5 Major Pitfalls in Handling Import and Export Rights, Stepped on by 90% of Bosses

"Mr. Zhang recently registered a trading company, but was stopped by the customs when exporting goods for the first time - it turned out that he had overlooked the handling of import and export rights!" Such a scenario is not uncommon among start - ups. With the deepening of global trade, more and more enterprises need cross - border business qualifications. This article will take you through the entire process of handling import and export rights in 10 minutes and help you avoid those "pitfalls".

I. Why Do Enterprises Need to Handle Import and Export Rights?

Import and export rights are equivalent to an enterprise's "international pass". Without it:

• Goods cannot be declared through customs
• Unable to enjoy the export tax rebate policy
• Need to pay an additional agency service fee (usually 3% - 5% per order)

Experts from Zhongshitong remind: Since 2023, some cross - border e - commerce platforms have compulsorily required sellers to provide import and export qualification filings.

II. Prerequisites Before Handling

Ms. Li's clothing factory had its application rejected last year due to insufficient registered capital. These basic requirements need to be confirmed in advance:

• The business scope of the business license includes "import and export" or "import and export of goods and technologies"
• The enterprise's basic bank account has been opened
• The registered capital is recommended to be ≥ 1 million yuan (policy differences in different regions)

Special attention: Currently, individual industrial and commercial households can only handle this in 8 pilot cities.

III. Six - step Core Handling Process

Step 1: Record - filing of Foreign Trade Operators

Log in to the business system of the Ministry of Commerce and submit:

• Registration form stamped with the official seal
• Copy of the business license
• Scanned copy of the legal representative's ID card

Approval time limit: Within 3 working days (Accelerated by 50% in 2024)

Step 2: Customs Registration

Submit through "China International Trade Single Window":

• Enterprise's English name and address (professional translation required)
• Customs filing application form
• Application for import and export consignor/consignee qualifications

Step 3: Application for electronic Port Card

This device, which looks like a USB shield, is the "key" to customs clearance. You need to bring:

• Original ID card of the legal representative
• Original copy of the business license
• Official seal and legal representative's seal

IV. Details That Are Easy to Overlook

Ms. Wang's case is worth alerting: Due to the omission of inspection and quarantine filing, fruits worth 200,000 yuan were detained at the port for 5 days:

• Special commodities such as food/cosmetics need additional filing
• Registration in the list of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange needs to be completed before the first foreign exchange receipt or payment
• The export tax refund (exemption) qualification needs to be separately determined

V. Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the total handling cost?
A: The official cost is about 500 - 800 yuan. If entrusting an agency service, it is about 2000 - 4000 yuan.

Q: Will the qualifications expire?
A: The validity period of customs registration is 8 years, and the electronic port card needs an annual review.

VI. Suggestions for Next Steps

Now that you have mastered the handling framework, it is recommended that you immediately:

• Log in to the "National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System" to check the business scope
• Download the template of the Record - filing Form for Foreign Trade Operators and pre - fill it
• Contact the local customs to understand the latest policies (some regions have a green channel)

Have you encountered any special cases during the handling process? Welcome to share your experience in the comment section. Experts from Zhongshitong will select 3 typical questions for detailed answers.