Beijing enterprises may waste 1 million yuan every year without this certificate!

"Mr. Zhang's company had a turnover of over 50 million yuan last year, but missed overseas orders because it didn't have the right to import and export. Ms. Li's cross-border e-commerce team was forced to spend 20% more on costs to find an agent due to incomplete qualifications..." Such stories are not uncommon in the Beijing business circle. The Right to Handle Import and Export, this seemingly ordinary certificate, may be the golden key for enterprises to open up the global market. Today, we will dissect the whole process for Beijing enterprises to obtain the right to import and export.

Why must Beijing enterprises attach importance to the right to import and export?

In Beijing, this international metropolis, having the right to import and export means:

• Directly reduce costs: Eliminating the agency link can increase the profit margin by 15% - 30%.
• Take the initiative in trade: Independently declare customs, receive and pay foreign exchange, and apply for tax refunds.
• Obtain policy dividends: Enjoy special subsidies in parks such as Zhongguancun.

After a certain technology company obtained the qualifications, it recovered 1.2 million yuan of cash flow just from export tax refunds. It is worth noting that according to the data of Beijing Customs in 2023, the number of small and micro enterprises handling the right to import and export increased by 37% year-on-year, indicating that more and more enterprises have realized the importance of "going global".

Four-step handling process to avoid these "pitfalls"

Handling the right to import and export in the Beijing area is mainly divided into four stages:

• Step 1: Add items to the business license (3 - 5 working days) Add "Import and Export of Goods" or "Import and Export of Technology" to the business scope.
• Step 2: File for foreign trade record (1 working day) Submit online through the unified platform of the Ministry of Commerce's business system.
• Step 3: Customs registration (1 working day) The whole process of China's international trade "Single Window" is handled electronically.
• Step 4: File with the Foreign Exchange Administration (take effect immediately) Open the function of receiving and paying in foreign currency accounts.

Common misunderstandings include: thinking that the registered capital needs to reach 5 million yuan (the actual restriction has been cancelled), ignoring the application for the Electronic Port Card, and failing to handle the export tax refund registration in a timely manner. The case of Zhongshitong shows that professional guidance can shorten the handling period from an average of 2 months to 7 working days.

Pay special attention to these special situations

When the following situations are encountered, the process will be different:

• Food/Medical device categories need to handle the Import and Export License first.
• Enterprises in the free trade zone can enjoy the simplified approval of "Separation of Licenses and Certificates".
• Cross-border e-commerce enterprises need to additionally file for customs cross-border e-commerce enterprise record.

Starting from 2024, Beijing will pilot the "One Code Pass" service, and enterprises can retrieve all import and export information through the unified social credit code, greatly improving convenience.

After obtaining the qualifications, these things should be done immediately

Getting the certificate is just the beginning. It is recommended to immediately:

• Open the operator rights of the Electronic Port.
• Establish a cooperation channel with the freight forwarding company.
• Participate in the AEO certification training held by Beijing Customs.
• Understand the tariff preferences of free trade agreements such as RCEP.

Just as you need to actually drive after getting a driver's license, the right to import and export also needs to be "activated" through actual trade. You may start with small-batch trial orders and gradually accumulate experience.

Is your enterprise ready to "go global"?

When the global market is within reach, a piece of qualification should not be an obstacle. Whether it is a traditional manufacturing enterprise or an emerging technology company, The Right to Handle Import and Export in Beijing is a strategic resource worthy of early layout. You may leave your questions in the comment area or share your handling experience - perhaps the next successful "going global" case will come from your enterprise.