5 Traps in Handling Import and Export Rights, the Third One Traps 80% of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Mr. Zhang runs a small furniture factory. Last year, he accidentally received an overseas order but was forced to give it up due to the lack of import and export rights. Ms. Li's cross-border e-commerce team has been relying on third-party agents until now because of incomplete qualifications, and their profits have been diluted layer by layer... How important is import and export rights exactly? How can enterprises quickly obtain this "international pass"? This article will break down the whole process to help you open the door to global business.

Having import and export rights means that enterprises can directly trade with overseas customers without going through agency companies. According to the statistics of Zhongshitong, self-operated import and export enterprises can save an average of 18% of trade costs on average and obtain the following advantages at the same time:

• Independently control the foreign exchange settlement cycle

• Directly enjoy the export tax rebate policy

• Enhance the trust of international customers

A founder of a cross-border e-commerce once revealed: "After obtaining the qualifications, the order volume from German customers increased directly by 40% because they are more willing to cooperate with enterprises that have the ability of independent import and export."

Step 1: Adding Items to the Business Scope of Industrial and Commercial Registration

Add the items of "Import and Export of Goods" or "Import and Export of Technology" to the business license. The following preparations are needed:

• Amendment to the Articles of Association

• Resolution of the Shareholders' Meeting

• Application for Change of Registration

The whole process takes about 3 - 5 working days, and some regions support online handling.

Step 2: Customs Record-filing Registration

Submit the following through the "China International Trade Single Window":

• Record-filing Information Form of the Declaring Unit

• Scanned Copy of the Business License

After the record-filing is approved, a 10-digit customs code will be obtained, which is the "ID number" for enterprise import and export.

1. Electronic Port IC Card: The legal representative needs to go to the data center in person to handle it, which is used for port clearance identity authentication.

2. Registration in the List of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange: Otherwise, foreign exchange cannot be received and paid normally. It is recommended to open a foreign currency account simultaneously.

3. Record-filing of Export Tax Rebate (Exemption): Communicate with the tax administrator in advance about the required materials to avoid being blocked in subsequent tax rebates.

For enterprises with an annual export volume of less than 5 million yuan, the following suggestions are given:

• Choose the "Paperless Customs Clearance" signing

• Entrust a professional customs broker to handle the first order business

• Utilize the simplified record-filing policies in the cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zones.

The cases of Zhongshitong show that enterprises adopting the standardized process can complete the whole process in as fast as 15 days.

When you are hesitating, your competitors may have already sold their products to Europe and the United States through Amazon FBA. Why not start today:

1. Log in to the "National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System" to query the existing business scope.

1. Make an appointment for next week's import and export business consultation at the Bureau of Commerce.

You are welcomed to share your experience in handling qualifications in the comment section, or leave the practical operation problems that you are most concerned about - maybe the next successful "going global" story will be written by you.