5 Fatal Misconceptions in Handling Import and Export Rights

"Mr. Pan garment factory, with a turnover exceeding 5 million last year, lost a major cross-border order because it lacked an import and export rights certificate; Mr. Pan cross-border e-commerce team spent 3 months going through the procedures, missing the golden sales period..." Similar stories unfold every day. Import and export rights, a seemingly ordinary qualification, is in fact a "passport" for enterprises to open up international markets. Today, we will break down the entire handling process and avoid those "pitfalls"!

Why Do 90% of Companies Underestimate Import and Export Rights?

Many people mistakenly believe that only foreign trade companies need to apply, but this is not the case:

• Cross-border e-commerce sellers need to declare customs themselves
• Manufacturing enterprises may suddenly receive overseas orders
• Service-based enterprises involve technology import and export

According to Zhongmaoda's case library, the cost of expedited processing due to sudden international business is often 2-3 times that of the regular fee.

Five-Step Clearance Guide: Obtain Qualifications from 0 to 1

Step 1: Business License Amendment
Add "import and export of goods" or "import and export of technology" to the business scope. The following are required:

• Shareholder meeting resolution
• Articles of association amendment
• Copy of legal representative's ID card

Note! Different regions may have different wording requirements, so it is recommended to consult the local Administration for Industry and Commerce in advance.

Step 2: Foreign Trade Operator Registration
Submit through the Ministry of Commerce business system:

• Registration form
• Copy of business license
• Scanned copy of legal representative's ID card

Generally, the registration form can be obtained within 3 working days. Remember to check the spelling of the English name!

These Hidden Thresholds, Intermediaries Will Never Tell You

1. For the processing of the Customs Electronic Port Card, the legal representative must be present for facial recognition;
2. After registration with the Administration of Foreign Exchange, an annual report must be submitted every year;
3. Export tax rebate qualification needs to be applied for separately, with supporting documents such as purchase and sales contracts.
Zhongmaoda experts remind: Some areas are piloting "one-stop processing," which can shorten the entire process to 15 working days.

Is Everything Fine After Handling? You Might Have Forgotten the Most Important Thing

Obtaining the qualification is just the beginning. Subsequently, you need to pay attention to:

• Complete documentation for every import and export transaction must be retained for 5 years
• Timely application for value-added documents such as certificates of origin
• Pay attention to annual adjustments of HS codes

Might as well do a self-check now: Is the international settlement account opened? Is the customs declaration team assembled? Is there a tax planning scheme?

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