Do SMEs Doing Foreign Trade Need an Import and Export Right?

Mr. Guan has been very troubled recently. The specialty chili sauce produced by his food processing plant sells well locally, and customers in Southeast Asia frequently inquire about it. However, due to the lack of an import and export right, he can only watch orders slip away. In fact, there are many business owners like Mr. Guan – 90% of SMEs don't know that the threshold for applying for an import and export right is much lower than they imagine.

Why Does Your Company Need an Import and Export Right?

Having an import and export right means that a company can directly participate in international trade and no longer rely on third-party agents. Taking Zhongmaoda's clients as an example, after Mr. Guan toy factory obtained the import and export right, her single order profit increased by 30% directly, and she could independently control delivery cycles and customer relationships.

• Cost Savings: Save 3-8% agent fees per order
• Efficiency Improvement: Customs declaration time reduced by over 50%
• Business Opportunity Expansion: Directly access platforms like Amazon International Station

Five Steps to Complete the Import and Export Right Application

Step 1: Business License Amendment
Add "Goods Import and Export" or "Technology Import and Export" to the business scope. Required documents:

• Shareholder Meeting Resolution
• Company Articles of Association Amendment
• Business Registration Change Application

• Business License Copy
• Bank Account Opening Permit
• Organization Code Certificate (Exempt for companies with three-in-one registration)

Step 4: Application for Electronic Port Card
This device, resembling a USB token, is the core tool for subsequent customs declaration and tax refund. The legal representative must be present during the application.

Step 5: Tax Bureau Export Tax Rebate Registration
After completing the registration, companies can enjoy export tax rebate rates ranging from 5% to 13%.

The Three Pitfalls That 90% of Companies Have Fallen Into

1. Omission of Annual Customs Report: An annual report of customs declaration unit registration information must be submitted before June 30th each year. Exceeding the deadline will affect the credit rating.

2. Incorrect Reporting of Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments: Cross-border receipts must be declared for international payments through the bank within 5 working days.

3. Disorganized Document Management: Contracts, invoices, packing lists, and other documents must be kept for at least 5 years.

Act Now, Seize New Foreign Trade Opportunities

With the promotion of agreements like RCEP, the Southeast Asian market is experiencing explosive growth. Zhongmaoda's latest data shows that the number of companies exporting independently increased by 67% year-on-year in 2023. Is your company ready to catch this express train?

Feel free to leave your questions in the comments section or share your experience applying for an import and export right. For the top three most liked questions, we will invite foreign trade experts to provide detailed answers.