The import and export license is more of a licensing process than a proof. In this process, the company needs to undergo qualification review and register with government departments in order to legally import and export goods or technology. In the following chapters, Simon will provide you with a detailed introduction to three steps that enable you to meet the conditions for conducting import and export business locally. Usually, the information on the import and export license mainly includes the name, specifications, quantity, import and export country, expiration date, total value, transportation method, trade method, and payment method of the goods. Therefore, import and export enterprises must strictly import and export specific goods in accordance with the prescribed trade methods and other contents specified in the license.
In addition, import and export licenses are also used for customs inspection and clearance, as well as for banks to handle foreign exchange settlements and other foreign trade related businesses. One of the most important aspects is that after conducting corresponding international trade business, you must apply for import and export tax refunds to the tax authorities using an import and export license. If you want to learn more about enterprise import and export tax refunds, please click on our enterprise tax refund service page
Application Process for Import and Export License
Step 1: Customs Registration
Firstly, your company must submit necessary products to the local customs and register them according to customs requirements. Once you successfully register, the customs will provide you with a unique customs registration code (also known as a CR code). The CR code is usually a 10 digit code that serves as a unique identifier for import and export business recognized and regulated by Chinese customs. It is the foundation of all international trade activities of import and export companies. All import and export enterprises must receive this code in order to make import and export declarations, apply for tax exemptions, handle foreign exchange settlements, and manage customs inspections and releases. You can also use the company’s English name during the customs registration process, which is very helpful for your marketing activities.
Step 2: Apply for an electronic port IC card
China Customs has launched an electronic port IC card, which is a smart card that can be used by import and export operators for data sharing, electronic signature, identity verification, and other purposes on the electronic port platform. Electronic port IC cards should be stored securely to avoid loss, as once applied for and obtained, they will serve as the online identity and seal of the enterprise.
Step 3: Foreign Exchange Registration
After completing the above two steps, you need to register with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE). Due to China’s foreign exchange management system, it is necessary to register with the local foreign exchange management department for legitimate cross-border fund transfers. This is a requirement for applying for tax incentives, as well as a legal requirement for managing foreign exchange income and expenses and cross-border capital flows. Without foreign exchange registration, your enterprise will not be able to manage tax information correctly or submit import and export tax refund applications.
The necessary conditions for applying for an import and export license
The Chinese government has specific legal requirements for applying for import and export licenses. Your company must meet certain conditions to qualify for the application. If you have already established a company in China, you need to check if your company meets the following conditions summarized by Simon in order to successfully apply for an import and export license.
Condition 1: Registered legally in China
If you want to apply for an import and export license in China, your company must be a legally registered enterprise with the China Administration for Industry and Commerce. If you are considering engaging in international trade activities in China but have not yet established your own company, you can choose Simon’s foreign-owned enterprise setup service package. We will provide comprehensive services from company establishment, business scope selection to personnel recruitment to ensure that your company meets the relevant requirements for applying for an import and export license from the beginning.
Condition 2: Compliance of basic company information
To apply for an import and export license, your company not only needs to be legally registered, but also needs to successfully open a basic RMB bank account in China. If you have not yet opened a Bank of China account, you can click to learn about Simon’s Bank of China account opening services.
In addition, the basic information of your company, including registered capital and business scope, will be reviewed by the government. If it does not meet the requirements, you may not be able to obtain approval. For example, if your company’s business scope does not include “import and export of goods”, you may need to add it to your business project. You can click on our ‘China Company Information Change’ service page (link to China Company Information Change page) to learn more information.
Condition 3: Qualified personnel
International trade involves submitting various materials to multiple government departments, therefore your company requires qualified and experienced import and export professionals to handle related business. These staff members should be familiar with customs declaration procedures and understand import and export management regulations. You can choose Simon’s human resource management services to help you find suitable candidates and provide salary management services after they are hired.
Application for Food Import and Export License: Simon Customer Case Study
In this section, Simon will introduce a real-life case of our client, who mainly engages in syrup imports (classified as low-risk food). We hope this will give you a general understanding of our service offerings and related fees. Please note that the process of obtaining an import and export license varies depending on the type of items you plan to import or export. This case study is for general guidance only. If you would like to use Simon as your partner for submitting import and export license applications, please arrange a free consultation appointment with us to learn more information.
GACC filing and registration
| Service Projects | Description | Directory | Service fee (USD) | Government expenses (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese product label generation | Customs registration and Chinese label application for imported products |
|
250 | 150 |
| Register manufacturers, distributors, and other related entities who purchase products with the General Administration of Customs (GACC) |
|
— | — | |
|
— | 600 | ||
|
— | 800 | ||
| Simon’s comprehensive business solution package | ||||
| China agency services | As authorized representatives in China, we communicate with upstream parties of imported products to obtain necessary documents and assist in resolving issues during the application process |
|
3500 (Excluding government expenses) |
|
Why choose Simon?
Rapid Processing
With experienced team members, we can handle your project faster than others.
Unsuccessful, no charge
Simon promises that we will only charge after your project is successfully completed.
Tailored services
We will provide the most suitable business plan based on your situation.
Traceable process
Simon has an online system for you to track any updates to the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have any further questions? don’t worry! We are happy to answer!
What are the regulations for the import and export trade qualifications of enterprises?
Generally speaking, enterprises need to register as foreign trade operators in accordance with the law in order to obtain the qualification for foreign trade operations. In some regions, the integration of multiple certificates has been achieved, and relevant filing and registration procedures can be completed simultaneously during enterprise registration. In addition, depending on the type of goods, specific industry access qualifications may also need to be met. For example, enterprises engaged in food import and export need to comply with hygiene and production qualification requirements related to food.
Is it necessary to apply for certain import and export performance?
In most cases, companies do not need to have previous import and export performance when applying for an import and export license for the first time. However, for certain specific controlled goods or goods subject to quota management, relevant departments can comprehensively consider the company’s past business development and professional capabilities in the relevant field. But this is not an absolute and universal requirement. This still depends on the specific product category and corresponding management policies.
What additional materials are required if the import and export goods involve special industries?
For example, for the import and export of hazardous chemicals, in addition to the prescribed materials, it is also necessary to provide ingredient descriptions, hazard characteristic specifications, packaging instructions, and proof materials that comply with relevant transportation and storage safety standards. If it is an imported medical device, materials such as medical device registration certificate, certificate of conformity, and instruction manual need to be prepared. Specifically, corresponding supplementary materials will be determined based on different special industries and their regulatory priorities.
How to modify the content on the license?
If the items registered on the license, such as the company name, legal representative, scope of import and export goods, trading country, etc., change, the company should promptly apply for change registration to the original issuing department and submit the corresponding proof materials for the changed items. For example, when changing the company name, a certificate of industrial and commercial registration change is required, and when changing the scope of goods, relevant qualification certificates for newly added goods need to be submitted. After approval by the original issuing department, the corresponding content of the license will change and a new license will be issued.