Think Obtaining Import and Export Rights is Difficult? You’re Wrong!

In the globalized wave of commerce, more and more enterprises aspire to expand into overseas markets, and possessing import and export rights is undoubtedly the key to unlocking this door. However, the process of obtaining import and export rights deters many business owners. Today, let us lift this veil of mystery and understand the process of obtaining import and export rights in detail.

Business Registration Change

First, enterprises need to ensure that their business license includes the relevant content for "import and export of goods and technology." If not, they need to go to the local Administration for Industry and Commerce to change their business scope. For example, Mr. Shi company initially had a relatively narrow business scope on its business license. To engage in import and export business, he prepared relevant documents, such as an application form, shareholder resolution, and amendment to the company's articles of association, and submitted them to the Administration for Industry and Commerce for review. Generally, if the documents are complete and meet the regulations, the change can be completed within 3-5 working days, and a new business license will be issued. This is the foundational step for obtaining import and export rights.

Foreign Trade Operator Filing

After completing the business registration change, the next step is to proceed with the foreign trade operator filing. Enterprises need to log in to the unified business system platform of the Ministry of Commerce and fill out the foreign trade operator filing registration form online. The form includes enterprise basic information, contact details, business scope, and other information. After filling it out, print it, affix the company's official seal and the legal representative's seal, and bring the original and copy of the business license and the copy of the legal representative's ID card to the local commerce authority for filing. After the commerce authority reviews and approves it, a foreign trade operator filing registration form will be issued. This process usually takes 3-7 working days.

Customs Registration

After obtaining the foreign trade operator filing registration form, enterprises must go to the local customs office to complete the customs registration procedures. Log in to the "Single Window" of China International Trade and fill in the customs filing information in the Enterprise Qualification module, including enterprise basic information and customs declaration personnel information. At the same time, prepare the original and copy of the foreign trade operator filing registration form, the original and copy of the business license, and a copy of the company's articles of association. Schedule an appointment for on-site processing at the customs. After the customs review and verification, a Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate will be issued, at which point the enterprise is qualified to declare import and export goods to the customs. The processing time is approximately 5-10 working days.

Electronic Port Card Application

To facilitate online customs declaration, inspection, and other businesses, enterprises also need to apply for an electronic port card. Enterprises can apply for a corporate legal person card and an operator card from the electronic port through the "Enterprise Qualification" subsystem of the "Single Window" standard version. When applying, you need to provide the foreign trade operator filing registration form, the Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate, and a copy of the business license, and pay the corresponding fees to receive the electronic port card. The entire process takes about 5-7 working days.

Foreign Exchange Administration Filing

Finally, enterprises must file with the local foreign exchange administration to smoothly conduct import and export foreign exchange collection and payment businesses. Enterprises need to fill out the Application Form for Registration in the List of Enterprises for Foreign Exchange Collection and Payment of Goods Trade and the Confirmation Letter for Handling Foreign Exchange Collection and Payment Business of Goods Trade, and bring the original and copy of the business license and the original and copy of the foreign trade operator filing registration form to the foreign exchange administration for processing. After the foreign exchange administration reviews and approves it, the enterprise will complete the foreign exchange filing and can proceed with foreign exchange collection and payment normally. The processing time is usually 3-5 working days.

Although the process of obtaining import and export rights is relatively complex, as long as you follow the steps and prepare all the necessary documents, each stage can be completed smoothly. Once an enterprise possesses import and export rights, it can make great strides in the international market and usher in a new chapter of business. If you have any questions during the application process, feel free to leave a message in the comment section for discussion.