Does it really take so long for an enterprise to apply for the import and export right?

In today's globalized business tide, many enterprises have the ambition to expand overseas markets and carry out import and export business. However, to take this crucial step, the first thing is to get the application for the import and export right settled. So, how long does it take for an enterprise to apply for the import and export right? This must be a question in the minds of many business owners. Let's have a good chat about this today.

To know the time required for the application, we must first be clear about what processes are involved in applying for the import and export right. Generally speaking, first, a change in industrial and commercial registration is required to ensure that the business scope includes relevant words such as "goods import and export" or "technology import and export". If the materials are prepared completely in this link, the review by the industrial and commercial department can usually be completed within a few working days. However, if there are problems with the materials and they need to be revised and submitted repeatedly, then the time is hard to say. It may be delayed for about a week or even longer.

Next is the foreign trade and economic record-filing. This step requires registering relevant information at the local commercial department, filling out various forms, and submitting the basic information of the enterprise. Under normal circumstances, it takes about 3 - 5 working days to get the review result of the foreign trade and economic record-filing. However, if it is during the peak application period, the review progress may be slightly delayed.

After that, there are a series of processes such as customs record-filing, electronic port card handling, inspection and quarantine record-filing, etc. Each link has its corresponding requirements and review time. For example, the customs record-filing is relatively strict in review. If the materials are complete and error-free, it may take about 5 - 7 working days. And for the handling of the electronic port card, it generally takes 3 - 5 working days from submitting the application to getting the card.

• First of all, it is the preparation of materials. If an enterprise can prepare all the application materials accurately and completely in accordance with the requirements of various departments, then the entire application process can be promoted smoothly, and the time will be relatively controllable. Conversely, if the materials are missing or full of errors, it will inevitably lead to repeated submissions and failed reviews, thus greatly extending the application time. Just like Mr. Zhang's enterprise, when applying for the first time, he didn't carefully check the materials, and as a result, it was returned several times. What could have been done in one month was dragged on for more than two months.

• Secondly, it is the work efficiency of the local relevant departments. The work busyness and work efficiency of departments such as industry and commerce, commerce, and customs in different regions will vary. In some places, the process may be optimized well and the review speed is fast, allowing enterprises to obtain the import and export right quickly; while in some places, due to reasons such as insufficient manpower or excessive business volume, the review progress may be slow. For example, in some developed coastal economic cities, the import and export business volume is large, and the relevant departments may handle it more efficiently, while in some inland cities, it may be relatively slower.

• There is also the nature and scale of the enterprise itself. Generally speaking, the process for small enterprises is relatively simpler, and the review may be faster; while for large enterprises, which have a wide range of businesses and numerous materials, the review will be more complicated and may take longer. Ms. Li's medium-sized enterprise spent a lot of time checking materials in the customs record-filing link due to its many types of businesses when applying for the import and export right.

Overall, if everything goes smoothly for the enterprise, the materials are well-prepared, and the local department has high work efficiency, then the application for the import and export right can probably be completed in about one month. However, if you are unlucky and encounter various situations, such as repeated material revisions and slow department reviews, it may take two or three months or even longer. Therefore, when an enterprise is preparing to apply for the import and export right, it must be fully mentally prepared and reserve enough time to avoid delaying subsequent business development plans.

After learning about the approximate time required for an enterprise to apply for the import and export right and the influencing factors, do business owners feel more confident? If your enterprise also plans to carry out import and export business, don't hesitate any longer. Take action quickly, carefully prepare materials as required, and actively cooperate with the reviews of various departments. Strive to obtain the import and export right as soon as possible, open a new chapter in the development of the enterprise, and show your strength in the international market! You can also share your application experience or problems encountered in the comment section. Let's communicate and discuss together to help more enterprises smoothly enter the world.