certification scope, HS classification, and labeling.
A pre-shipment assessment helps the importer identify these issues before commercial quantities reach Indonesia.
Conclusion
Importing modems into Indonesia requires careful attention to DJID/SDPPI Certification because a modem is fundamentally a telecommunications device.
The modem type, cellular technology, operating bands, transmission power, communication module, antenna, WiFi functions, and final product configuration are important elements of the assessment.
For cellular modems, the applicable Technical Standards also depend on whether the device supports GSM/IMT-2000, LTE, IMT-2020/5G, or a combination of these technologies. JDIH Kemkomdigi
Conducting an assessment before shipment helps companies prepare DJID Certification, testing, HS-code information, customs documentation, and labeling more accurately and can reduce the risk of problems during the import process.
Contact Us
Biruni Consulting assists with DJID/SDPPI assessment and certification for modems, cellular modems, modem routers, and various telecommunications products that will be imported or marketed in Indonesia.
Our services include:
- Assessment of DJID/SDPPI certification requirements.
- LTE and 5G technology assessment.
- RF specification and frequency-band review.
- Frequency and transmission power analysis.
- Technical document review.
- Certification document preparation.
- Testing coordination where required.
- DJID/SDPPI Certification assistance.
If you have a modem that will be imported into Indonesia, you can prepare product photos, brand, model, datasheet, cellular band specifications, RF test reports, and module datasheets for an initial assessment of the DJID/Postel Certification requirements.
