6 Fatal Pitfalls in Obtaining Import and Export Rights

“Mr. Zhuang recently accepted an overseas order but was forced to abandon the cooperation due to lacking import and export rights; Mr. Zhuang's cross-border e-commerce business is booming, but she is delayed in shipping due to qualification review…” Such stories unfold daily. An import and export business license is like a company's 'international passport,' yet the application process deters many entrepreneurs. This article will take you 10 minutes to dissect the entire process and avoid those little-known 'deep traps.'

I. Why Obtain an Import and Export Business License?

One Certificate Away from Becoming a Foreign Trade Mogul

Possessing an import and export business license means enterprises can directly participate in international trade without relying on third-party agents. According to data from the General Administration of Customs, the number of newly registered import and export enterprises increased by 17% year-on-year in 2023, but 32% of these enterprises submitted duplicate materials due to unfamiliarity with the process. The main advantages include:

Independent signing of foreign trade contracts
Application for export tax refunds (up to 13% refund)
Reduced agency costs (averaging 5-8% of transaction value)

II. Prerequisites Before Application

Zhongmaoda foreign trade consultants remind you that these basic conditions are indispensable:

The business scope on the business license includes "import and export" or "import and export of goods and technology"
The company's bank account has been activated for foreign currency settlement
Registered capital is recommended to be no less than 500,000 RMB (some special industries have higher requirements)

III. Six Core Application Steps

Step 1 Foreign Trade Operator Filing

Why 90% of Enterprises Get Stuck at Step Two?

Application form with company seal
Copy of legal representative's ID card
Copy of business license (must have undergone industrial and commercial changes)

Note: Some regions have implemented 'instant approval,' usually completed within 3 working days.

Step 2 Customs Filing

Submit through the China International Trade "Single Window":

Customs declaration unit registration certificate
Company English name and proof of address
Photo of the legal representative holding their ID card (must be clear and legible)

Step 3 Electronic Port Card Application

This device, resembling a USB security token, is the 'key' to customs clearance and requires:

Application forms for the legal representative card and operator card
Company IC card filing application form
Original ID of the person handling the application (requires on-site verification)

Step 4 State Administration of Foreign Exchange Registration

After completing the registration in the foreign exchange receipt and payment enterprise list for goods trade, you can receive and pay foreign exchange. Key documents to prepare:

Explanation of import and export foreign exchange receipts and payments
Copy of the bank account opening permit
Pre-entry confirmation slip for customs codes

Step 5 Tax Export Tax Refund Qualification

Submit to the competent tax authority:

Application form for export tax refund (exemption) qualification
Proof of VAT general taxpayer status
Proof of bank basic account opening

Step 6 Inspection and Quarantine Filing (Special Industries)

Products involving food, cosmetics, etc., require additional filing on the "Internet + Customs" platform, providing:

Product quality and safety commitment letter
Production process flowchart
Factory layout plan (annotating key hygiene control points)

IV. Pitfall Avoidance Guide: Three Common Problems

Problem 1: "What if the business scope doesn't include import and export terms?"
Solution: First, go to the industrial and commercial department to amend the business scope, adding "import and export of goods" or "import and export of technology."

Problem 2: "How to remedy an expired annual review for the electronic port card?"
Submit the annual review application 30 days in advance on the official website of "China Electronic Port." If overdue, the entire filing process must be redone.

Problem 3: "Export tax refund qualification rejected?"
90% of rejections stem from the inconsistency between the product name on the VAT invoice and the customs declaration. It is recommended to prepare a product name comparison table in advance.

V. Crucial Actions After Application Completion

Obtaining the qualification is just the beginning. It is recommended to immediately:

Activate B2B platforms such as Alibaba International Station (requires qualification verification)
Purchase export credit insurance (government subsidies available for the first year's premium)
Participate in customs AEO certification cultivation (certified advanced enterprises enjoy a 70% reduction in inspection rates)

The vast ocean of international trade is before you. Are you ready to set sail? Welcome to share your application experience in the comments section, or leave any difficulties you are currently facing—Zhongmaoda's expert team will select 3 typical cases and provide free solutions.