Import and Export Rights = Money Printer? What 90% of High-tech Zone Business Owners Don’t Know

"Last year, Mr. Ling was still worried about foreign trade orders, but this year, thanks to High-tech Zone import and export rights, he directly signed a multi-million dollar deal!" Such stories are not fictional. As globalization accelerates, more and more enterprises are turning their attention to overseas markets. And possessing import and export rights is undoubtedly the first key to opening up the international market. Today, let's discuss how High-tech Zone enterprises can quickly obtain this "foreign trade pass."

I. Import and Export Rights: More Than Just "Being Able to Import and Export"

Many people think that import and export rights are merely a license allowing enterprises to engage in foreign trade, but its value extends far beyond that. High-tech Zone enterprises with import and export rights can:

• Handle customs declarations independently, saving agency fees
• Enjoy policy benefits from export tax rebates
• Establish an international business credit system
• Participate in government-sponsored foreign trade subsidies

Mr. Ling technology company is a typical example. After obtaining import and export rights, not only did profits increase by 20% by directly engaging with overseas clients, but it also received special awards as a foreign trade growth enterprise in the High-tech Zone.

II. Detailed Application Process: Five Steps to Secure Your "International Pass"

The application for import and export rights in High-tech Zones primarily involves five key steps:

• Step One: Business License Scope Expansion (requires adding business scope such as "import and export of goods")
• Step Two: Customs Registration (China Customs Enterprise Import and Export Credit Management System)
• Step Three: Electronic Port Network Access (obtaining IC card operation authority)
• Step Four: Foreign Exchange Administration Registration (enabling foreign exchange account permissions)
• Step Five: Tax Bureau Registration (export tax rebate qualification recognition)

The entire process typically requires 15-20 working days, and Zhongmaoda recommends that enterprises reserve a 1-month buffer period. Special reminder: Since 2023, High-tech Zones have launched the "One Thing for Foreign Trade" integrated service, where some materials can be shared online, increasing efficiency by 40%.

III. Pitfall Avoidance Guide: Traps 90% of Enterprises Fall Into

During our service, we found that enterprises often encounter these issues:

• Business scope not including "technology import and export" leading to subsequent supplementary applications
• Forgetting to submit the customs annual report resulting in being downgraded to a dishonest enterprise
• Foreign exchange account not activated in time affecting collections
• Incomplete documentation for export tax rebate registration

Here's a real case: A biotechnology company's import and export rights were temporarily frozen due to a missed customs annual report, causing a 2 million USD order to be delayed. We recommend enterprises engage professional agencies like Zhongmaoda for full-process management to avoid significant losses due to minor oversights.

IV. Special Policies in High-tech Zones: Don't Miss These Benefits

Compared to other regions, High-tech Zones offer unique support for foreign trade enterprises:

• Enterprises with first-year import and export volume exceeding 5 million USD can apply for special awards
• Subsidies for participating in international exhibitions can reach up to 70% of booth fees
• AEO-certified enterprises enjoy VIP customs channels
• Cross-border e-commerce enterprises receive additional logistics subsidies

Data shows that in 2023, foreign trade enterprises in High-tech Zones received an average policy subsidy of 127,000 RMB. It is recommended that enterprises, after obtaining import and export rights, immediately consult with the commerce department for a policy matching plan.

Is Your Enterprise Ready to "Go Global"?

Import and export rights are not just a license, but also the starting line for enterprise internationalization. In today's increasingly fierce global competition, laying out your strategy one day earlier means one more chance to win. Have you encountered difficulties in applying for import and export rights? Or would you like to know about the latest foreign trade support policies in High-tech Zones? Feel free to leave a comment in the comments section, and we will select typical questions for Zhongmaoda experts to answer in detail.

Special Tip: Follow us and reply with 'Foreign Trade Toolkit' to receive a free full-process map for obtaining import and export rights in High-tech Zones and an electronic compilation of 2024 foreign trade policies.