Is Applying for Import and Export Rights Actually Simpler Than Getting a Passport?

"Mr. Mao registered a trading company last year, but was dumbfounded when he received an overseas order – without import and export rights, he couldn't even fill out a customs declaration form!" Have you also encountered a similar predicament? This article will take you 10 minutes to break down the entire application process for import and export rights, helping you avoid the pitfalls 90% of entrepreneurs have stepped into.

I. Why are Import and Export Rights Needed?

When Mr. Mao handicraft store received its first European order, she realized: a domestic business license ≠ an international trade pass. Import and export rights are essentially the qualification for cross-border trade granted by the state to enterprises, without which:

• You must pay 3-8% service fees through an agent company
• Unable to independently process tax refunds (losing 13% VAT)
• Customer trust is significantly reduced

II. Four Major Preparations Before Application

Zhongmao Consulting foreign trade advisors remind: These materials are all indispensable:

• Business license's scope of business must include "import and export" or "import and export of goods and technology"
• Bank basic account opening permit
• Original ID card of the legal representative and company seal
• Office space lease contract (virtual addresses may be rejected)

Special note: Registered capital does not require actual payment, but it is recommended to fill in more than 500,000 to avoid customs review risks.

III. Illustrated Five-Step Clearance Process

Standardized process taking Shenzhen as an example:

• Step 1 Ministry of Commerce Filing: Online submission of the Record-filing Form for Foreign Trade Operators
• Step 2 Customs Registration: Obtain a 10-digit customs code (within 1 working day)
• Step 3 Electronic Port Card: Equivalent to the enterprise's import and export ID
• Step 4 SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange) Filing: Enable foreign currency receipt and payment functions
• Step 5 Tax Bureau Tax Refund Registration: Complete the final puzzle piece

The entire process takes approximately 15-20 working days, and can be expedited to 7 days (requires additional fees).

IV. Subsequent Actions Ignored by 90% of People

Obtaining the qualification is just the beginning; Zhongmao Consulting's case library shows:

• Annual customs report required every year (overdue may lead to downgrade)
• Tax refund qualification must be processed within 60 days after the first export
• Electronic Port Card requires annual renewal fee (approx. 500 yuan)

It is recommended to establish a cross-border trade ledger to record the customs declaration, foreign exchange collection, and tax refund progress for each order.

V. Self-Assessment: Do You Really Need to Apply?

It is recommended to apply immediately if any of the following conditions are met:

• Annual export volume exceeds 500,000 RMB
• Product tax refund rate is higher than 8%
• Have more than 3 stable overseas customers

If it's just occasional purchasing on behalf of others (daigou), entrusting an agent company is more cost-effective.

Action Guide: What to Do Next?

Now, open your computer: Log in to the official website of the "International Trade Single Window", and you can check the latest local policies with your business license number. Feel free to leave your application progress in the comment section, and Zhongmao Consulting experts will select 5 questions for a free diagnosis.