Import and Export Qualification: The Bottleneck in Foreign Trade? 3 Tips to Easily Break Through

"Mr. Zu recently received an overseas order but was informed that his company lacks import and export operating rights, and the deal is about to slip away..." Does this scenario sound familiar? In the wave of global trade, many SME owners suddenly realize: business opportunities are right in front of them, but **lacking import and export operating rights** has become a major obstacle. Today, let's dissect this seemingly high-barrier "industry barrier."

I. What Exactly Are Import and Export Operating Rights?

Simply put, these are the "ID cards" for enterprises to conduct import and export business. According to current Chinese regulations, enterprises need to complete processes such as **customs registration, application for electronic port cards, and foreign exchange administration filing** to obtain full qualification. However, it's worth noting that:

• Registered capital no longer has a hard threshold (the 5 million RMB registered capital requirement was abolished in 2014)
• The processing time can be compressed to 15 working days (green channels are available in some regions)
• Annual import and export volume below 1 million USD can be delegated to an agent (detailed below)

II. Three Solutions for Lacking Qualification

Solution 1: Fast Self-Operated Channel
Mr. Zu startup company completed all procedures in just 12 days through the "Single Window" online platform. Key steps include:

• Adding "Import and Export of Goods" to the business scope on the business license
• Opening a foreign currency account (it's recommended to choose a bank with convenient cross-border settlement)
• Applying for export tax rebate registration (eligible for a maximum tax rebate rate of 13%)

• Enterprises with less than 6 export frequencies per year
• Special categories with complex product certifications (e.g., medical devices)
• Trial businesses that urgently need to complete their first order

• Transaction limit of 20,000 USD per transaction (cross-border retail policy)
• The need to bear VAT compliance costs independently
• Logistics timeliness impacting customer experience

III. Avoid These Hidden Pitfalls

The case of Mr. Wang, whose funds were frozen due to entrusting an irregular agent, serves as a warning:

• Beware of "tax-inclusive" promises (which may involve money laundering risks)
• Verify the customs AEO certification qualifications of the agent
• Retain all trade documents (for at least 5 years)

The Breakthrough: A Mindset Shift from "Cannot" to "Can"

Lacking import and export operating rights has never been the end of a business. Whether it's self-processing, professional agency, or cross-border e-commerce, the key is to evaluate the three-dimensional balance of **business scale, time cost, and risk tolerance**. Ask yourself:

• Is my product suitable for long-term foreign trade?
• How much cost is worth investing for the first trial order?
• What are the overseas market plans for the next 3 years?

Welcome to share your foreign trade "breakthrough" experiences in the comment section, or leave your most concerned qualification questions. In the next issue, we will reveal how **zero-foundation enterprises can avoid foreign exchange risks using RMB settlement**. Click to follow so you don't miss the update!